by John Baum
Cards continue post Euro Qualifier slump…split vs. Barracudas
The Bern Cardinals managed a split at home against the Zurich Barracudas, winning game one 3-2, and losing the second game 7-2.
In game one, Chris Beyeler finished what he started in a complete game victory, striking out nine hitters while allowing only five hits. Offensively the Cardinals jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, consecutive singles from Alex Cruz Tifa and John Baum getting the Cards on the board. After the tough first, ‘Cudas pitcher Beni Montag would settle down, allowing only one more run to score in eight innings of great pitching. The ‘Cudas did manage to take the lead from the home team in the seventh inning, as Nderim Coma hit a two-run homer over the centerfield fence for a 2-1 lead. The Cardinals responded in the bottom of the eighth, tying the game at two on a Johnny Perigos RBI double that scored Cruz Tifa. After leaving the Barracudas scoreless in the top of the ninth, the leadoff hitter in the bottom half, Tobias Imboden, crushed a ball to center that looked to be a ground rule double, but the umpire in the field ruled it a homerun, ending the game in dramatic walk-off style!
The Cardinals began game two with their worst inning defensively of the season, surrendering six unearned runs thanks to two errors and three hits. Tobias Imboden was the hard luck loser in the game, but also didn’t help himself with a bad decision on a fielder’s choice. After a hit HBP to the number two hitter, Brent Nichols, an error on the first baseman on a routine throw to first base gave the ‘Cudas runners on first and third. The next batter hit a ground ball back to Imboden, who instead of turning to second for the double play, or even taking the second out at first, decided to go after Nichols at third base, and he ended up safe. The next hitter lifted a perfectly place fly ball down the left field line, scoring the first two runs of the game. The damage wasn’t done yet, as the following hitter, Andres Montero belted a two-run double over the right fielders head to give his team a 4-0. Beni Montag and Chico Colindres would add run scoring singles, finishing the top of the firsts scoring, sending eleven hitters to the plate. The Cardinals looked like they may have some life left after this though, as leadoff hitter Samuel Paulino connected on a homerun in the bottom of inning one. This would be the Cards only base runner until a Johnny Perigos single in the fourth inning. Meanwhile John Baum took over for Imboden on the hill, trying to keep his team within striking distance, which he did, but to no avail, as the Cards could manage only one more run with two outs in the last inning. The score finishing at 7-2 for a ‘Cuda win.
Lausanne completes sweep…pick up one game on first place
After their forfeited games last weekend against the Rainbows, the Lausanne Indians traveled to Sissach trying to stay close to the top of the standings.
In game one, Nick Jaquemet did a great job on the mound for the Indians (15-6), allowing only three hits on seven innings and allowing only one earned run. The powerful Indians offense also did a great job, scoring fifteen times for the first win of the Day. Bryan Colon, the son of former coach Jose Colon, made his NLA debut.
The Frogs (4-16), playing without their leading hitter, Christian Klarer, and their number one and two pitchers, Danny Traina, and Klarer; were simply overmatched in game one.
In game two, Wilkin Diaz started on the mound for the Indians going five strong innings before slipping up a bit late in the game. With the Indians leading 11-2, the defense along with Diaz conceded some late meaningless runs, winning by a score of 11-7. The Indian offense was led by Raphael Jimenez, who for the second time on the season hit three home runs in a game!
{mrb-result:2009-07-11|2009-07-12|CH}
{mrb-standing:switzerland-2009}