By JASON VIOX\Daily Journal Sports Writer

Published: Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Updated: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 11:49 AM CDT

ST. LOUIS - The Mineral Area Cardinals paid a visit to Florissant Valley on Tuesday. Mineral Area fell just short in the first game 4-3 in eight innings, but bounced back to win the second contest 7-5.

The Cardinals scored a tally in the first two innings, but Florissant Valley countered with a couple of runs in the fourth inning to tie the game. Mineral Area took the lead again in the fifth frame, but Florissant Valley tied the game again in the sixth. In the eighth inning, Florissant Valley got the win on an RBI single.

Tony Spencer had two hits for the Cardinals, and Aaron Miller and Tyler Stahl both added a single. Mike Hardin suffered the loss for Mineral Area in seven and one-third of an inning. He surrendered six hits, two walks, and struck out three.

In the second contest, Mineral Area got a good start as Joaby Sikes blasted a three-run home run in the first inning. However, Florissant piled up four tallies in the same inning to take the lead. Both teams matched a run before the Cardinals picked up three tallies in the fourth inning to take the lead and eventually the win.

Spencer went 3-4 for the Cardinals, and Ryan Blankenship was 2-4 with a double. Miller came through with a double, and Stahl added a base hit. Luke Holland went the distance to pick up the win. He gave up five hits and runs, four walks, and recorded five strike outs.

The Cardinals (12-34) will participate in the regional tournament at Jefferson College starting on May 11.

Mineral Area - 110 010 00 - 3 4 1

Florissant Valley - 000 201 01 - 4 6 2

LP - M Hardin 7 1/3i 4r 3er 3k 2bb 6h.

Hitting:

Mineral Area - T Spencer 2, T Stahl, A Miller.

Mineral Area - 310 300 0 - 7 8 3

Florissant Valley - 401 000 0 - 5 5 1

WP - L Holland 7i 5r 4er 5k 4bb 5h.

Hitting:

Mineral Area - T Spencer 3, R Blankenship 2, T Stahl, J Sikes, A Miller. 2b - R Blankenship, A Miller. HR - J Sikes.