Cards Hammer Riders on Opening Night
April 10, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Springfield Cardinals got the opening day monkey off their back, winning for the first time in five tries on Opening Day, with a 16-4 win over the visiting Frisco RoughRiders at Hammons Field.
Brett Wallace had a career-day, belting two opposite-field home runs, while collecting six RBIs.
The night didn't go exactly to plan though, as a long rain delay lengthened the evening, with the game finishing just before 1am. It certainly started out well though, with Cards' Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter kicking off the 2009 season by tossing out the Ceremonial First Pitch.
Springfield got started quickly, with Wallace singling home the game's first run in the bottom of the first inning, as Donovan Solano scored from third to make it 1-0. Wallace followed his first-inning single with a two-out home run in the second, plating three runs to give the Cardinals a 6-2 lead over Frisco starter Omar Poveda (0-1).
Cards' starter Kyle Mura allowed two runs over three innings prior to the rain delay in what turned out to be a no-decision.
After a two-hour and forty minute rain delay, the game resumed and saw the Cardinals continue their offensive explosion. Andrew Brown's two-run double made it an 8-2 game. Brown would score on a wild pitch from reliever Tommy Hunter to make it a 9-2 affair.
Frisco got a pair of runs off of eventual winner Trey Hearne (1-0), tightening things up at 9-4.
But the Cards wouldn't be denied, as Wallace continued his assault. Wallace scored a run as part of a three-run sixth, then homered to lead off the seventh, making it 15-4. His RBI single capped a four-hit night in the eighth, as he chased home Tyler Henley to round out the scoring at 16-4.
Elvis Hernandez and Kristhiam Linares worked the final four innings, tossing scoreless relief for Springfield.
The Cards (1-0) and RoughRiders (0-1) resume their series on Friday night at Hammons Field. 4,000 fans will receive 2009 Springfield Cardinals Magnet Schedules featuring Chris Perez, all thanks to Great Southern. In addition, everyone will enjoy another fantastic Fireworks Celebration, thanks to AM Pyrotechnics. Tickets are available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143. Escape to Cardinals Baseball!
Texas League Stories from April 10, 2009
- RoughRiders shut out Springfield - Frisco RoughRiders
- Frisco Exacts Revenge; Cards and Andy's Team Up for New Treat! - Springfield Cardinals
- Jackson Powers Tulsa Past Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Naturals' bats alive vs. Missions Friday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Deduno, Jackson Lead Drillers To First Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Home Opener Thursday! - Tulsa Drillers
- Cards Hammer Riders on Opening Night - Springfield Cardinals
- Seventh Separates Hooks from Tulsa - Corpus Christi Hooks
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.
