Cardinals capture Majors crown

The Indians drew six walks but were held hitless. Anthony struck out seven of the 13 batters he faced, including the final three.

“We have a deep pitching roster,” Cardinals coach Deric Anthony said. “It’s been that way all season so it’s been easier for us to pull out good games because half the team can pitch. He’s [Anthony] really consistent and a really solid pitcher. It’s hard to have any disappointing moments with him pitching.”

The Indians scored both of their runs in the top of the first off Ben Schanno, who struck out three batters in one and two-thirds of an inning, but struggled with his control and walked four.

The Cardinals, who led 3-2 after one inning and 4-2 after two, scored in every inning but the third.

They made up for it in the fourth as the Cardinals batted around and plated seven runs to stretch their lead to 11-2.

After the first four batters of the inning walked, Colin Schubert drove in two runs with a double. Anthony scored two more with a single.

Colin McLoughlin, who led off the inning with a walk, also drove in two runs and it appeared the Cardinals would put the Indians away two innings early.

However, Indians pitcher Keegan Losee was able to get out of the inning before the Cardinals could grab a 10-run lead.

He wasn’t as lucky in the fifth as Schanno doubled to drive home Gavin Cates to end the game.

“We hit the ball real well,” coach Anthony said. “We hit strikes. It’s hard to get strikes sometimes but when they did, they hit it hard. It worked out really well.”

For his pitching performance as well as going 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs and two RBIs, Anthony was selected Most Valuable Player.

Losee won the Golden Glove award for the Indians.

The Cardinals finished the year 17-3 and played their best ball at the end of the season.

“They came alive in the second half of the season and hit the ball in every game and improved the whole way,” coach Anthony said. “I’m proud of these guys. They are a great team, a great roster of boys. They did a good job all season. I couldn’t be more proud. They’re a bunch of kids who listen really well. It’s great to coach all 11 boys on the team. They did a really good job all season.”

Despite the loss, Indians manager Chad Smith said he was also proud of his team.

“I thought we played real strong throughout the season,” Smith said. “We had our highs and lows. I’m very proud of the kids for playing as hard as they did.”