By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Wendy’s Phillies starting pitcher Luke Rothrock gave up five runs to the Oil Exchange Cardinals, then found his groove in striking out the next three batters. He held the Cardinals scoreless for the next three innings.
Bonus Photos at bottom of article
Meanwhile, the Phillies offense exploded for four runs in the bottom half of the first inning and added five more in the second inning to secure a lead they would never relinquish, winning the run-fest, 11-9.
After the five-run first inning, the Cardinals did not score again until a four-run sixth inning but it was not enough to catch the Phillies.
The Phillies benefited from 12 walks, eight fielding errors by the Cardinals, and six passed balls. They also manufactured runs with the help of 13 stolen bases.
At the plate, Rothrock aided the Phillies’ cause with a single, a double, and a walk, scoring three runs and collecting a pair of RBIs. Gabe Pruess and Daniel Jones scored two runs each, both shimmying around the bases with three stolen bases each.
Next up for the Phillies is May 24 doubleheader vs. the Bridgeman Dentistry Rockies. The Cardinals have a May 23 doubleheader vs. the H&T Chair Co. Blue Jays.
Bonus Photos -all photographic images by David Rogers
