Cardinals Take Game 1 of Playoffs in Thrilling 4-3 Win Over Southwest Christian
Fort Worth Christian defeated Southwest Christian 4-3. Mon · May 11, 2026
Fort Worth Christian Cardinals baseball · 2026 season.
The Fort Worth Christian Cardinals opened their TAPPS postseason run with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Southwest Christian on Monday night at Cat Corden Field. Navigating a tense, back-and-forth contest, the Cardinals leaned on extra-base power and clutch late-inning defense to secure the critical win in Game 1 of the playoff series.
The Cardinals' offense wasted no time putting the pressure on the Southwest Christian pitching staff. B James ignited the early rally by lacing a sharp line drive deep into right field for a triple, bringing Grady Emerson around to score and giving FWC a 1-0 advantage. Moments later, Jaxon Casselberry mirrored that explosive power, ripping his own triple into left-center field to plate James and double the lead to 2-0.
Fort Worth Christian continued to manufacture crucial runs to stay ahead in the tight matchup. Jacob Ward delivered a clutch at-bat, slashing a line-drive single into left-center field that easily scored Jake Parkerson and pushed Andrew Ridgell into scoring position, providing the Cardinals with the narrow cushion they would ultimately need.
When the game came down to the wire, the FWC defense stood tall under pressure to preserve the one-run lead. In the final frame, Casselberry showcased his outfield range by tracking down a critical fly ball in right field for the second out. On the very next play, second baseman Griffin Carney cleanly fielded a ground ball and fired a strike to first baseman Andrew Ridgell, recording the game-ending out and sealing the 4-3 triumph.
With a 1-0 series lead in hand, Fort Worth Christian will look to slam the door and advance. The Cardinals turn right back around to host Southwest Christian for Game 2 of the playoff series on Tuesday evening, aiming to keep their championship dreams alive.
Top plays
- Bottom of 4th, 0 out — Brenner James triples on a line drive to right fielder C Martin, Grady Emerson scores.
- Bottom of 4th, 0 out — Jaxon Casselberry triples on a line drive to left fielder C Beam, B James scores.
- Bottom of 4th, 1 out — Jacob Ward singles on a line drive to left fielder C Beam, Jake Parkerson scores, Andrew Ridgell advances to 2nd.
- Top of 7th, 1 out — B Portwood flies out to right fielder Jaxon Casselberry, M Woerner remains at 1st.
- Top of 7th, 2 out — A Turman grounds out, second baseman Griffin Carney to first baseman Andrew Ridgell.