9U Cardinals cap stellar season with Livonia Summer Showdown title

July 20, 2010, 11:00 a.m.

  The 9U Canton Cardinals travel baseball team wrapped up its 2010 season by winning the Livonia Summer Showdown this past weekend. The Cardinals topped the 12-team field with a 5-0 record.

  Led by a big day at the plate from Thomas Harvey (2-for-2, double, triple, three RBI), the Cards won their opening game, 14-6, over the Motor City Bulldogs.

  Canton won an 8-6 nail-biter over the Northville Broncos in the second game. After the Cardinals built a 7-3 lead, Northville battled back to get to within 7-6, but Jimmy Knittel shut down Northville from that point on to earn the save.

  Canton jumped all over the Berkley Cubs in the third game, 16-2, as Robby Begley pitched well, allowing just one hit over the final two innings.

  In the semi-final game, the Cardinals rolled to a 12-0 victory over the Dearborn Heights D-Backs thanks to Ryan McAuliffe's one-hit complete game. Turning in a solid defensive effort was Guido Constantino, who made an outstanding over-the-shoulder catch in the third inning. Michael Kruskza paced the offense with two hits and two RBI.

  The final pitted the Cardinals in a re-match against Northville. Pitcher Aaron Dolney picked off a runner at second base in the first inning to set the tone for the Cardinals' defense. Ryan Zerona led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and Ben Spencer drove him in with a double to make it 1-0.

  In the second inning Cardinal Adam Pitcole ripped a two-run double to stake his team to a 3-1 lead. Jacob Kash caught a towering fly ball in left field to keep Northville from scoring in the top of the fourth. Left fielder Kyle Aniol showed off his arm, throwing out a runner attempting to score from second base, ending a Northville threat in the fifth. Knittel then shut down the Broncos in the sixth to secure the save a a 5-2 victory.

  Silver Slugger Award winner Ryan McAuliffe led the offense with a .636 batting average. Knittel earned the Golden Glove Award with a 1.71 pitching E.R.A. and several put-outs and assists at shortstop. Aaron Dolney won the Championship Game MVP Award, pitching four innings while allowing one run with six strikeouts.

  "Hitting, defense and pitching were all consistent for us this weekend and we played with confidence throughout, no matter the game situation," said Cardinals Head Coach Pat McAuliffe. "Each and every one of the boys made key plays that contributed to our success this weekend. It was a great way to wrap up the 2010 season."

  Tryouts for the 2011 Canton Cardinals teams will take place in August. Visit http://gcybsa.com for details.