Cards Complete Sweep with 9-3 Win
Published on April 26, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Springfield Cardinals won their sixth straight game, completing a four-game sweep over the Tulsa Drillers, thanks to a 9-3 win on Sunday at Hammons Field.
The win for the Redbirds (11-5) gives them a four-game lead over the three other teams in the Texas League's North Division.
Trey Hearne pitched six strong innings of relief, while picking up an RBI single offensively. Hearne (1-0) earned his first Double-A win, taking over after Kyle Mura struggled over three innings, allowing just one run on four hits with six strikeouts. Hearne also picked up his first career hit and RBI, as he chipped in with an RBI single as part of a four-run fifth inning.
The Cards took an early 2-0 lead in the first, when after Brett Wallace reached on a throwing error, Steven Hill crushed a long home run to left field, his team-leading fifth of the year.
The Drillers tied the game in the third inning, as Chris Nelson and Jeff Kindel each picked up an RBI hit to even the score at 2-2.
Hill and the Cards responded in the bottom of the inning, taking the lead for good, as Hill singled home a run to make it 3-2. Daniel Descalso followed with an RBI single, putting Springfield in front 4-2.
Jim Rapoport knocked in Antonio DeJesus in the fourth, as the Cards extended their lead to 5-2.
A four-run fifth inning blew the game open against Tulsa starter Jhoulys Chacin (1-3). Mark Hamilton drove home a run with an RBI single, making it 6-2. DeJesus followed with a two-run triple, giving Springfield an 8-2 advantage. Hearne capped the inning with an infield hit, scoring DeJesus for a 9-2 lead.
Hearne's only run allowed came in the sixth, when Tulsa catcher Mike McKenry took him deep for his third homer of the year, making it 9-3.
Tulsa would get no closer, as Hearne retired the final eight batters he faced.
Springfield made a roster move on Sunday afternoon, placing Justin Fiske on the Disabled List with a stress reaction in his left elbow. Starting on Monday night in Northwest Arkansas in Fiske's place, will be left-hander Ryan Kulik, who was just called up from Palm Beach of the Florida State League. The Naturals will counter with Anthony Lerew (1-0), with game time scheduled for 6:30pm from Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas.
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 26, 2009
- Cards Sweep Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Back Home Monday - Tulsa Drillers
- Travs pull away late, defeat Naturals 8-1 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Smoak on Water; Frisco Trips Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Down Naturals 8-1 Sunday To Take Series - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards Complete Sweep with 9-3 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Missions Do Everything Right to End Losing Streak - San Antonio Missions
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.
