Cardinals Hold on to 10-7 Win over Arkansas
Published on May 6, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
Springfield, MO - The Cardinals narrowly escaped a late-inning comeback bid by the Arkansas Travelers, winning 10-7.
Springfield jumped out to a quick lead in the first inning as Oscar Taveras launched a three-run home run to right field with no outs off Arkansas' starter Orangel Arenas. This home run added to Taveras' Texas League RBI lead at 27.
In the top half of the second inning, the Travelers gained one of the runs back as Adam Heether scored on a ground ball to shortstop hit by Alberto Rosario to cut Springfield's lead to 3-1.
Arkansas then duplicated the second inning as they scored another run on an RBI groundout to shortstop during the third inning by Roberto Lopez decreasing the lead 3-2 Cardinals.
Looking to put some more runs on the board in the third inning, Springfield's offense could only conjure one run on a groundball single to right field by Chris Swauger even though five runners reached base in the inning.
Following a scoreless inning by Travelers' starter Arenas in the fourth inning, the Cardinals chased him out of the fifth inning by leaving the bases loaded after scoring one run thanks to a double to centerfield by Kyle Conley scoring Taveras. Arkansas reliever Mike Piazza then entered the game hoping to dispel the offensive attack, but Greg Garcia doubled down the right field line scoring two runs. Adam Melker then drove in Garcia and Shaffer with a single putting Springfield up 9-2. At the end of the inning, Kolten Wong had to depart the game after landing awkwardly at first base after a groundout.
Arenas' (1-3) day ended with four and a third innings, eight earned runs, and just two strikeouts.
Springfield starter Lyons (2-3) captured the victory after six spectacular innings of two run ball, only one earned. He struck out four Arkansas batters, three looking.
During the top of the eighth inning, the Cardinals hit a rough spot in the run column. Arkansas led off the inning with a double to right field by Adam Heether that turned scary for Springfield. Second baseman Jose Garcia and right fielder Oscar Taveras collided in right field as the ball dropped between them. Taveras left the game, but Garcia stayed at second. The Travelers then scored five runs by means of two singles, two doubles and a sacrifice fly off of Cardinals' relievers Jesse Simpson and Jorge Rondon to decrease the Springfield lead 9-7.
After the Cardinals added an insurance run on a fielder's choice by Chris Swauger in the bottom of the eighth inning, reliever Keith Butler entered the game hoping to secure the victory. The first two runners reached base on singles, but Butler was able to calm down and finish off the next three batters for his fourth save of the season.
The Cardinals will continue their four game series with the Arkansas Travelers Monday night at 7:08pm. Scott Gorgen will start for Springfield against lefty Greg Smith of the Travs. Great tickets are still available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.
Texas League Stories from May 6, 2012
- Early Hole Too Big for Travs - Arkansas Travelers
- Midland Takes Game Two over Frisco 3-1 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cardinals Hold on to 10-7 Win over Arkansas - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Drop 2nd Straight - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Edge Drillers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, May 6 vs. San Antonio - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Naturals Edge Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
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