The Edge of Sports

Tyler Norrick

The Palm Beach Cardinals are experiencing a much better week than last, they are winners of five of their past seven games. The Cards’ winning ways have put them back into second place in the Florida State League Eastern Division, only two games behind first place Brevard County. Lets take a look back at how the Card’s moved back up the standings.

Wednesday- After winning both games of a double header against The St. Lucie Mets on Tuesday, the Cards’ dropped the final game of their three game series. The Mets scored early and often in their 5-2 victory over the Cards, who were lead offensively by Allen Craig and his three hits. Gary Daley started the game and gave up five runs in just over four innings pitched, Donnie Smith and Matt Trent came out of the bullpen and combined to pitch three scoreless innings.

Thursday- After the Cards’ defeated the Devil Rays 10-7 in their completion of a rain suspended April 15th contest, the Cards’ and Rays played their scheduled game. Starting pitcher Tyler Norrick finally got back on track Thursday, he pitched six innings allowing only one run on two hits. Norrick was literally un-hittable for the first five innings of the game, he took a no-hitter into the sixth. Matt Trent picked up the save allowing no base runners in his inning of work. Left fielder Ian Church drove in one of the runs in the first innings and Mark Hamilton drove in what turned out to be the deciding run in the third.

Friday- The Cards’ won their second straight over the Devil Rays, this time by a score of 9-5. Adam Daniels got the start and tossed five decent innings scattering five hits and allowing three runs, only one earned. His solid work allowed Daniels to pick up his first victory in over a month. Offensively Craig was the story, the talented first base man drove in four and smashed his tenth home run of the season.

Saturday- Their third straight victory was aided by a strong outing by starting pitcher Adam Ottavino, who fanned nine while tossing five scoreless innings. Ottavino extended his scoreless inning streak to twelve innings. Craig continued his hot hitting, driving in two, hitting two doubles and scoring a run. Mark Hamilton, Jose Martinez and Church also contributed to the victory by driving in two each.

Sunday- Cards’ starter Trey Hearne lost a pitchers duel by a margin of 2-1 on Sunday. Hearne pitched eight innings allowing only two runs on eight hits, but was outdone by Oswaldo Sosa of Fort Myers. Starting Catcher Brandon Yarbrough drove in the only run for the Cards’.

Monday- The Cards’ got back to their winning ways on Monday, defeating The Fort Myers Miracles 3-2. Gary Dailey got the start and picked up the victory while pitching six innings allowing no Miracle runner to advance past second base. Reliever Luke Gregerson picked up his eighth save of the season. Church was the offensive star of the game driving in two on a RBI double in the third.

Hot
Starting Pitcher Adam Ottavino extended his scoreless inning streak to twelve on Saturday. He was dominate in his start striking out nine, picking up his third win of season and lowering his earned run average to 2.14.

News and Notes
5/19-Utility player Casey Rowlett was called up to Springfield. With his time with the Cards’ Casey hit .259 with one homerun and ten runs batted in.