The Luverne Cardinals were originally slated to open the 2021 season in Windom against the Eagles on Friday, April 9. Due to wet conditions the game was moved to Luverne.
The Cardinals didn’t disappoint the home crowd that braved the cooler weather to come out and watch the home team start their season.
The Cardinals used a pair of big innings to defeat the Eagles 7-5 to open the 2021 season.
Luverne starting pitcher Cade Wenninger set the Eagles down in order in the top of the first inning.
In the bottom of the first Bailey Cowell started his senior season with a bang. Cowell hit a home run in his first at bat of the season to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals added two more in the bottom half of the first inning to build a 3-0 lead.
The Eagles got on the board in the top of the third to trim Luverne’s lead to 3-1.
The Eagles added another run to make it a 3-2 game.
After going dormant after the three-run first inning, the Cardinals’ bats woke up in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Cardinals scored four runs to build a 7-2 lead.
The Eagles scored three runs in the top of the sixth to trim Luverne’s lead to 7-5.
Windom was unable to put together a rally in the seventh inning as the Cardinals held on to pick up the 7-5 victory.
The Cardinals will be back home on Thursday, April 15, when they play host to Pipestone Area.
Following their contest with the Arrows, the Cardinals will host Tracy-Milroy-Balaton on Friday, April 16.