FSL1 Palm Beach Cardinals

Three-Run Fifth Too Much for Cards in Game Three Loss

Published on July 31, 2011 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Palm Beach Cardinals News Release


JUPITER, Fla. - Eric Fornataro allowed just one earned run in seven strong innings and Domnit Bolivar hit his fourth homer of the year, but the Clearwater Threshers (19-18, 58-48) rode a three-run fifth inning to an eventual 3-2 victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals (20-28, 49-58) Sunday evening in game three of a four-game series at Roger Dean Stadium.

Fornataro (6-10, 3.63 ERA) gave up all three Threshers' runs although only one was earned, also allowing eight hits, two walks and struck out six in 7.0 innings. The fourth-year righty, selected in the 6th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of Miami-Dade Community College, has now lost his last four decisions despite giving up 10 runs through 31.1 innings of five games.

Greg Garcia recorded his second hit of the night in the form of a one-out ground-rule double to right in the third to drive in the Cardinals first run of the night before Clearwater put together the game-changing rally in the fifth. Michael Dabbs reached base to start the frame on what would turn into a crucial throwing error by Bolivar at shortstop and moved to third on a sac-bunt. Jeremy Barnes and Michael Ruff followed with back-to-back RBI-doubles and, after a walk and a groundout, Travis Mattair delivered the eventual-game winning hit with a run-scoring single to put the Threshers on top 3-1.

Bolivar made a leaping catch to prevent any further damage in the top of the fifth and led off the bottom-half with a towering solo shot to left, drawing the score to 3-2. Palm Beach would have numerous scoring chances during the final three innings, including runners in scoring position and less than two outs twice, but failed to come through in the clutch and ended up on the wrong side of the 3-2 final.

Justin Smith and Justin Wright combined on a scoreless eighth inning and Jordan Swagerty struck out the side in the ninth to wrap up a scoreless outing for the Cards' bullpen. Garcia finished 3-for-4, Robert Stock had a pair of singles and Adam Melker also scored a run for Palm Beach.

Starter Julio Rodriguez (14-6, 3.03 ERA) earned the win for Clearwater.

Hard-throwing righty Carlos Martinez (2-1, 4.44 ERA) will look to secure the series split tomorrow night in the finale of a four-game set against Brody Colvin (2-5, 3.96 ERA) and the Threshers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium.

For more information on the Palm Beach Cardinals, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, please call (561) 775-1818 or visit www.palmbeachcardinals.com . For tickets and more information regarding Roger Dean Stadium, please visit www.rogerdeanstadium.com .

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Florida State League Stories from July 31, 2011


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