CAROL STREAM, Ill. - It doesn't get better than this for the Saint Mary's baseball team (9-7) in Illinois. They defeated North Central (3-11) 7-6 on Sunday morning, finishing their long weekend with a perfect 4-0 record and extending their win streak to six.
 
The Cardinals got off to a slow start, falling behind 4-0 during the first three innings of the game.
 
In the fourth inning, the Cardinals offense gained momentum with Ryan Csida leading off with a triple to left center and double by Josh Costello followed by an RBI single by Alex Hanneman, bringing in Costello to score. 
 
By the end of the inning, the Saint Mary's had cut into North Central's lead, making the score 4-2.
 
The sixth inning saw a notable surge from the Cardinals with Daniel Sherman beginning the rally by singling up the middle. After Will Boeckman drove Sherman home with another single, Brinton Anderson provided a significant boost by hitting a two-run homer to left center, scoring Boeckman as well. 
 
This rally brought the Cardinals ahead for the first time in the game, putting the score at 5-5.
 
In the seventh inning, the Cardinals further extended their lead. 
 
Sherman, after drawing a walk, stole second base and was driven home by Costello's timely single to right field. This run put the Cardinals in front 6-5 for their first lead of the game.
 
The game concluded with the Cardinals adding another run in the ninth inning to secure a 7-6 victory over North Central, concluding a well-fought contest.
 
Drew Rothenberger pitched six innings, striking out three, despite allowing five runs (four earned). Luke Pilot then took the mound for the Cardinals, earning his second win of the season.
 
The Cardinals have a day to rest before hosting UW-Superior on Tuesday for a doubleheader, starting at 1:00 pm!