Patience key in Grottoes' win over Stuarts Draft

By Nick Stevens

GROTTOES - The Grottoes Cardinals haven’t been given any favors with their early season schedule. Their first three games of the season have come against the Clover Hill Bucks and Stuarts Draft Diamondbacks (twice), two of the most dominant teams over the last several seasons.
 
It’s only June 8th, however, the Cardinals emerged from the early stretch in first place in the Eastern Division, after defeating the Diamondbacks for a second time in as many tries.
 
Last season, Head Coach Bobby Swink said he was putting together a roster of young players to set his team up for the future. Now in year two of this movement, the Cardinals have showcased patience at the plate and the ability to string together hits as they have outscored the Diamondbacks 20-9 over the last two games. They came out victorious on Thursday night, winning 7-1.
 
Grottoes began the scoring early after a Jacob Merica single turned into the first run of the game thanks to a passed ball and error by the Diamondbacks.
 
The contest entered the bottom of the sixth inning tied at one, when the Cardinals erupted for three runs in the sixth, two in the seventh, and one in the eighth.
 
Dylan Nicely paced the Cardinals’ offense with two hits and two runs driven in. As a team, the Cardinals drew eight walks.
 
Dustin Garst earned his first win of the season on the mound. In 6.1 innings of work he gave up just four hits, one walk, and one earned run. He struck out six along the way.
 
The Diamondbacks fell to 2-3 on the year, however, Will Hass continued his impressive performance at the plate. He chipped in two hits (including his third double of the year) and drove in the only run of the game for Stuarts Draft. He now has seven RBI in five games.
 
Grottoes will be off on Friday night before they embark on a stretch of four-straight games. Stuarts Draft will not return to action until Sunday night when they take on the Bridgewater Reds, at home.

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