When both teams are at full strength you know Cardinals 3C and Mariners will slog out a close match. This weekend, with both sides missing players, the same was true. Cardinals opened the batting scoring a single run. Austin Raymond led off for Mariners with a hit to centre field and stealing bases to be home before Mariners were all out. One all. In the second innings tight fielding kept both teams to a single run. A hit opened Cardinals’ third innings, but the Mariners managed to shut them out stranding the batter on second. Andrew Pearson had pitched a tight three innings with 63 pitches, 36 strikes and 5 strike outs. Mariners were unable to add to their total despite a good hit from Matt Moore.

Some strong hitting and a couple of walks and hit by pitched ball allowed Cardinals to take the lead in the game. Their fourth innings yielded three runs giving them the lead. With Mariner’s unable to add to their score in the fourth Cardinals additional two runs in the fifth put the home side under pressure. Austin Raymond had pitched 52 balls with 28 strikes and 2 strike outs. Tight fielding by Cardinals made it look tough for Mariners, but 4 hits gave them a chance in this last innings. Three runs were scored by Mariners before the final ground out sealed the 6-4 victory for the Cardinals.

Hits to Matt Moore (2, including a 3-base hit), Leith Grant (2, including a 2-base hit) and one to Austin Raymond, Brian Cremin and Heath Peters. Played for fun this was a great game to watch.