Cardinals Take Series Opener 8-1
August 25, 2011 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
Danville, VA - AJ Holland was able to overpower the Johnson City Cardinals last week. Tonight, they turned the tables on him. Holland was unable to escape the third inning after unraveling and giving up eight runs on seven hits. The league's best team beat the Danville Braves 8-1 on Thursday night in the series opener.
Fernando De Los Santos led off the bottom of the first inning with a double to right field. Kyle Kubitza grounded out to first base allowing De Los Santos to advance to third. With Brandon Drury batting, a ball got by Kolby Byrd that allowed De Los Santos to score with ease. Drury ended up getting a double and extended his hitting streak to 14 games.
Holland had retired the first six batters he faced, three by the way of strikeout, before starting the third inning. But, once it started it seemed like it wasn't going to stop. Three consecutive singles with one out loaded the bases for Johnson City. Neil Pritchard then singled through the hole at short which brought two runs home. Holland got Tyler Rahmatulla to fly out next for the second out and Holland looked as if he was going to escape with limited damage.
Gary Apelian had other ideas though and blasted a three run homer to make it 5-1. It was Apelian's eighth homer of the year and his third against the D-Braves this season. Roberto De La Cruz followed up Apelian's homer with one of his own. His solo shot made it a 6-1 ball game.
The Cardinals ended up scoring two more runs, one of which came on Holland's second bean ball of the inning. Holland walked another run in as well. The Cardinals had an 8-1 lead before the Braves called upon Daniel Winnie to come in and get the final out of the inning.
The Cardinals managed just five more hits over the next six innings and the Braves were only able to put together two more.
Nick Gillung pitched a great five innings for Johnson City. He didn't allow a hit after the first inning. He ended up striking out five and earning his first win of the year in just his second start.
AJ Holland was saddled with his first loss. He gave up eight earned runs on seven hits in two and two-thirds innings.
Danville will continue their push for a division title tomorrow night in game two of the three game series. The game starts at 7:00 pm with Danville sending JR Graham to the mound against Eduardo Hiraldo. For more information on the schedule, tickets, group nights, and/or partnership opportunities please contact the Danville Braves office at (434) 797-3792, email at info@dbraves.com, or log on to www.dbraves.com.
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Appalachian League Stories from August 25, 2011
- Ridings' Gem Leads Royals to Victory - Burlington Sock Puppets
- Mets Slam Mariners Early, Win 9-3 - Pulaski Mariners
- Cardinals Take Series Opener 8-1 - Danville Otterbots
- Errors Bury D-Braves in 9-4 Loss - Danville Otterbots
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