FSL1 Palm Beach Cardinals

Mather's grand slam ends dramatic double dip at the Dean

Published on June 24, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Palm Beach Cardinals News Release


JUPITER, FL - Joe Mather hit a grand slam in the eighth inning with no one out in the second game of a doubleheader to cap what was a night of 20 innings of exciting baseball at Roger Dean Stadium.

In the bottom of the second of game two, Jason Motte hit a three run home run to give the Cardinals the early lead. It was Motte's third homer of the year, and his first at home this season.

The Manatees added two runs in the fifth off starter Roberto Batista on a double by first baseman Jeff Eure and then a wild pitch. The scored stayed 3-2 until the top of the seventh.

Mark Worrell entered the game, attempting his 16th save of the year, but gave up a leadoff double to third baseman Adam Heether and then a single to catcher Lou Palmisano to tie the game.

In the bottom of the eighth, consecutive singles by Brendan Ryan and Andy Schutzenhofer, followed by an intentional walk to Matt Dryer, loaded the bases for Mather. On a 3-2 pitch, Mather hit a blast deep to left for the game winner. Mather was added to the roster on Thursday from the Quad Cities.

Worrell (2-2) picked up the win, while the loss went to Bo Hall (0-2).

The first game of the doubleheader was a classic pitchers' duel between Carlos Villanueva for the Manatees and Jose Garcia for the Cardinals.

Garcia had a no-hitter into the seventh that was broken up by an infield single by right fielder Travis Ezi. That was the only hit Garcia allowed in his eight innings of work. Villanueva gave up just two hits over seven innings.

The Manatees broke through off Andy Cavazos (0-3) in the 12th inning, scoring on a high chopper to Matt Dryer at third. Dryer bare-handed the ball and attempted to cut down the run, but his throw was late.

Jeremy Lewis (2-5) picked up the win in relief for the Manatees, and Brian Wolfe earned his fourth save.

The final game of the series is Saturday at 6:05 p.m. The Cardinals will follow tomorrow with a six-game road trip including three games in St. Lucie and three more in Vero Beach.

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