After nine consecutive losses, things needed to change for the Cards as they headed down Highway 10 to face their arch rivals the Melville Millionaires in a double header.
In game 1 it looked as though the losing streak would reach 10 as the Cards trailed 6-0 after three innings. However 3 runs in the top of the fourth and fifth tied the game after 5. The Cards would take the lead in the sixth before the Mils would put up 3 in the bottom half to take a 9-7 lead. But in the top of the 7th the Cards would draw a walk, followed by three consecutive hit batters to come within one. Then Jack Swisher would put the Cards in the lead with a single to left field and Matt Zanutto would slam the door in the bottom half for a 10-9 win.
Hunter Sanford started on the hill. He did not have his best outing but gutted it out for 108 pitches over 5 and 2/3 innings to keep the Cards close. Matt Zanutto came in with strong relief pitching over 1 and 1/3 innings to get the win.
Lane Community College teammates Logan Zozaya and Jack Swisher each had a pair of hits to lead the way offensively. Zozaya had a home run and two rbi’s while Swisher had two singles including the game winning hit. Colin Kellington, Griffey Halle and Jared McDonald each had one hit apiece while Ryne Niemi had two runs batted in.
In game 2 Parker Hubbard started on the mound and fanned six batters in the first two innings to set the tone before Jayse Wilson would hit a bases loaded triple in the top of the fourth to blow the game open in a 7-2 Cardinals victory.
Hubbard would pitch five innings allowing just two earned runs while striking out seven to get the win. Austin Skelhorn brought the gas and finished the game strong with two shutout innings allowing no hits and two strikeouts.
Jayse Wilson was clutch at the plate with 4 rbi’s including a sac fly and 3 rbi triple. Just like game one, Lane Community College teammates Jack Swisher and Logan Zozaya had two hits each as well as Riley Jepson to lead the Cards offence. Matt Zanutto had a double and an rbi. Colin Kellington and Ryne Niemi each had a single.
All in all it was a great day at Pirie Field for the Cards as they showed some resiliency and character. The Cards look to finish the season strong as the players and coaching staff have lots to prove before returning to their respective colleges in the fall. It all starts Sunday afternoon, July 22 in Yorkton vs the same Melville Millionaires at 2:05 PM