When the Cardinals and Cubs face one another, it makes for one of baseball’s fiercest rivalries.
At the Delta Sportsplex, the seven-and-eight-year-old version of these marquee teams didn’t disappoint on Monday. In an offensive contest where the Cubs doubled up the Cards 18-9, it was the defense that made the difference.
Cards pitcher, Javion Easley and Cubs pitcher, John Michael McCoy, anchored their respective defenses by making both routine and spectacular plays in the field.
Easley kept his team in the game by picking up just about every grounder hit his way and making solid throws to his big first baseman Massey McPherson.
“You can tell when a team practices just a little harder than you do,” said Cardinals Coach Dustin Henry in his post game remarks.
“Work a little harder next time, have fun and come out on top.”
On the winners side of the field, McCoy’s mates on the middle infield took a few base hits away from the Cardinals with their quick reflexes and handy glove work.
With the Cardinals threatening to inch closer to the Cubs lead, Cubs second baseman Coers Caraway threw out a base runner out on a ground ball.
The next batter hit a line drive right at Caraway, and he gloved it to end the threat. “
Let’s keep our head in the game and have some fun,” Cubs head coach Will Smythe said to encourage his team. “We have to keep playing through tough innings.”
