Game Date: 4/24/04

Leagues: Senior-Minor

Cardinals 3    Yankees 2

Cardinal Pitchers: Pearce 3, Willinger 3

Yankee Pitchers: Steele 4, Benson 1 1/3

Description:

Two of the league’s undefeated teams met in what was to be a game neither team deserved to loose. The Yankees and Cardinals entered the game with identical 3 – 0 records. Both teams are known to have very good pitching, and today’s game was no exception. Dylan Steele and James Benson of the Yankees and Evan Pearce and Andrew Willinger of the Cardinals all combined for 31 strike outs in the 6 inning game. Steele, the Yankee starter, was excellent in striking out the first six and nine of the first ten Cardinals he faced. Pearce, who started for the Cardinals, settled down after the first inning, striking out 6 of the final 8 Yankees he faced.

With all the great pitching it was difficult for either team to generate much offense. However Benson collected 3 hits, scoring once, for the Yankees and Steele drove in Nolan Morris with a solid hit. For the Cardinals, Pearce and Willinger, extended their personal hitting streaks to 4 games, combining to drive in all 3 Cardinal runs.

This game came down to the bottom of the 6th inning, score tied 2 – 2, with the Cardinals batting. Christian Haynes coaxed a lead off walk. Nathan Frantz then laid down a perfect bunt. Frantz’s blazing speed created a throwing error which allowed him and Haynes to advance to second and third. After Greg Manfredi, who scored an earlier Cardinal run, lined out to second and Pearce reached first, Willinger came to bat with the bases loaded. His drive to the fence in deep left center field scored Haynes ending the game.