Cards to open seven game home stand
August 9, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Springfield Cardinals lost for a third straight game on Wednesday night, falling to the Midland RockHounds by a final score of 2-1. The loss for the Cards drops them to 19-27 in the North Division, now eight games behind Wichita.
For a third straight game, the Cards' offense was held to just a single run, as they were swept in a three-game series for only the second time in franchise history.
Springfield starter Jordan Pals (7-7) had a great outing, surrendering just two runs on six hits over seven innings.
The offense gave him just one run to work with though, as Reid Gorecki's RBI single brought home Kevin Estrada in the fourth, as Springfield went up 1-0.
The lead didn't last long though, as Midland tied it in the bottom of the inning. Brian Stavisky led off with a double off the wall in left-field. Stavisky scored from third one out later, as Kevin Melillo's ground ball to second base tied the game at 1-1.
The RockHounds took the lead for good in the fifth. Lloyd Turner opened the frame with a single, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. After going to third on a single by Mark Kiger, Turner scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Ronnie Merrill, giving Midland a 2-1 advantage.
The Cards had few chances against the Midland bullpen, once RockHounds' starter Kevin Olsen was removed. Olsen (3-1) allowed just one run on six hits over six innings, in earning the win.
Jeff Coleman and former Cardinal Sam Walton combined to work the seventh and eighth, before turning it over to closer Marcus McBeth.
Springfield got a huge break in the ninth, as Kevin Estrada's fly ball to center field was dropped by Midland center fielder Matt Allegra. With Estrada at second base and only one out, McBeth retired the next two hitters. Shaun Boyd popped up for the second out and Reid Gorecki, who led the Cards with three of their seven hits, struck out swinging, giving McBeth his 14th save of the year.
The Cards return to Hammons Field on Thursday, as they start a seven-game home stand against Frisco and Midland. Thursday, August 10th is G.L. Moore Tire Giveaway Night as nine sets of tires and 5,000 discount coupons will be given away thanks to G.L. Moore Tire. Don't forget that on Monday, August 14th, 2,500 fans will receive a free Bob Gibson Bobblehead Doll thanks to Cingular! Bring a new or unused Children's book on Monday, August 14th as well, and support Reading Roundup to help promote literacy in the Ozarks. Tickets are available for the upcoming home stand by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com.
• Discuss this story on the Texas League message board...
Texas League Stories from August 9, 2006
- Travs rally late, but fall short in 7-6 loss - Arkansas Travelers
- Koshansky sinks Hooks - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks fall 7-3 to Tulsa - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Cards to open seven game home stand - Springfield Cardinals
- Annual Stampede Wranglers Awards Banquet - Wichita Wranglers
- Plenty of Exciting Promotions Remain In Final 11 Home Games - Springfield Cardinals
- Late rally falls short, Hooks lose 5-4 - 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.
