Cardinals pick up three wins; drop four

It was a busy week for the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura baseball team, with seven games in one week.

West Marshall 1, GHV 0

The Cardinals just couldn’t score in a game against West Marshall on Monday, May 30.

GHV pitcher Anthony Sherwood brought everything he had, but just couldn’t close the deal in the final four innings.  The Cardinals lost, 1-0.  Sherwood held West Marshall hitless over four innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out four. Alek Goll pitched three innings and took the loss for the Cardinals.  He walked two, struck out one and gave up four hits and one run.

West Marshall scored its only run on a groundout in the third inning.

Cade Bamrick and Colton Schroeder were the only GHV players to get a hit for the Cards.

Bishop Garrigan 8, GHV 5

It was a little too little, too late for the Cardinals when they traveled to Bishop Garrigan on Wednesday, June 1.

The Cardinals showed a lot of heart as they battled back from a five run deficit to knot the game, 5-5.  The game was decided in the sixth inning when the Golden Bears put up three runs to seal the victory, 8-5.

“Out biggest challenge is trusting our preparation and competing with an edge,” said Coach Steven Schlechter.  “It will develop as these guys continue to grow as a team.”

Three pitchers tried their luck on the mound for the Cardinals.  Payton James started the game and pitched five innings.  He gave up eight hits, five runs and had four strike outs.  Holden Hutcheson lasted one-third of an inning, walked one and allowed three runs.  Nick Joynt also took on pitching duties.  He walked one and struck out one.

Anthony Sherwood and Ryan Meyers had competitive at bats with two hits apiece.  One of Sherwood’s hits was a double and he recorded one RBI.

“We need to clean up some things defensively and have a better approach offensively earlier in the game,” said Schlechter.

GHV 8, Rockford 1

The Cardinals put up a win on their home field on Thursday, June 2, thanks to a fine night on the mound for sophomore Ryan Meyers.

Meyers struck out nine batters and only gave up three hits to give GHV an 8-1 victory.

“He was consistent and effective.  He filled up the strike zone and that’s what makes him a successful pitcher,” said Coach Steven Schlechter.  “Nine strike-outs and only two walks is pretty impressive.  It also helps a pitcher when his defense plays flawless behind him and that’s exactly what we did with zero errors in the field.”

The Cardinals were also competitive at bat.  Seniors Alek Goll, Payton James and Cade Baker all tallied two hits apiece.  Baker drove in two runs, including one coming off a line drive single to center that ended up sparking the sixth run in the fifth inning.  Anthony Sherwood knocked a double that brought in two runs.

“Our line-up was clicking from top to bottom, as seven of our nine starters recorded a hit,” said Schlechter.  “The guys had success at the plate because they were patient and got good pitches to hit.  It was a great team win as we played some good baseball.”