Cardinals Slug Travs 10-6
Published on June 21, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
Little Rock, AR - Springfield came into Thursday night's game looking to salvage one in the four-game series with the Arkansas Travelers after losing three straight close games.
The Cardinals sent righty Kevin Thomas to the mound making a spot start for Scott Gorgen who was starting for AAA Memphis in Omaha. The Travs countered with All-Star righty AJ Schugel.
Springfield wasted no time taking a lead in the first inning and they did it all with two outs. Matt Carpenter walked and Chris Swauger followed with a single. With runners on the corners, Jake Shaffer doubled off the right field wall to make it 2-0. Jose Garcia and Greg Garcia each delivered RBI singles to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead.
But, Kevin Thomas quickly allowed the Travs back in the game allowing three 1st inning runs. After two walks and a hit batter, Thomas finally threw a strike on his 15th pitch to Ryan Mount. Mount then grounded a pitch to first where Matt Carpenter's throw hit the runner in the back and allowed two runs to score. An RBI ground out by Casey Haerther made it a 4-3 game.
The Travs came back with a run in the 2nd as Thomas allowed a two-out double and walked the next two batters to load the bases. Michael Blazek came in out of the bullpen and walked Ryan Mount to tie the game 4-4. Arkansas could have added more, but Jake Shaffer made a spectacular diving catch in left to rob Casey Haerther and end the inning.
In the 5th inning still tied, the Cardinals got a lead-off single from Kolten Wong and a two-run homer from major league rehabber Matt Carpenter to take a 6-4 lead.
Blazek was outstanding out of the bullpen throwing three and a third shut out innings allowing no hits and striking out five Travs' hitters.
Springfield added three more to their tally in the 6th As Jermaine delivered a two-out, two-run double and Matt Carpenter followed with an RBI single to grab a 9-4 lead.
Deryk Hooker came in out of the bullpen, on the 23rd birthday no less, and allowed a lead-off double and an infield single to put runners on the corners with no outs. Carlos Ramirez drew a walk as the runner from first was in motion and Travis Tartamella's throw went into center field allowing a run to score making it 9-5. But, Hooker settled in getting the next three batters to keep it at a four run game.
The Redbirds added one more insurance run in the 8th as Kolten Wong singled home Adam Melker to bring the score to 10-5. Wong finshed 2-for-5 with an RBI and Matt Carpenter led the Cardinals offense going 3-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and two walks.
Springfield will begin a four-game set with the Tulsa Drillers tomorrow night at 7:05pm in Tulsa. The Cardinals will send Seth Maness to the mound against Nick Schmidt of the Drillers.
The Cardinals will not return home until Friday, June 29th after the All-Star break to host the Frisco RoughRiders in a three game series. Every Friday is a Fireworks Friday thanks to AM Pyrotechnics. Great tickets are still available, so visit the Hammons Field Ticket Office, go online at springfieldcardinals.com or call (417) 863-2143.
Texas League Stories from June 21, 2012
- Springfield Salvages Series with 10-6 Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Slug Travs 10-6 - Springfield Cardinals
- Freiman's Walkoff Lifts Missions Over Hooks 5-3 - San Antonio Missions
- 'Riders Late Inning Comeback Falls Short - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cabrera Helps Drillers Snap Skid - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Hang On, Avoid Sweep - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Pimentel Added to South Division All-Star Team - Frisco RoughRiders
- Marimon Joins Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Olt & Profar Named to All-Star Futures Game - Frisco RoughRiders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
