Carney's Sacrifice Fly and Airtight Defense Lead Cardinals to 5-2 Tournament Win Over Sherman
Fort Worth Christian defeated Sherman 5-2. Thu · Feb 26, 2026
Fort Worth Christian Cardinals baseball · 2026 season.
Fort Worth Christian extended its winning streak to seven games on Thursday morning, grinding out a 5-2 tournament victory over Sherman. The Cardinals displayed stellar defensive execution and patient at-bats as the designated home team to secure the win, improving their overall record to an outstanding 10-1 on the young season.
The Cardinals relied on timely situational hitting and solid plate discipline to manufacture their offense. Grady Emerson and Jacob Ward worked crucial walks to keep the bases active and set the table for run-scoring opportunities. The defining offensive moment came when Griffin Carney delivered a clutch sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Hunter Hampton home to extend the Cardinals' lead to 5-2 and provide a comfortable cushion.
On the defensive side, FWC's fielding and pitching suffocated the Sherman attack. Pitcher Gregory Smeds fielded his position brilliantly, neutralizing a bunt attempt by firing a strike to first baseman Antonio Andujar. The infield defense remained airtight throughout the contest, highlighted by Carney turning a sharp grounder into an inning-ending out at first, and Emerson smoothly securing a pop-out at shortstop. FWC will look to sweep Thursday's tournament action when they face Tyler Legacy at 12:30 p.m.
Top plays
- Top of 3rd, 1 out — Grady Emerson walks, E Newton pitching, Jacob Ward remains at 2nd.
- Top of 3rd, 1 out — Jaxon Casselberry strikes out swinging, E Newton pitching, B James remains at 3rd.
- Top of 5th, 0 out — Jacob Ward lines out to pitcher E Newton.
- Bottom of 5th, 0 out — N Reed pops out to shortstop Grady Emerson.
- Bottom of 5th, 1 out — A Thurman walks, Gregory Smeds pitching.
- Bottom of 5th, 1 out — C Clark sacrifices, pitcher Gregory Smeds to first baseman Antonio Andujar, C Clark out advancing to 1st, M Milks advances to 2nd.
- Bottom of 5th, 2 out — B Ganzer grounds out, second baseman Griffin Carney to first baseman Antonio Andujar.
- Top of 7th, 0 out — Jacob Ward walks, A Howard pitching, Hunter Hampton advances to 2nd.
- Top of 7th, 0 out — Griffin Carney out on sacrifice fly to center fielder E Newton, Jacob Ward held up at 2nd, Hunter Hampton scores.
- Top of 7th, 1 out — Grady Emerson grounds out to first baseman C Boothe, Jacob Ward advances to 3rd.