Cardinals Earn Third Seed in Landmark Tourney
CUA sweeps Drew in season finale

4/27/2008

MADISON, N.J. - The Catholic University baseball squad swept the Drew University Rangers (on Sunday to close out a three-game Landmark Conference series and the league.  The Cardinals won 15-4 and 12-4 on Saturday before coming back with a 12-8 victory on Sunday.  The wins give CUA a 23-13-1 record going 11-7 in conference play, a berth in the Landmark Conference tournament and the third seed.

In Saturday's first game, CUA got off to a strong start scoring in five of seven innings including a seven-run rally in the third thanks to seven hits from the offense and two errors on the defense.  Tommy Little (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha) led the Cardinals in the lead off position going 3-5 at the plate with four RBI.  He was joined by two hits from a number of other players.  Drew Hoffmaster (Brookeville, Md./Sherwood) got the win from the mound pitching the first five innings with three strikeouts giving CUA the 15-4 win.

In the second game the Cards looked just as good but started out a little slower scoring one run in the first and not again until the fourth inning.  In the sixth, CUA managed four runs after a pair of hits and a pair of errors worked to the Cardinals' favor as CUA picked up the 12-4 win.  Mike Goodman (Brookville, Md./Sherwood) was 3-4 at the plate in the game with one run scored and two RBI.  Ronnie Esposito (Annville, Pa./Annville-Cleona) was awarded the win pitching six innings.  The Cardinals out hit the Rangers 10-7.

On Sunday, CUA didn't allow the momentum to fade nabbing the 12-8 victory in the tightest game of the series.  An eight-run fourth inning proved to be the difference maker for the Cardinals after trailing 2-1.  Seven hits and two errors sparked the rally allowing the Cards to gain the lead and the win.  Joe Maca (Oyster Bay, N.Y./Saint Dominic) led the Cardinals with four hits, two runs scored and an RBI in the game.  Left fielder Bobby Picardo (Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Middletown South/Communications) also had a good day with two hits, one run scored and three RBI.  Five different pitchers saw time for the Cards with starter Kevin Sweeney (Bethesda/St. Anselm's Abbey School) picking up the win.

The Cards will travel to Juniata next weekend for a double elimination four-team conference tournament.  The third-seeded Cardinals will play Susquehanna University as the second seed on Friday at 3:30 p.m.