Sanders pitches Challengers past Cardinals

Two runs were all the Challengers needed to get away with a win in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Bern Cardinals.

That was thanks to James Sanders' gem on the mound, who outdueled former German National Team pitcher Martin Almstetter.

Sanders went the distance, scattering eight hits, striking out eight and walking none. The only run he allowed came on a wild pitch in the seventh inning.

Almstetter lasted seven innings and struggled early on with his command. The Challengers loaded the bases in the first inning on two walks and a hit-by-pitch, but couldn't capitalize.

The two teams exchanged zeros through the first five innings, before the Challengers broke through in the top of the sixth when Harry Bregy reached on a walk, advanced to third on two wild pitches, and eventually scored on rookie catcher Regis Reinhard's passed ball.

The Cardinals managed to tie the game in the seventh inning, but the Challengers managed to steal an unearned run in the next inning as Bregy yet again scored after reaching on second baseman Johnny Perigo's fielding error, and came around on back-to-back singles by Saentis Zeller and Juan Guzman.

Sanders allowed only two more baserunners in the eighth and ninth innings, sealing the Challengers first win of 2015.

Game notes
It was Sanders' first complete game win since September 11, 2010.