It's all in the cards for Mandel's men

CENTRAL VALLEY-The M-W Junior Little League crowned their champions on June 21 as the Cardinals rose from the basement to snatch the title. After dropping the season's first two games, the Cardinals were able to battle to .500 with the help of a forfeit heading into the playoffs. In the post season the team guided by manager Rob Mandel won three rounds of single-elimination playoffs to earn the trophy. Leading 10-7 with only three outs to go against the Mets in the National League finals the Cardinals squandered the lead forcing extra innings. But in the extra frame, they exploded for six runs to advance to meet the White Sox. Timely hits were delivered by Brian Meyer and Craig Franco. Matt Hochberg baffled the White Sox batters in the finals as he yielded just four hits over seven innings. "He did a great job and pitched the whole game," said Mandel. "He was tough." Hochberg also fanned four batters in the 8-4 win. Brian Mandel, A.J. Murphy, and Hochberg each had key hits in the game. The coach also credits Tim and Dan Hourihan for a solid season and guiding the team to the finals. Rounding out the roster for the champions are Coach Pat Hochberg, Coach Steve Milligram. Frank Circelli, Conor Bowden, Cesar Reyes, Jason Daley, and Kyle Smith