FSL1 Palm Beach Cardinals

Cards Rally Past Crabs in Series Finale

Published on August 8, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Palm Beach Cardinals News Release


Jupiter, FL - After falling behind 3-0 in the second inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals mounted a terrific comeback to edge the Charlotte Stone Crabs 4-3 on Friday night at Roger Dean Stadium. The victory secured a 2-1 series win for the Cardinals, who have won nine of the last 11 contests against the Crabs.

Nick Martini played an integral part in the dramatic comeback. The centerfielder started the rally with a two-RBI double in the fifth inning. Ildemaro Vargas reached first base on a throwing error to begin the frame and Gerwuins Velazco singled through the right side on a perfectly executed hit-and-run play to move Vargas to third. With runners on the corners, Martini smoked a bases-clearing line drive laser to left center to cut the Birds' deficit to 3-2.

Martini later capitalized on another Stone Crab error in the inning to even the score at 3-3.

Jimmy Bosco kept the momentum going with a leadoff double to start the sixth inning. Bosco crushed a Marcus Jensen deep over Johnny Field's head in center field, but after two quick outs still remained standing on second.

Velazco changed that in a hurry.

The Cardinals' catcher came through with a clutch line drive single to right field, bringing Bosco to the plate for the go-ahead run.

And the Palm Beach bullpen did the rest.

The trio of Thomas Lee, Andrew Morales and Chris Perry combined for 7.1 scoreless innings to end the game in what was one of the most dominating efforts from Cardinal relievers this season. Starter Luke Weaver gave up three runs on six hits in 1.2 innings but the bullpen had his back in a big way.

Lee surrendered just one hit in two, run-free innings before handing the ball to Morales. The Cardinals' 2014 draft pick was spectacular in his second appearance for the High-A club. He allowed just one runner to reach base (Granden Goetzman hit by pitch in the seventh) over 4.1 shutout frames. Morales (1-0) fanned three and took the win for the Birds.

Perry recorded a 1-2-3 ninth inning with two punch outs to preserve the victory and earn his fourth save of the year.

Jensen (5-5) was charged with the loss after giving up the go-ahead run in the sixth. He allowed three hits over three innings in relief of Reinaldo Lopez.

Martini and Velazco combined to go 4-for-7 with three RBI and two runs scored to pace the Palm Beach offense. Martini is now batting .370 (17-for-46) with nine RBI, seven extra-base hits and seven runs in 12 games against the Crabs this season.

The Cardinals (29-18, 65-51) move into a tie for first place in the FSL South with Friday's result.

The Fort Myers Miracle come to town on Saturday for a three-game set with Palm Beach. RH Nick Petree (5-3, 2.05) will start for the Birds against LH Steven Gruver (2-6, 3.05) for the Miracle. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

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Florida State League Stories from August 8, 2014


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