Cardinals Sweep Series with 4-2 Victory over Southwest Christian, Advance in Playoffs
Fort Worth Christian defeated Southwest Christian 4-2. Tue · May 12, 2026
Fort Worth Christian Cardinals baseball · 2026 season.
The Fort Worth Christian Cardinals punched their ticket to the next round of the TAPPS playoffs, sweeping Southwest Christian with a hard-fought 4-2 victory on Tuesday night at Cat Corden Field. Building on their thrilling one-run triumph in Game 1, the Cardinals delivered timely hitting and clutch defense to eliminate their rivals and keep their championship aspirations alive.
Early offense once again set the tone for Fort Worth Christian. Jake Parkerson continued his stellar postseason, lacing a deep fly-ball double into left field that allowed Grady Emerson to cross the plate and moved Jaxon Casselberry to third. The Cardinals also manufactured pressure on the basepaths, highlighted by Hunter Hampton perfectly executing a bunt single to the left side to advance a crucial runner.
When Southwest Christian threatened to close the gap, the FWC defense responded with spectacular fundamental play. The infield extinguished a late rally when M Monsisvais chopped a grounder to the right side; second baseman Griffin Carney scooped it up, fed shortstop Grady Emerson, who fired to first baseman Andrew Ridgell for a picture-perfect 4-6-3 double play.
On the mound, Blayne MacDonald was tasked with slamming the door in the final frame. Facing a tense situation, MacDonald delivered a clutch strikeout, catching B Portwood looking at a called third strike to officially end the game and seal the 4-2 victory.
With the first-round sweep in the books, Fort Worth Christian now turns its attention to the next hurdle in the playoff bracket. The Cardinals will host Trinity Christian on Monday, May 18, aiming to carry their balanced attack and dominant pitching deeper into the postseason.
Top plays
- Top of 1st, 1 out — Jake Parkerson doubles on a fly ball to left fielder C Beam, Grady Emerson scores, Jaxon Casselberry advances to 3rd.
- Top of 1st, 2 out — Jacob Ward strikes out swinging, O Haller pitching.
- Bottom of 1st, 0 out — M Woerner flies out to right fielder Jaxon Casselberry.
- Bottom of 1st, 1 out — B Portwood flies out to left fielder Jackson Perdue.
- Bottom of 1st, 2 out — A Turman flies out to center fielder B James.
- Bottom of 2nd, 2 out — C Reasoner is out on foul tip, Cale Brateris pitching.
- Top of 7th, 0 out — Hunter Hampton singles on a bunt to third baseman Z Baugh, B James advances to 2nd.
- Bottom of 7th, 0 out — M Monsisvais grounds into a double play, second baseman Griffin Carney to shortstop Grady Emerson to first baseman Andrew Ridgell, C Beam out advancing to 2nd.
- Bottom of 7th, 2 out — M Woerner doubles on a line drive to left fielder Jackson Perdue.
- Bottom of 7th, 2 out — B Portwood strikes out looking, Blayne MacDonald pitching.