Drillers Rally on Monday
Published on August 21, 2007 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
Rick Guarno's two-run homer with two outs in the ninth gave the Tulsa Drillers a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday night at Hammons Field. The Cards (28-28) are now 1 ½ games back of idle Arkansas in the North Division.
Leading 3-1 in the ninth, Cards' closer Jason Motte came on to try and get the final three outs. Motte walked lead-off hitter Aaron Rifkin, but followed with a strikeout of Matt Miller for the first out of the inning. Motte then got Chris Frey to bounce a ball to second baseman Casey Rowlett. In trying to start the game-ending double play, Rowlett's feet got tangled up and was able to only get the out at second base, prolonging the inning. Jordan Czarniecki doubled over the head of right fielder Reid Gorecki on the very next pitch, bringing home Frey to make it 3-2. Motte took Guarno to 3-2, before the Tulsa catcher crushed the payoff-pitch into the left field bullpen for his sixth homer of the year and a 4-3 lead.
Tulsa closer Steven Register earned his 35th save of the year by working a scoreless ninth. Gorecki picked up a two-out single, but was stranded when Mark Hamilton grounded out to end the game.
Tuesday's game featured a fantastic pitcher's duel, as both starters threw the ball well. Cards' starter P.J. Walters tied a franchise record by fanning ten batters over seven innings. Walters gave up just one run on six hits without issuing a walk.
Tulsa starter Ching-Lung Lo allowed three runs on just four hits in 7 2/3 innings. Henry Guerrero took Lo deep in the sixth, tying the game at 1-1 with his second homer of the year. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Colby Rasmus untied the game with his league-leading 23rd blast of the year, an opposite-field shot to give the Cards a 3-1 lead.
Tulsa reliever Gerardo Casadiego (1-0) got the win in relief, recording the final out of the eighth.
St. Louis Cardinals' pitcher Todd Wellemeyer will join the Springfield Cardinals' roster on Wednesday, as part of a Major League rehab assignment. Although it's unknown whether or not he'll start, Wellemeyer is expected to pitch in some capacity on Wednesday night at Hammons Field against the Tulsa Drillers.
Wellemeyer, who hasn't pitched since July 8th, has been on the Disabled List with a sprained right elbow. Since being claimed off waivers from Kansas City on May 15th earlier this season, the right-hander has made eight starts and 12 appearances for St. Louis, going 3-1 with a 4.19 ERA.
The Cardinals host the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night, in the second game of the four-game home stand. Wednesday night will be Dollar Dog Night, as hot dogs will be just one dollar all evening long. In addition, 3,000 fans will receive a free 2007 Springfield Cardinals Baseball Card Set thanks to the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks. Game time on Wednesday is 7:10pm and gates open at 6:10pm. Great seats are still available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com. We hope to see you at Hammons Field....Go Cards and Get Your Playoff RED On!
Texas League Stories from August 21, 2007
- Drillers Rally on Monday - Springfield Cardinals
- RoughRiders Lose Game, First Place to Missions - Frisco RoughRiders
- Drillers do it Again - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Address Stadium Issues - Tulsa Drillers
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