Cards Avoid Sweep in 6-2 Win
Published on April 30, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Springfield Cardinals salvaged the final game of the four-game series in Northwest Arkansas, snapping a three-game skid with a 6-2 victory over the Naturals on Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark.
Cards' starter Tyler Herron turned his best start of the year, working six innings, allowing just two runs on seven hits. The right-hander walked just one, fanning three, while winning his first decision of the year.
One night after blowing an eight-run lead, Springfield would hold on to a big lead on Thursday.
After Brett Wallace's fifth homer of the year tied the game in the fourth, the Cards' offense exploded for five runs in the fifth against Naturals' starter Matt Kniginyzky (0-2).
Mark Hamilton's two-run homer to right field gave the Cards the lead for good at 3-1. Two batters later, Jim Rapoport parked one into the right field bullpen for a 4-1 lead, his second round-tripper of the year. With two outs, Tony Cruz and Daniel Descalso picked up back-to-back run-scoring hits, as the Cards took a 6-1 advantage.
Herron (1-1) gave up a run in the fifth, as the Naturals picked up three straight two-out hits, with Kurt Mertins knocking in Josh Johnson to make it 6-2. Mario Lisson grounded out to end the inning though, keeping Herron and the Cards in front by four.
Eddie Degerman chipped in with a scoreless seventh, but got into some trouble in the eighth, giving up a pair of one-out singles. Francisco Samuel was called upon to get the final four outs, but walked the first man he faced, loading the bases with two outs in the eighth. Samuel recovered though, striking out pinch-hitter John Suomi to end the inning. He then worked a scoreless ninth to record his league-leading sixth save of the year.
With the win, Springfield improves to 12-8 and now owns a two-game lead in the North Division. Trey Hearne (1-0) will step into the Springfield rotation on Friday, as he makes his first start of the year. The Drillers will go with right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (1-3) in the opening game of the four-game series. Game time from Drillers Stadium is 7:05pm.
The Cards will return to Hammons Field after their eight game road trip, taking on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday, May 5th, in the opening game of a four-game home stand. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at springfieldcardinals.com. Escape to Hammons Field....Go Cards!
Texas League Stories from April 30, 2009
- Bowden Completes Amazing Comeback - Tulsa Drillers
- Bowden Completes Amazing Comeback - Tulsa Drillers
- Springfield salvages last game of series - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards Avoid Sweep in 6-2 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Owasso Native Kozma To Join Cards In Tulsa Friday - Tulsa Drillers
- Blake Johnson to DL, Cevette activated - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Patchett Leaves For Salt Lake - Arkansas Travelers
- Quick Homestand Kicks off Busy May - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Let One Walk Away - San Antonio Missions
- RHP Rolando Valdez Added to Missions Roster - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Rally from Eight Down to Beat Cards - Springfield Cardinals
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