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TL1 Springfield Cardinals

Cards Falter in Ninth

August 2, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release


The Springfield Cardinals melted down in the ninth inning on Sunday afternoon, as Northwest Arkansas completed a four-run comeback to defeat the Redbirds, 5-4 at Arvest Ballpark.

Leading 4-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Springfield closer Francisco Samuel walked all three hitters he faced to load the bases. Manager "Pop" Warner went to the bullpen and brought in right-hander Chuckie Fick, who had yet to appear since being called up from Palm Beach of the Florida State League.

Thrust into a tough situation, Fick rose to the occasion by striking out the first batter he faced, as Jose Duarte went down on strikes for the first out. David Lough followed with a single though, chasing home a run to make it 4-2. With the bases loaded and one out, catcher Tony Cruz allowed a Fick pitch to deflect off his glove for a passed ball, allowing another run to score, making it a one-run game at 4-3. Jarrod Dyson followed by grounding a chopper to shortstop Pete Kozma. Kozma's throw to the plate was off the mark, as Josh Johnson scored to tie the game at 4-4. Vance Wilson followed with a chopper to third baseman Donovan Solano. Solano's throw to the plate to get Lough was late, as the Naturals completed the comeback.

The rough ninth inning overshadowed Lance Lynn's solid performance, as he was foiled in his bid to win a tenth game at the Double-A level. Lynn allowed just one run on six hits over six innings, striking out five, without walking a batter in the no-decision.

Springfield built a 3-0 lead in the second, Andrew Brown scoring on a wild pitch by Naturals' starter Blake Johnson, putting the Cards on the board at 1-0. RBI hits from Kozma and Jim Rapoport followed to make it 3-0.

Steven Hill added to a 3-1 lead in the eighth, as he deposited one over the right-field wall for his team-leading 18th homer of the year, giving the Cards a 4-1 advantage. Hill's 18 home runs are now tied for the most in the league.

Naturals' reliever Aaron Hartsock (2-1) earned the win, while Fick (0-1) took the tough-luck loss in his debut.

Springfield (16-19, 54-51) looks to put it back together on Monday, in the road-trip finale. Left-hander Nick Additon (0-1) takes on fellow lefty Everett Teaford (3-4) at 7:00pm.

The Cards return to Hammons Field to open a seven-game home stand against Arkansas and Tulsa, beginning on Tuesday, August 4th. Don't miss out on Bruce Sutter Bobblehead Giveaway on Saturday, August 8th, thanks to Hardee's. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at springfieldcardinals.com.

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