Cardinals Split with Frederick

The CCBC Catonsville baseball team split their Saturday doubleheader against Frederick Community College in what was an eventful day of baseball. The Cardinals suffered a tough 12-2 loss in the first game but came back strong in the second game, earning an 11-7 victory. The results bring their overall season record to 15-12 and a solid 10-6 mark in conference play.

Game 1:

The first game of the doubleheader proved to be a challenging one for the Cardinals, as they struggled to find their offensive rhythm. The team's lone run in the first inning came courtesy of CF Lyonel Barthelemy, who managed to cross the plate early in the game. In the fifth inning, 2B Sebastian Guzman added another run to the scoreboard, but that would be the extent of the Cardinals' offensive production in the game.

Although C Nelson Grajales and P A.J. Palumbo each contributed with RBIs, the offense could not produce enough runs to stay competitive. The Cougars' pitching staff held the Cardinals in check for most of the game, and the Cardinals' defense also played a role in the struggle. The team committed three critical errors that led to several scoring opportunities for the Cougars. Frederick also hit a couple of home runs, further extending their lead. The game remained close for the first five innings, but the Cougars would break things open in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring eight runs to seal a 12-2 victory.

Game 2:

The second game of the day was a much different story for the Cardinals, as they quickly turned the tide with a dominant 11-7 victory. This time, it was the Cougars who struggled defensively, committing four errors throughout the game. The Cardinals were able to capitalize on these miscues, putting together a series of timely hits and aggressive baserunning that kept them in control.

CF Lyonel Barthelemy was a standout performer in game two, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run, two singles, and two runs scored. His leadership at the top of the lineup provided a spark for the rest of the team. The Cardinals' offense was well-balanced, with several players contributing to the scoring. SS Jaedan Kelley drove in two runs. Other key contributors included C Nelson Grajales, P A.J. Palumbo, 3B Chase Kamerman, and IF Eric McLaughlin, who each added RBIs of their own to push the team to an 11-run total.

On the mound, P Bryson Prietz was credited with the win after pitching effectively and striking out two batters. His solid performance on the hill gave the Cardinals the confidence they needed to hold off the Cougars' late-game rally attempts. The Cougars tried to mount a comeback in the later innings, but the Cardinals' offense had already done enough to seal the victory, finishing the game with an 11-7 final score.

Looking Ahead:

The Cardinals will look to build on their second-game victory as they head into their next matchup. Their next challenge comes in the form of another doubleheader, this time on the road against Cecil College. Game one is scheduled to start at 2:00 pm, with game two following at 4:30 pm. The Cardinals will aim to keep the momentum going and continue their strong conference play as they fight for a higher standing in the league.