10 Hits Help Cards Find 2nd Win

On a sunny but windy Sunday afternoon, the Legends Cardinals were able to score two runs on a 7th inning passed ball to take the game against the Sopranos Athletics.

Starting for the Cardinals was Brandon Lymer, who rushed into action by strking out the first four batters he faced using only 14 pitches. The team used that energy to find two runs in first inning for the second game in a row. Dan Harlow led off with a triple and the team added a couple more hits to go up 2-0. But the Athletics were not to be run over and came up with 3 runs in the top of the second to take the lead.

In a game that would prove to be close the whole way, the Cards quickly tied it back up in the bottom of the second and the game went into the third inning at three runs apiece. It stayed that way until the 5th when Reese Jones took over for Lymer and though hitting two batters, struck out the other three he faced to have his second inning of the season with striking out the side (and the second inning of the game for the Cards doing such). Legends, wearing their alternate black jerseys for the first time, took the momentum from that inning and were able to cash in a runner to take the 4-3 lead and give Reese Jones his first win opportunity. Unfortunately, the Athletics once again struck back with a 2 run 6th inning and took the lead 5-4.

After Luke Lampard shut down the Athletics in the top of the 7th, the Cards had their last opportunity to take the game and get their second win. Things started looking positive as Josh Byers got on base with his first hit of the season. Shane Roberts followed up but J.B. was forced out at second with the fielders choice. A couple of bloop plays got the Cards the bases loaded with only 1 out and things looked good for at least a tie game.

As a huge gust of wind hit the field, a pitch got past the Athletics catcher and Shane Roberts stormed home. Charging around the bases was 1st baseman Kasey Wickens and he couldn't be stopped as he realized the Athletics had not been able to locate the ball on the backstop. He raced home with the Cards 6th run of the game and 2nd win of the season.

The Cardinals don't play again until next Thursday, when they take on the 9-time defending champions Monkey Tree Pub Jays.

Tough Loss to Astros

On a hot May night in front of about 40 fans, the Legends Cardinals had just one bad inning in the field and still paid the price as they lost 5-3 to the defending regular season champs Fisgard Astros on Thursday night.

Starting pitcher Luke Lampard did his job in the first inning and got the cards into the top of the second tied at no score. Thanks to hits by Shane Roberts and Rob Walker, and Sean Pollitt taking his second plunk of the year, Legends was able to climb out to a 2-0 lead against Astros pitcher Marty Hall.

But in the bottom of the second the big Astors bats came back with 5 runs, including 3 scored with 2 outs, as the Cards just could not get off the field. In the top of the third, the team in red was able to scrounge another run back to bring the score to 5-3, but that was as close as they would get. Trevor Strandlund came in to relieve Lampard in the fifth inning and did a great job of shutting down the Astors lineup to maintain his 0.00 ERA for the season, but the Cards bats would just not light up again and the Astros were able to climb to .500 at 2W, 2L.

Come out to catch the Cards as they face the Sopranos Athletics (a guaranteed win by their team sponsor, Sopranos Karoake and Sports Bar) this Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

A Message from Coach Spiller

Cards,

I would like to thank everyone that played and helped out this weekend with the Doug Conn Tournament. We played well, especially Friday and Sunday under tough weather conditions. I hope everyone that participated got something out of the experience (maybe just some extra ABs and an opportunity to hang with some different players). Considering the team was formed two days prior, we had a respectable showing (won our pool). I know the semi-final loss was difficult, but we can learn from the game and make improvements for the regular season. Remember we took on the league #1 Allstar team with three pickups and lost 4 - 1. Our regular season continues Thursday, if you can't make it please remind Josh and/or me. I will be late (6pm) and we're visitors, so could someone prep the field (bags,line,hose). I know everyone works, but do you best to bring some competitve energy to the park and have fun.

Huddy Huddy,

Spills

P.S. Outstanding money needs to come in.

Cardinals Claim First Victory Against Dodgers

The Legends Cardinals took to the field Thursday night still seeking their first win of 2007, and the expansion Shark Club Dodgers were in their sights. The Cards scored their first two batters and never looked back as they won 4-1.

Starting pitcher Luke Lampard had a scare in the first inning as the Dodgers loaded up the bases, but they were unable to take advantage. The Cards were not going to face the same fate as both Graeme Mann and Matt Smith reached base and were moved around to score. The Cards managed to match their season total for runs scored (2) in just the first inning of play.

Luke Lampard settled down and managed to keep the Dodgers off the board until the fourth inning when they got three straight hits and cashed in their only run of the game, though it was not an earned run so Lampard keeps his 0.000 ERA. Unfortuately for the Dodgers, the Cards had already scored a third run in inning three as Graeme Mann reached on a bunt and made his way around to homeplate.

Lampard was replaced in the 5th by rookie pitcher Reese Jones, who eventually allowed only 1 hit over three innings of action. A highlight was the sixth inning where the pitcher struck out the side. Two defensive plays helped keep the Dodgers at only 1 run as Andy Renton made a great diving catch in left field in the fifth inning and Sean Pollitt started a game-ending double play with the Dodgers threatening with 2 on and only 1 out.

The Cardinals got their last run as rookie pitcher Brandon Lymer started off the sixth inning with a double off the right field wall and Sean Pollitt scored him on a single through the gap between third and short.

This weekend Mavericks Field is home to the Doug Conn Tournament so come on out and enjoy some great baseball.

Some 2006 Team Photos

Check out this page to view some pictures from the 2006 season. Most courtesy of Glenn Ivens Photography.

Coach's Corner Revealed!

Every once in a while, Coach Spiller likes to send us a little message. These will now be posted in the right sidebar under the title 'Coach's Corner.' Make sure to read up and be aware of what our Coach wants us to know.

Another Tough Loss in the Seventh Inning

After a tough loss against the defneding champs on Friday night, the Legends Cardinals were eager to hook their first win of the 2007 season. On Tuesday night against the Sopranos Athletics, they came oh so close again but walked off the field with a disappointing 2-1 loss.

The game again saw tremendous pitching from both squads, including a 1-run 5-innning stint from Cardinal Luke Webb. Brandon Lymer came in during the sixth inning and was fantastic until the very end, when an unfortunate two walks in a row let the Athletics steal the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Although pitching seems to be well under control this year, the Cardinal bats still need to come alive, as they stranded runners in multiple innings, including a few times in scoring position. We'll see if they can improve as they take on league president Brad Franklyn's expansion Shark Club Dodgers Thursday night. Come out and don't miss the action.

Cardinals Clipped by Jays

On Friday evening, the fans at Mavericks Field in Gordon Head were witness to an amazingly tough defensive battle. The Legends Nightclub Cardinals and Monkey Tree Pub Jays played 6 innings of scoreless ball en route to a 1-0 Jays victory.

Both starting pitchers, Scott Thompson for the Jays and Trevor Strandlund for the Cards were on top of their game and spread a few hits each through 4 and 5 innings (respectively) of shutout baseball. It was the Jays who finally touched homeplate as an overthrow at first allowed a run to come in on reliever Reese Jones in the top of the seventh.

However, in the bottom of the seventh, the Cardinals took the momentum back as the first two batters got singles, leaving them with runners at second and first with no out. But a crafty move got Shane Roberts picked off at second and the threat was minimized. It all ended at homeplate as John Margaritis tagged out Dan Harlow for the final out of the night, saving what would have been the tying run. An exciting end to a deadlocked game.

The Cardinals play their next game against the Sopranos Athletics Tuesday night at 6:15 PM as both teams try to find their first win of the season.

Cardinals Marooned by Mariner Pitching

In their first game of the season the Legends Nightclub Cardinals could not handle the young pitching of the Victoria Mariners and lost 3-1 on a beautiful Wednesday night.

In front of 40+ fans, the Mariners worked a never-ending rotation, as Adam Wilson (starter and game winner), Max Valle, Shea Young, Thomas Trask and Geoff Ford all took turns on the mound. The Cardinals could only muster 2 hits all game against the five pitchers and didn't get on the scoreboard until a double to the fence by Luke Webb brought home Sean Pollitt.

Although it was only game 2 for the Victoria Mavericks season, the Victoria Mariners have actually already played 13 games this year in the BC Premier Baseball League. They are 9-4 this year, a big improvement over last year when they played .500 ball. Their game experience this year seemed too hot for the first-game Cardinals to handle.

The Cardinals didn't do too bad themselves from the mound as game starter and rookie Brandon Lymer settled down after a shaky first inning to only allow 1 hit and 1 run in the last 3 innings he pitched. Luke Lampard took the mound in the 5th, and other than allowing the first batter he faced (his brother in-law Thomas Clark) a single, no other Mariner was able to get a hit. This is a positive step up as the Cardinals did have some pitching woes in last year's .500 season. Unfortunately, the red bats are going to have to come alive as 2 hits will not equal wins in this league.

Also of note were the new uniforms and logo the Legends Cardinals were sporting as they have moved to red and black this year. Hopefully they'll be able to put their new digs to better use in their next game Friday against the defending champion Monkey Tree Pub Jays (formerly the Maude Hunters Rockies - nine-time consecutive winners of the RP Righet Cup).

Come on out Friday night at 6:15 PM and cheer on your Legends Cardinals.

First Regular Season Game! - Wed., May 9th

Game 1 - Cardinals vs. Mariners
Wednesday, May 9th, 6:15 PM

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals will be playing their first regular season game this upcoming Wednesday against the Victoria Mariners. Game time is 6:15 PM (players take field for warm-ups at 5:30 PM) so come out and enjoy Victoria's own mens premier baseball league.

There will be new faces for both teams including potential rookie standout Brandon Lymer for the Legends Cardinals who may see some time on the mound.

A Message From Our Coach

Coach Sean Spiller has sent out a little pep talk and attitude check reminder before we hit the field for tonight's home opener:


Gentlemem,

I hope everyone is jacked for tomorrow night's game and comes to the park with a positive attitude. I know there is alot of arguing in the game, but lets show some character and not sound or look bush league. Loud swearing, trashing umpires, throwing equipment will equal team fines and possible league fines/suspensions. It just doesn't help our league/team image. Our league is trying to expand, gain community support and increase sponsorship. The Mavericks' goal is to have complete control over the field all year round. When people, including kids, see unacceptable behaviour it reflects on us all. For the past six years, our team has ALWAYS had a good reputation and our expectations will remain the same.

Again, I will remind everyone if a mistake is made during the game we will discuss it calmly as a group after the game and learn from it. Please be careful with sarcasm as it can be taken the wrong way during the heat of the battle. I hope everyone takes a mature, respectful approach to OUR season and that we have fun successful summer.

Here's to winning the battle,
Spills

Player Fees

This year's registration fees are now overdue. Coach Spiller has issued the warning of "No Money = No Play" so make sure to bring those cheques in.

The cost for full-time players is $225. Please make cheques payable to 'Victoria Mavericks Cardinals'. The fees were due by May 1st, 2007.

Those coaching Little League camps will have their registrations discounted, so please check with Spiller before writing that cheque.

New Cardinals Logo Unveiled!

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals are excited to announce the unveiling of their new team logo to go along with new team colours. The main red jersey remains the same, but the trim goes black this year with the new logo displayed proudly on our hats.

The new logo has also replaced the old classic St. Louis Cardinal on the Victoria Mavericks Website. You can come and check out the new digs in action at the Cardinals first regular season game this upcoming Wednesday, May 9th at Mavericks Field in Lambrick Park.

Read up on the League Rules

We have been given direction by Coach Spiller to make sure we read up on the league rules. You can find them here. Make sure you understand the league guidelines so we aren't arguing with the umps for no good reason.

You can also find this link permanently on the Victoria Mavericks Homepage at the bottom under the button 'Legal'. Also on that page is the League Constitution for all those lawyer types.