Jupiter, FL - Ryan Helsley gave up one unearned run in six innings and only gave up two hits while striking out eight and walking two, leading the Palm Beach Cardinals (32-21) to a 3-2 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers (22-32).The Cardinals jumped out to an early 1-0 lead
Jupiter, FL - Ryan Helsley gave up one unearned run in six innings and only gave up two hits while striking out eight and walking two, leading the Palm Beach Cardinals (32-21) to a 3-2 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers (22-32).
The Cardinals jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Thomas Spitz led off the inning with a single and got to second on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of José Godoy. Darren Seferina singled up the middle to drive in Spitz and give the Cardinals the lead.
The Flying Tigers scored in the top of the sixth as the leadoff man, Jose Azocar, reached on an error. He then scored on a Joey Pankake double to tie the game at one.
The Cardinals grabbed the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Tommy Edman drew a one-out walk and got to second on a wild pitch. Chris Chinea singled through the left side with two outs and drove in Edman to take the 2-1 lead. Chinea got to second on the throw to the plate and scored on a Leobaldo Pina single to right giving the Cardinals the 3-1 lead at the end of six.
The Flying Tigers grabbed a run back in the top of the seventh as Andrew Morales came into the game to replace Helsley. Ben Verlander reached second on a fielding error by Thomas Spitz and got to third on a passed ball. He later scored on a David Gonzalez ground out to make it a one run game. Morales ended the top of the seventh with a strike out of Azocar.
Ross Vance, Juan Perez and Ramon Santos combined to toss scoreless eighth and ninth frames to give the Beach Birds the 3-2 victory. Santos recorded his second save of the season.
