Cardinals lose tight game to Maple Leafs

The Hamilton Cardinals lost 7-4 to the Toronto Maple Leafs (17-12) on Friday night at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium. The game was featured on Cable14 and simulcasted on YouTube.

Hamilton’s newest pitcher, Jose Fernandez, made his highly anticipated debut going two innings and surrendering no runs on just one hit while striking out three.

Maple Leafs starting pitcher, Marek Deska, was taken out of the game in the bottom of the first after being hit by a come backer from Luis Jean. The play resulted in a run for Hamilton, but Jean collided with the first baseman and later left the game as well.

Dylan Jacober was credited with the win for Toronto, going four innings, giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out seven and walking three batters. Adrian Salcedo was saddled with the loss after giving up six runs on ten hits in 25 batters.

Jeremie Veilleux went two for three including his third double of the year and an RBI. 

Johnathon Solazzo (3) and Justin Marra both hit homeruns in the top of the fourth inning for Toronto to extend their lead.

Infielder, Tristan Osika (.260 AVG) went two for four with an RBI, a run and a stolen base. Osika has the second most hits on the Cardinals this season with 26, only behind Tyler Duncan (39) and tied with Josh Niles (26). 

Tyler Giancos, Tristan Osika and Josh Niles made an outstanding 6-4-3 double-play in the top of the ninth inning for Hamilton with Stefan Strecker on the mound. Strecker pitched a scoreless ninth and improved his ERA to 0.82 on the season (11 IP in 10 games). 

The Cardinals (6-23) will play their next game at home against the London Majors on Sun, July 24 at 2:05 p.m. at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium. 

Get your tickets for Sunday's game, or any Cardinals home game during the regular season, through SeatGIANT.

The Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club is a member of Canada's best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, established in 1919.

Written by Jarrett Matthews
Photo by Art Ward