Craig Wins It with Walk-Off Homer
Published on July 11, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
Allen Craig delivered a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, as the Springfield Cardinals defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals by a score of 4-2 on Friday night at Hammons Field.
Craig's team-high 14-game hitting streak was in jeopardy of coming to an end on Friday, going 0-for-4, prior to his ninth-inning at-bat. But with one out and Tyler Greene at second, Craig not only tied a franchise record with a hit in 15 straight games, he belted his team-leading 15th homer of the year to right field, ending Springfield's two-game skid.
Naturals' reliever Kyle Crist (3-1) opened the bottom of the ninth by hitting Greene in the back. Jose Martinez laid down a sacrifice bunt to push the winning run into scoring position. Craig followed with the game-winner, his second home run in as many games of the series.
Northwest Arkansas took an early first-inning lead, as former Springfield Cardinal Juan Richardson connected for a two-run homer, giving the Naturals a 2-0 lead against Cards' starter Adam Daniels.
Matt Pagnozzi's two-out homer to left put the Cards on the board in the second inning, making it a 2-1 game.
Greene homered to open the fifth inning, his 11th of the year, tying the game at 2-2 against Naturals' starter Blake Johnson.
The game remained tied, thanks to some strong pitching. Daniels got into some two-out trouble in the fifth, leaving with the bases loaded. Josh Dew, who retired all four hitters he faced over 1 1/3 scoreless innings, retired Ed Lucas on a grounder to get out of the jam. Marco Gonzalez and Luke Gregerson combined for three scoreless frames behind Dew, with Gregerson (5-5) getting the win.
Naturals starter Blake Johnson allowed ten hits over 6 1/3 innings, but yielded only two runs in the no-decision.
Greene and Pagnozzi each finished with a solo homer and three hits to lead Springfield's 12-hit attack.
The Cards (10-9) look to make it two straight on Saturday night, sending Tyler Herron (4-4) to the mound against Naturals' right-hander Dan Cortes (4-3). 2,500 kids 12 and under on Saturday night, will receive a Springfield Cardinals Back Pack Lunch Box, thanks to Hiland Dairy. Gates open at 5:10pm and game time on Saturday is 6:10pm. Sunday is a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and Kids will "Run the Bases" after the game thanks to the Killian Group of Companies. Game time on Sunday is 6:10pm as well. Tickets are available for all regular season games at Hammons Field by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com.
Texas League Stories from July 11, 2008
- Sutton, Sutil Power Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Roe, Drillers Dominate Travelers - Arkansas Travelers
- Craig Wins It with Walk-Off Homer - Springfield Cardinals
- Craig with Walk-Off Homer - Springfield Cardinals
- Craig with Walk-Off Homer - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers make it five in a row - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Returning to Arvest on Monday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Hosting Cardinals July 14-17 - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Hosting Cardinals July 14-17 - Tulsa Drillers
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.
