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CARDINALS HAVE AN EPIC COMEBACK AGAINST LEAFS

The final score on the scoreboard read 19-13 on Friday night in Hamilton but it wasn’t an Argos-Ticats game, it was the final score in the Maple Leafs-Cardinals IBL game at Bernie Arbour with Hamilton on the winning end. The Cardinals would score nine times in the fourth inning, including a grand slam from Mike Hart that helped Hamilton to the victory.

Toronto took an early lead on the Cardinals in the top of the first, scoring two times. The first run came when Zac Orchard grounded out to short to score Justin Marra. Daniel Szpik then hit an RBI single. The Maple Leafs extended the lead in the second, taking advantage of walks and an error to score four runs.

The Cardinals broke up the shutout in the bottom of the second. Hart was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning and then moved to third on Connor Bowie’s double. Jake Sims would then ground out to second which allowed Hart to cross the plate.

The Leafs would then add four runs in the third as they hit five consecutive singles and a sacrifice fly. Hamilton responded in their half of the inning, scoring four runs. The biggest hits were by Luke Tevlin who doubled to open the inning and a two-run double by Sims.

With Toronto leading by five in the bottom of the fourth, the Cardinals sent 14 batters to the plate and scored nine times to take the lead. All but one player would score a run in the inning with Nate Mastervick scoring twice.

The Cardinals would go on to outscore Toronto over the final four and a half innings 5-3 to preserve the win for the home team.

For Hamilton, Nick Virdo started the game but only lasted two innings, allowing six runs, one of which was unearned, on two hits, walking six and striking out two. He would also hit two batters. Jake Foden took over to start the third inning and picked up the win, going two innings, allowing four runs on six hits, walking one batter. Nick Jambrosic then entered the game and pitched three innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out three. Benson Merritt would pitch the final two innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits and a walk.

For the Maple Leafs, Zach Sloan took the loss, going three and a third innings, allowing 12 runs, one was unearned, on 11 hits, walking one and striking out three. Adam Marra took over for Sloan and went two and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs, three of which were unearned, on five hits, three walks and striking out one. Adam Odd entered the game in the seventh, allowing two runs on five walks and striking out two over an inning and two thirds. Jonathan Solazzo then came in and got the final out of the game.

Hamilton will get some much-needed rest on Saturday before returning to action on Sunday night when the Cardinals travel to London to face the Majors starting at 7:05 PM.

Winning Pitcher: Jake Foden (2-0)
Losing Pitcher: Zach Sloan (1-3)

Toronto Hitters
Grant Tamane – 4 for 6 (3 Singles, Double, 3 Runs)
Daniel Szpik – 3 for 6 (3 Singles, RBI)
Ryan White – 1 for 2 (Double, Sacrifice Fly, 2 Walks, Hit by Pitch, Strikeout, Run, 3 RBIs)

Hamilton Hitters
Mike Hart – 2 for 4 (Single, Grand Slam, Walk, Hit by Pitch, 3 Runs, 5 RBIs)
Luke Tevlin – 3 for 6 (2 Singles, Double, Fielder’s Choice, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs)
Jon Dziomba – 3 for 4 (3 Singles, Sacrifice Fly, Walk, Reached on Dropped 3rd Strike, 3 Runs, 2 RBIs)

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