by Ralph Martignetti, NEAA Baseball Commissioner
In the nitecap of the opening day doubleheader, the Cardinals spotted the Indians a 2 run and came roaring back to take an 8-4 victory.
The Indians scored solo runs in the 1st and 2nd innings to take the 2-0 lead. With 2 outs in the 1st, Jase Cherchi walked and proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd and scored on a Texas Leaguer to center by Zach Taieb. Vince Coppola opened the 2nd with a lined single to right which turned into a trip around the bases as the ball got past the Cardinal right fielder.
But the Cardinals rallied for 6 runs in the 3rd to take the lead for good. Serina D’Amico opened with a walk. A groundout moved her to 2nd and she took 3rd on stolen base. An infield single by Francesco Santianello knocked her in with the Cardinals 1st run. A walk to William Marchi and an infield single by JC Pezzuto loaded the bases.
Owen Locke walked to force in Santaniello with the tying run. Oliver Franklin unloaded the bases with a lined triple to right. He was sent in on a sacrifice fly by Nolan Ward.
The Cards added to their lead in the 5th on a single and steal of 2nd by Locke. With one out, Ward ripped a single through the shortshop hole to plate Locke. After 2 solid innings of pitching, Locke tired in the 5th walking 4 batters. No runs scored as one of the runners was cut down trying to advance to 3rd on a wild pitch. Santanello came on to pitch and walked the 1st batter to make the score 7-3. But he struck out the next 2 Indians to send the game to the 6th.
Each team scored a run in the sixth to make the final 8-4.
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