The Erindale Cardinals looked poised to take down their first win of the season on Thursday night in Brampton but it was not to be as they let a 6-2 lead slip through their fingers dropping this contest by a score of 8-7.

 

The Cards jumped out of the gates early in this one as they plated three runs in the 2nd inning to take an early lead. The Royals answered righ tback with a run in the bottom half of that frame but Erindale added a pair of runs in the 5th inning to take a 5-1 lead and chase Brampton starter Mike Burke out of the game.

 

The Royals continued to chip away as they added another run in the home half of the 6th inning but Erindale got that right back in the 7th inning to tale a 6-2 lead. That is where the wheel fell off the bus, as Brampton plated three runs in both the 7th and 8th innings on a series of hits and four errors to take an 8-6 lead heading to the 9th inning.

 

The Cardinals were able to push a run across that inning and were able to get runner to the corners with just one out. Reliever and winner Steve Hough dug deep and struck out a pair of batters with runners in scoring postiion to perserve the win 8-7 for Brampton.

 

Offensively, the Cards were much better than their last outing as they were able to tack togther a 13-hit attack led by Pip Murray-Smith who was 3-for-4 with a walk, a run, a pair of RBIs and a stolen base. Greg Dodwell was 2-for-3 with a double, a run and an RBI while Chris Novia was 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs.

 

Jay Woodford was 1-for-4 with a double, a run and a pair of RBIs while newcomer Mike Caleb had an RBI single to round ou the Erindale offense. Dawson Fasica led the way for the Brampton Royals going 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs.

 

Again, like last game, the Cards used a variety of pitchers to get guys on the mound early in the year. Big lefty Andrew Mullin drew the start and went four innings allowing an unearned run on three hits while striking out three batters. Mark Taplin followed him with a clean inning allowing only a hit while Dan Nauth threw the next inning allowing a run on a pair of hits and collecting a strikeout.

 

Evan Harrison was up next up and he allowed three runs on five hits in his inning of work. He also had a strikeout while walking no one. Adam Forsey (0-1) took the loss in relief in this one as he allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits during his inning of work. He walked one while striking out two Royals batters. Steve Hough, in relief of Mike Burke, took the win for Brampton with four innings of relief allowing a pair of runs on three hits and striking out six.

 

With the loss, Erindale now drops to 0-2 on the season while Brampton improves to 3-1 on the year. The Crds will get little rest as they are right back at it tomorrow night as they travel to Oakville Park to take on the Oakville A's. Game time is slated for 7:30pm and Brendan Fox will be the probable starter for Erindale.