It was a tough weekend for the Midget AAA Cardinals.
The squad faced off in a three game home series against the Calgary Rockies and met defeat in every contest.
The action started with a double-header on Saturday at 12 p.m. where the sixth place Cardinals lost control against the third place visitors in an overwhelming 17-0 blowout. The home team had no time to recover and headed back on to the field at 3 p.m. where they managed to slow down the opposition’s offence. A late inning rally put the Rockies on top and the Red Birds couldn’t take flight again, with a final tally of 4-1.
“They are an older team that’s been together for quite a while and they swing it pretty well,” coach Cam Houston said. “They have a couple arms and can probably shut down anybody in the league.”
On Sunday the teams met again for their final round of the season.
The red birds fell behind out of the gate, with the first batter getting walked and quickly stealing his way into scoring position. Shortly after another runner managed to steal home plate after sneaking past the catcher, who was focused on the runner on second base.
The Cardinals fought back in the second with a strong at bat. The club successfully loaded the bases with just one out, but could not finish and bring the runners home.
“We need to be able to drive guys in with runners in scoring position,” Houston said. “Just being able to score more than one or two runs a game and try to find a way to get guys on base.”
In the fifth inning the Rockies loaded the bases, this time with zero outs. Michael Goldade stepped up to the plate and took a swing for the fences, hitting himself a double and driving in all three runners.
Before the final pitch was thrown the Cardinals took control of their at bats and earned themselves a few more runs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the mighty Rockies. The red birds earned three runs during the game for a final score of 6-3.
“Today we had guys battling a little bit better at the plate and I think if we can carry those at bats to tomorrow and the next day then I think we are in good shape,” Houston said.
Despite the damages the sixth place Cardinals still have a good chance to make provincials. They need to finish in eighth place or higher to qualify.
“We are in pretty good shape,” Houston said. “We have some easier games so maybe we can pick up a couple wins and solidify our spot in provincials. Hopefully we get a little hot and roll into the final weekend. It comes down to if you’re playing well the final weekend and if guys believe you never know.”
The Cardinals wrap up the week with eight games over seven days. On Wednesday, July 20 at Evergreen Park Diamond at noon and 3 p.m. they face off against the twelfth place Lights Academy for a double header. The red birds continue this weekend on Saturday and Sunday with a three game stretch against the tenth place Calgary Dinos Yellow.
