Cardinals Victorious Behind Austin, Beat Giants 4-2

by John Vittas

Michael Austin pitched seven scoreless innings to lead Presstman's Cardinals (6-8) past the Gaithersburg Giants (6-5) Sunday afternoon at Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover.

Austin allowed three hits and four walks while striking out eight Gaithersburg Giants. He struck out the side in order to begin the game, and five of his first seven outs were recorded via the strikeout.

"The big deal was being able to throw all my pitches for strikes," Austin said. "I like to work fast, it keeps my arm fresh."

The game was completed in just over two hours.

"Mike was executing all of his pitches, making big pitches when he needed to and the defense was great behind him," Cardinals' catcher Ty Warrington said.

The Cardinals scored two in the second off Giants' starter Vince Molesky (1-2), after second baseman Collin McGowan committed a throwing error on a potential double-play grounder. They tacked on another when Joba Ferrell singled off Molesky, knocking him out of the game.

"[Molesky] was a little bit up in the zone and we took advantage of it a little bit," Warrington said. "We put the ball where we needed to."

Ty Warrington went 2-for-3 with a walk for the Cardinals, as the team stroked ten hits on the day.

"It's crucial to win these one-run, two-run games, it's a big thing for us."

The Giants will host the Southern Maryland Nationals on Monday at 5pm., while the Cardinals remain at home to play the Alexandria Aces at 7.


To listen to my interview with Michael Austin and Ty Warrington, click here