Palm Beach Erases Late Blown Lead with Walk-Off Single by Jose Cordoba to Defeat Bradenton 9-8

JUPITER, FL – After allowing seven runs in the top of the ninth inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals (57-39, 20-10) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth as Jose Cordoba delivered the walk-off RBI single to defeat the Bradenton Marauders (41-57, 12-20) by a final score of 9-8 on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. It is the seventh walk-off win of the season for Palm Beach and it snapped an eight-game losing streak against Bradenton dating back to game two of a double-header on May 22, 2022.

For the second consecutive game in the series, the Cardinals got on the scoreboard first. In the bottom of the first inning, Palm Beach loaded the bases against Bradenton starting pitcher Zander Meuth thanks to two walks and a hit-by-pitch. Josh Kross came up to the plate and grounded into a double play resulting in a run to give the Cardinals the 1-0 lead.

Palm Beach added two more runs in the bottom of the second inning when Brayden Jobert hit an RBI single to left field which brought in an additional run thanks to an error by Esmerlyn Valdez in left field giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

Bradenton got on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning off of Palm Beach starting pitcher Jose Davila. With two outs and two runners on, Omar Alfonzo hit an RBI single to right field to cut the Cardinals’ lead to 3-1.

The Cardinals got the run back and more two innings later in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two runners on base and one out, Bryce Madron hit an RBI single for his first professional hit and RBI. Two batters later, Josh Kross drove in two runs on a two-RBI single for his first career hit and RBIs to expand the Palm Beach lead to 6-1.

Davila finished his start with five innings pitched with two hits and four walks allowed while tallying five strikeouts.

The Beach Birds escaped trouble in the top of the sixth inning as Michael Watson came out of the Cardinals’ bullpen to make his first professional appearance on the mound. Watson struck out one batter but walked two in just 1/3 inning of work. However, Augston Calderon was able to strand the bases loaded. Calderon retired all eight batters he faced in 2 2/3 innings of work in the game with three strikeouts.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Marauders completely flipped the game in their favor. Seven runs scored in the frame with 11 batters coming to the plate as Randal Clemente walked three batters without recording an out and Henry Gomez (W, 4-3; BS, 4) allowed four runs on four hits and one walk and Bradenton took an 8-6 lead.

The Cardinals fought back in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two runners on base, Ross Friedrick hit an RBI single to left field to cut the deficit to one run. Two batters later with two outs, Chase Adkison hit a fly ball to shallow right field which Shalin Polanco could not catch on a diving attempt resulting in an RBI double to tie the game at 8-8. Cordoba came up to the plate and on a 1-2 count he hit a line-drive single to left field to score Friedrick from third base to complete the comeback win in walk-off fashion as the Cardinals won 9-8 on Wednesday night.

Jobert led the team with three runs scored and has drawn six walks in the first two games of this series. Cordoba went 2-for-4 at the plate with the walk-off RBI single, a double, a walk, and a run scored. It is the second walk-off hit of the season for Cordoba who drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning back on Opening Night April 5th against the Jupiter Hammerheads in a 6-5 extra-inning victory.

On Thursday, August 1st, the Palm Beach Cardinals continue their series against the Bradenton Marauders. They will take on the identity of the “Malmö Oat Milkers,” MiLB’s 121st professional team, as part of a partnership with Minor League Baseball and Oatly. First pitch for Thursday’s “Oat-Milkers” game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Click here to purchase your tickets.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS AT ROGER DEAN CHEVROLET STADIUM:

Click here to view the upcoming schedule and purchase tickets

Back to School Night: Parents, bring your kids to the ballpark for “Back to School Night” presented by FPL on Saturday, August 3rd when the Palm Beach Cardinals host the Bradenton Marauders at 6:00 p.m. The first 500 kids will receive a Cardinals backpack and be sure to get to the ballpark early to get your school supplies throughout the concourse.

Noble Meyer Bobblehead Giveaway: You won’t want to miss out on two limited-edition collectors’ items. On Saturday, August 10th, the Jupiter Hammerheads host the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels at 6:00 p.m. where the first 500 fans will receive a mini Noble Meyer bobblehead presented by Gordon and Partners. There will also be a special wine-tasting event in our luxury suites which fans 21 and older can be a part of for a special price of $30 per ticket when purchased in advance. The Hammerheads will also wear specialty jerseys which will be auctioned to benefit Vita Nova.

Women Run the Diamond: Come to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium for “Women Run the Diamond Night” on Saturday, August 17th when the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals take the field at 6:00 p.m. There will be a women's expo which begins at 5:00 p.m. with a chance to meet and greet women throughout the game and industry. Nominate women of the community by going to rogerdeanchevroletstadium.com/women-run-the-diamond with six winners being selected to be recognized before the game and treated to a suite and behind-the-scenes tour.

Baseball and Brews: Combine beer and baseball for “Baseball and Brews Night” presented by Southern Eagle Distributing on Saturday, August 24th when the Jupiter Hammerheads host the Daytona Tortugas at 6:00 p.m. For a special $30 ticket ($35 at the gate), you get admittance to the craft beer tasting event from 5:00-7:00 p.m., a souvenir tasting mug, and a seat at the game. Plus, there will be fireworks after the game.

Dog Day: Be sure to bring your dog to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium for the final “Dog Day” of 2024 on Friday, August 30th when the Palm Beach Cardinals host the Daytona Tortugas at 6:30 p.m. All dogs get in free if their owners have a game ticket.

Masyn Winn Boblehead Giveaway: On Saturday, August 31st, the Palm Beach Cardinals host the Daytona Tortugas at 6:00 p.m. where the first 500 fans will receive a mini Masyn Winn bobblehead presented by Window Gang. Fans have the option of purchasing a guaranteed bobblehead package for $40 by clicking here which gets you both mini bobbleheads and a reserved box ticket to both games. Visit the ticket office or call Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium for more information.

Dollar Night: End the season on a night dedicated to dollar deals and baseball for “Dollar Night” at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Saturday, September 7th at 6:00 p.m. when the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads hit the diamond.

About Jupiter Stadium, LTD:

Opening in 1998, the 110-acre complex/stadium is specially designed to house two Major League and two Minor League Baseball Teams. The stadium is home to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals for Spring Training. The Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads (Class A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins) and Palm Beach Cardinals (Class A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) make their home at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium from April through September. This year-round facility can accommodate the smallest birthday party to the largest corporate outing, while never forgetting that each and every fan is our most important product.