On the strength of three 4-run innings, the Beacon Grille Cardinals edged the Cups and Cones Athletics 12-9 as darkness fell on Nutile Field Monday night. Numerous players contributed to the Cardinals' offensive outpouring, including leadoff hitter, Henry Sergenian (2-4); Mario DiBenedetto (2H, 2R); Jake Cohen (3R); Adam Ziady (1H, 2R, 1RBI); Paul Kuechler (1H, 1R, 2RBI); and Mike Olivier (1H, 1R, 2RBI). Not to be outdone, however, the A's pieced together three 3-run innings of their own, led by Nate Ruffle-Deignan (2H, 3R); Spencer Scully (2R); Teddy Falkenberg (1H, 2R); and Nate Johnston (double, run). Cards' pitchers Will Sergenian and Paul Kuechler were effective early, and closer DiBenedetto managed to hold off the 6th inning charge by the A's to seal the win. A's pitchers Teddy Locke, Jeff Price, and Ruffle-Deignan combined for 7 K's. Under the conditions, neither side provided flawless defense, but Nate Johnston's snare of a Drew DiBenedetto smash in the 2nd inning was a highlight, as was Cohen's athletic stab of a David Williams smash that allowed the Cards to escape a bases-loaded jam in the 4th.
