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Cardinals Hammer Naturals 14-9

May 4, 2012 - Texas League (TL) Springfield Cardinals

Springfield, MO - The Cardinals' offense erupted tonight for a 14-9 victory over the NW Arkansas Naturals for Springfield's first series win since April 17 against the Midland RockHounds.

In the first inning, Springfield didn't waste any time to take the lead. NW Arkansas' starter Chris Dwyer walked Oscar Taveras and Kyle Conley back-to-back with two outs in the inning. Chris Swauger then came to the plate and hit an RBI single up the middle on a 3-2 count to put the Cardinals up 1-0.

Springfield starter Trevor Rosenthal could only keep the Naturals quiet through two innings as they scored in the third. After a walk to Yem Prades and a subsequent double to Paulo Orlando, NW Arkansas' first baseman Jonny Whittleman hit a bloop single to centerfield, just his second hit of the series, scoring Prades and Orlando to take the lead 2-1.

It didn't take long for the Cardinals to score in the bottom half of the third. Kyle Conley started it off as he hit a single to left scoring Kolten Wong from third with two outs. After Dwyer gave up his fourth walk of the game to Swauger, Jake Shaffer launched a three-run home run to right field putting Springfield up 5-2.

After Rosenthal got out of danger in the top of the fourth inning, the Cardinals wanted to give him some more cushion on the scoreboard. Walks continued to hurt Dwyer as one to Nick Derba allowed shortstop Jose Garcia to hit a two-run home run to left field. After Springfield loaded the bases, Naturals' manager Brian Poldberg yanked his starter Dwyer out of the game. Swauger then hit a fielder's choice scoring Wong off Naturals' reliever Michael Mariot. Shaffer then added his second three-run home run of the game giving Springfield an 11-2 lead.

Dwyer ended giving up ten runs, seven earned on five hits in three innings of work. He also allowed six walks, five of which scored.

Rosenthal settled down after giving up two runs in the third inning for two scoreless innings until he departed for reliever Justin Wright. Rosenthal pitched five strong, giving up two runs, two walks and five strikeouts.

In the top of the seventh inning, Wil Myers decided to decrease the run margin with a two-run triple to deep left-center field. Jonny Whittleman then hit an infield single to score Myers from third off of Springfield's Wright putting the Naturals' up 11-5.

Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, Springfield had not scored since the fourth inning when they notched sixth runs. After a leadoff single from Jermaine Curtis and a double by Oscar Taveras, a wild pitch by Naturals' reliever Bryan Paukovits scored Curtis from third base. Kyle Conley then singled to leftfield scoring Taveras. The final run of the inning came home on a sacrifice fly to centerfield by Nick Derba giving Springfield a nine run margin of 14-5.

Springfield reliever Kevin Thomas came into the ninth hoping to secure a fast victory for the Cardinals. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the Naturals squeezed four runs across with nine batters coming to the plate in the inning. Springfield manager Mike Shildt decided to go with lefty reliever Sam Freeman to secure the final out and the 14-9 victory.

The Cardinals will begin a four game series with the Arkansas Travelers Saturday night at 6:08pm. Michael Blazek will start for Springfield against Ariel Pena of the Travs.

Saturday is the Purina Beggin' Strips Bark in the Park day. All dogs will receive free Beggin' Strips treats courtesy of our friends from Purina. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the stadium and enjoy a game with "Man's Best Friend". Also, if you'd like to show off your pooch to the rest of the park, be at the stadium by 5:30 to participate in a pre-game parade on the field! Water will also be available for the dogs. Great tickets are still available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.

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Texas League Stories from May 4, 2012


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