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By Gus Untalan

Cardinals’ Nick Cruz hurries back to first base before the ball could reach Phillies’ Matt Muna. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The 76 Cardinals captured their second win in the Budweiser Baseball League squeaking by the Crown Bakery Phillies 10-9 Thursday evening at the Paseo Stadium.

Leading by as many as seven runs, the Cardinals survived a last minute comeback attempt by the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth inning.  Down 10-5, the Phillies were able to come within one run.  Mike Aguon sparked the run for the Phillies running home on an overthrow to first.  A few batter later, Jathan Muna-Barnes hit a RBI single that drove home Shon Muna, Jr.  Muna-Barnes would then run home off a RBI double by Derwin Aguon to right field.  Aguon added a run of his own a couple plays later off a RBI single by Miller Santos to end the inning down 10-9.  The Cardinals then used hard defense in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the win.

Poor pitching by the Phillies proved to be costly in the top of the first inning.  With the bases loaded after three walks in a row, a fourth walk allowed Jared Alerta to reach home plate safely for the first run of the game.  On the next play another walk by the Phillies sent home Nick Cruz.  The Cardinals then used the momentum built to their benefit with successful hits at bat.  Ricky Arce cranked a pitch to left field that drove home Jesse Alerta and C.J. San Miguel for the two RBI single.  A few batters later the Cardinals loaded the bases again and took full advantage.  Jared Alerta smacked the ball to deep left field to send home Coby Barnes, Ricky Arce and Jess San Nicolas for the impressive three RBI double.  The Cardinals finished the inning up 7-0.  The Phillies went through two pitcher changes in the opening inning and finished the game using four pitchers total.

Phillies pitcher Louis San Nicolas pitches the ball in the third inning. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Phillies finally found their stride at bat getting on board in the bottom of the third inning.  Second baseman Tim Cruz scored the first run off a RBI double by Muna-Barnes.  Muna-Barnes would add a run of his own a few batters later off a RBI double to center field by first baseman Matt Muna.  Muna would reach home off a RBI single by Branden Fernandez to round out the inning.

The Cardinals added insurance in the fifth and sixth innings. In the fifth, an overthrow to first allowed Barnes to steal home safely.  In the top of the sixth, Cruz reached home on a fielder’s choice by the Phillies.

The Phillies closed the deficit scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Muna-Marnes cranked a two RBI single to center home that drove home Mike Aguon and Brandon San Nicolas.

In the win, Jarred Alerta of the Cardinals finished with three RBIs off one hit at bat. Despite the loss, Phillies pitcher JD San Nicolas finished with three strikeouts.

The Cardinals now improve to 2-1 while the Phillies drop to 1-1.

BBL action continues Friday with the four-time defending champion Braves facing off against the Guam Paradise Fitness Jr. Nationals.  Game time is 7pm at the Paseo Stadium.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Cardinals’ Josh Aguigui pitches the ball in the sixth inning. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Phillies’ Louis San Nicolas pitches to Cardinals’ Coby Barnes. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cardinals’ Ricky Arce looks to get a good hit on the ball. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Phillies’ Jathan Muna-Barnes forces the out in the fifth inning by catching a pop-fly. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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