Heading on the road only exasperated the Yorkton Cardinals problems as they only managed two wins in their road swing to face the West Division Lethbridge Bulls and Okotoks Dawgs and Central Division Swift Current Indians.
The Cardinals opened their road swing in Lethbridge with two games in two nights against the 10-9 Bulls. The opening game of the series saw the Bulls take an early 6-0 lead off of Cardinals pitcher Corey Thompson that proved to be insurmountable despite RBI's from Francis Rodriguez and Scott Livingston. Outfielder Brayon Colley recorded his seventh stolen base of the season in the defeat.
Game two of the two game series saw a role reversal as the Cardinals jumped to a six run lead in the second inning that was the deciding factor in a 8-5 Cards victory. Travis Donahoo took advantage of the run support in a seven inning pitching outing that earned him his second win of the season. Reid Flasch was the key batter in the win, knocking in two runs.
The Cardinals then headed to Okotoks Seaman Stadium for a weekend series against the Dawgs. In Saturday's opening game of the series the Cardinals kept the game close until a four run fifth inning took the wheels off a potential Cardinals comeback handing them a 7-0 defeat. Dawgs third basemen John Apostolo killed the Cardinals with three runs batted in for the Okotoks nine.
Game two of Saturday's doubleheader saw Logan Hershenow give the Cardinals a quality start allowing Brett Smith and Francis Rodriguez RBI's in a three run sixth inning give the Cardinals a bounce back 3-2 win in an eight inning affair. Rodriguez also recorded a stolen base while Gabe Cook also took a base in addition to earning a save as a pitcher in the win.
Swift Current was the final stop in the Cards road swing as the Indians hosted a Sunday/Monday two game set in a Central/East inter-division clash. Bryce Manning got shellacked for six runs in a 14-3 loss for the Cardinals in a loss that could be attributed to the grind of making trips to Lethbridge and Okotoks over a five day span. Brayon Colley recorded his ninth stolen base of the season, showing that the Cardinals have a threat on the basepaths that could be useful in playing the small ball game.
Monday's game against the Indians saw a much better pitching performance, but the Cardinals bats were the issue as the Indians took a 3-1 win, taking first place in the Central Division. Dylan Tye went seven innings for the Cardinals allowing two earned runs in what was a quality start despite being given the loss. Brayon Colley got another two steals in the game, becoming one of the bright spots in what was a frustrating Cardinals road trip.
Tuesday saw the Cardinals return to Jubilee Park as the Highway 10 battle was renewed with the Millionaires coming into town. Travis Donahoo could not keep his winning ways going as he earned the loss for the Cardinals with a five earned run, five inning performance in the 7-3 loss.
Bryce Manning and Brayon Colley both notched RBI's and stolen bases for the Cardinals in the loss, with Colley earning two stolen bases in the game in addition to Francis Rodriguez giving the Cardinals four total stolen bases in what was impressive baserunning in the loss.
The loss to the Millionaires extended the Cardinals losing streak to three games, despite showing bright spots on the base paths and getting good pitching in the loss to the Indians the Cardinals simply have had problems getting each facet of the game in tune every night this season. A tough schedule with a Alberta road swing can serve as a hopeful excuse for what was another less than stellar stretch for the WMBL ballclub. Tired legs and arms don't help losing teams get back to winning ways, but the Cardinals must be disappointed with their results.
The Cardinals now look to rest and recover after what was another disappointing stretch of games that sees them with a 7-13 record, nine games behind the league and division leading Regina Red Sox. The Cardinals resume action with two more games against the Millionaires this weekend. Friday they head to Pirie Field in Melville and on Canada Day the Cardinals host the Millionaires in what should be an entertaining event at Jubilee Park.
