The two teams would meet under the lights at the JB Chambers I-470 Complex for the first two games of the series on Friday. With a 7:15 PM first pitch, the teams would begin the doubleheader with a bang with offense beginning things strong. The Hilltoppers would score multiple runs in each of the first three innings, with the biggest outburst coming in a five run top of the third as they built a 9-1 lead. However, after a slow start, the Cardinal pitching staff bounced back, holding the Hilltoppers scoreless over the final four innings. As they did, the Cardinals battled back, with a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth being the big blow. However, it wasn't enough as the Cardinals fell 9-7. They would start game two, and got to the bottom of the third, but lightning came through bringing the game to a vault.

Despite getting just one hit in the first game, it was Chris Sauer that led the way for the Cardinals, going 1-4 with the grand slam that turned a blow out into a close game. He stepped up in the bottom of the fourth with the bases loaded and one out. He sent a grand slam over the left center field wall and the ed what was a seven-run game into a three run ball game. It was Sauer's third home run of the season, putting him in a tie for third on the team as he helped his team continue to battle. It continued what has been a strong showing for the third baseman, who now has at least one hit in three of his last five games as he looks to finish his season strong and hold down the hot corner over the final three games of the 20245 season.

Among the nine seniors honored during Friday night's senior day ceremonies, Spencer Craig and Christian Boyles put together the strongest showings. Craig would get one hit in each game that was played, homering both times. He got the scoring started in both games, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the second in game one, and hitting another in the top of the first in game two. The two homers moved Craig into a tie for first in home runs on the team, while also sitting tied for the team lead with 22 RBI. Boyles has started the second game of the series strong, picking up two triples in two at-bats before the game was halted due to lightning. Boyles sits second on the team with four triples this season and, of his 35 hits, 11 of them have been for extra bases.

As the teams head into Sunday's series finale the Cardinals and Hilltoppers are set to play the rest of game two, as well as games three and four to wrap up the season. When the teams resume play, they will be in the bottom of the third with one out and Jacob Lentz stepping up to the plate. Nicholas Schulz will be on first base with one out and the Cardinals are leading the game 5-1. With West Liberty having taken game one, the Cardinals will need at least two wins to retain the inner city rivalry cup, a traveling cup that that the winner of the season series retains. The Wheeling Baseball team has had the cup each of the past four years, retaining the title by splitting the series in each of the last two seasons. Wheeling looks to keep that cup at home as they head into their regular season finale.
 

First pitch for the resumed game two of the series is scheduled for 1 PM at Bethany University. You can follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.