The Cards made a distinct memory when they walked on to the new and improved Holder Field, but having the same crowd as before. Although it was a different field, they were playing the same game.
The Cards played their season opener against Brebeuf on March 30, the revenge game, striking back after losing 9-6 last year.
Remembering the score board from last year, the Cards were eager to get back at them, and they changed the score board to 5-2.
“We lost to Brebeuf in last year’s semi tournament. We left the bases loaded, made the final out and it was really just kind of heartbreaking,” head coach Brendan Dudas said. “And we came into this season with them on our schedule knowing we wanted to beat them, and so we did.”
The top of the first inning flew by with three quick outs made by the Cards, only letting one run slip past them, and the starting pitcher Dylan Pearcy making a big impact with his pitching.
Entering the bottom of the first inning, lead-off hitter senior Riley Matlock walked up to the plate with high hopes. During his at bat, Riley hit a powerful ground ball directly to the third baseman. The third baseman fumbled with the ball, leaving Riley safe at first.
Stepping up behind Riley, junior Collin Matlock hit a hard ground ball,
advancing Riley to second and putting Collin at first. This left two runners on for Pearcy.
As the game intensified, the Braves’ catcher fumbled the ball, leaving Riley to oversee home base.
Immediately after, Pearcy hit a pop fly to right, but the outfielder was unable to make the play, putting him on second, letting Riley score.
Moments later, the Cards took on getting two players home, leaving the score to 3-1.
At the top of the second inning, the Cards had a steady pace going, but the flip was switched after Collin caught the ball and threw it to first to make the play.“I feel like I make a pretty big impact. I would say a lot of the guys help(ed) me, especially with my energy,” Collin said.
Coming into the bottom of the third, junior Adam Watson stepped up to the plate and crushed a double to the fence, which brought in senior Robert Ludlow, putting the Cards up 4-1.
As the inning progressed, the Cards got Watson home to add an additional run.
At the top of the fourth inning, the Braves were inching to get back in the game. A Brebeuf batter approached the plate and had a powerful hit, sending the ball out of the park.
Even though the Braves were in striking distance, they were not able to find their rhythm against the Cards.
The game slowly came to an end when Pearcy helped the Cards finish it off, going three up and three down in the seventh inning.
Pearcy ended the game with one error, one walk, six strikeouts and only allowing two runs leading the Cards to success.
The Cards are looking to dominate in this season, and they will continue to create a winning streak
“I think the first game of the season is incredibly important to get the first win,” Dudas said. “You spend the whole off season working really hard, dedicating yourself to having a good season. And then that first win is like proof that it worked.”
