CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports editor
The Camden Fairview Cardinals dropped a close game to Magnolia on Wednesday with a score of 4-3.
The game marked Senior Day for the Cardinals club as fans and family gathered to salute the contributions of Oren McCoy, Levi Kelly, Demetrius Moore, Shane Collins and Boone Martin.
Farmers Bank and Trust was also celebrated for its contribution of a new and improved scoreboard at Camden Gardens.
After a lengthy delay due to a scheduling mix up with officials, the game got off to a hot start for the Cardinals. Byrd started the game hot on the mound and a disciplined Cardinal outfield forced three quick outs for the Panthers. The Cardinals would get on the board when junior Riley Klober hit a pitch over right field and Oren McCoy was able to make it home from second.
In the second inning, Byrd would tally an RBI, as Klober and Logan Robertson were able to find home.
Then it got quiet.
Magnolia started to gain momentum after a couple of errors led to two runs for the visiting team and the Cardinals struggled to find hits. Magnolia would add another two runs in the fifth to take the 4-3 lead.
Hallen Sanders (4 innings), Brantley Cox and Connor Harrington were able to keep the Cardinals’ batters from any hits over the last five innings.
Klober finished with a run and an RBI, Robertson and McCoy picked up a run.
Byrd pitched the first five innings, struck out seven batters and only gave up four hits and one earned run. McCoy pitched the last two innings and only allowed two hits.
The loss still has C.F. in second place in conference with a 6-4 conference record. Magnolia sits in third at 5-4. Monticello leads the conference at 9-1.