Walks, Doubles, and Drama as Cardinals, Brewers Tie in Thriller
By GameChanger Media
The Granite State Cardinals and Merrimack Brewers battled to an 11-11 stalemate on Sunday in a high-scoring, back-and-forth game.
The Brewers got on the board first with a run in the top of the first inning thanks to a double by James Mancini.
However, the Cardinals quickly responded in the bottom of the first, scoring four runs on a double by Siul Mejia, a groundout RBI from Jordan McCluskey, and a sacrifice fly from Juan Arias. The Cardinals added another run in the second inning on a Merrimack error, extending their lead early.
The Brewers fought back with a big five-run rally in the sixth inning, highlighted by doubles from Johnny Maximiliano and Andrew Santo and a single from Justin Eaton. But the Cardinals answered immediately, breaking the tie in the bottom of the sixth on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Addison Hanscom followed by a groundout RBI from Kevin Veilleux, pushing their lead to 11-9.
Merrimack tied the game again in the seventh inning when Mancini doubled with runners on base following a disciplined six-pitch at-bat.
On the mound, Meredius Pendell led the Cardinals, allowing nine runs (six earned) on eight hits over six innings while striking out 10 but walking six. Mancini started for Merrimack Brewers and pitched three innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on four hits.
At the plate, Hanscom led the Cardinals with two hits and two RBIs, while Mejia and McCluskey also drove in two runs each. The Cardinals displayed patience, drawing seven walks.
Brewers collected 11 hits overall, led by Mancini’s 3-for-4 performance with three RBIs. Santo and Foster St. Cyr also had multiple hits. The Brewers showed aggressive baserunning, stealing three bases, with Anthony Hall stealing two. The team also drew six walks, with Hall and Alex Meehan leading in free passes.
Both teams turned one double play, but neither could break the deadlock in the end.
Cardinals Top Performers
⚾ Addison Hanscom – Led the offense with two hits, two RBIs, and a crucial bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that helped break the tie in the sixth inning.
⚾ Siul Mejia – Delivered a key double and drove in two runs while showcasing excellent plate discipline with multiple walks.
⚾ Jordan McCluskey – Continued his consistent production with two RBIs and several timely hits that kept the Cardinals competitive.
