Franco, Hoffpauir Homer in Victory
April 19, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Springfield Cardinals used a four-run seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie, on their way to a 6-2 win over the Wichita Wranglers on Wednesday night at Hammons Field. The win for the Cards gives each team two wins in the series, as Thursday night now becomes the rubber game of the five-game set.
Iker Franco led off the seventh with a solo home run just inside the foul pole down the left field line. His second homer in as many nights and fourth of the year gave the Cards a 3-2 lead against Wichita reliever Derrick Depriest (0-1). Depriest, who recorded a save in his debut on Sunday, was rocked for four runs in just one inning of work.
After Franco's homer in the seventh, Reid Gorecki followed two batters later with a double. After Nick Stavinoha reached on an error by Wranglers shortstop Angel Sanchez, Rico Washington followed with a two-run double, making it 5-2. Washington later scored on an RBI fielder's choice off the bat of Matt Dryer, giving the Cardinals a four-run advantage.
Cory Doyne worked two consecutive scoreless frames to end the game, retiring all six men he faced.
Cards starter Stuart Pomeranz was outstanding on Wednesday night, carrying a shutout into the sixth inning. The Cards had a 1-0 lead on Jarrett Hoffpauir's first career Double-A home run in the fifth inning. Royals prospect Alex Gordon erased the deficit in the sixth though, as he connected to center field for a solo homer, his third of the year, tying the game at 1-1.
The Cards re-took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out, run-scoring single from Ty Parker.
The Wranglers answered back and finally chased Pomeranz in the seventh. With a runner at first and one out, Pomeranz was removed in favor of Rich Scalamandre. The Cardinals reliever allowed a hit-and-run single to Damaso Espino, putting runners at first and third with one out. Matt Tupman followed with a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 2-2. After a single by Angel Sanchez put two men on base, Scalamandre (1-0) got out of the inning, getting Donnie Murphy to fly out to the track in straight-away center field.
Pomeranz ended up getting a no-decision, allowing just two runs on five hits in a season-best 6.2 innings.
Wichita starter Kyle Middleton also received a no-decision, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings.
The Cardinals are now 8-5 and remain just one game back of Tulsa in the North Division. Mike Parisi (1-0) looks to make it two straight on Thursday night, taking on Wranglers lefty Juan Cedeno (0-1). Game time from Hammons Field will be 7:10pm. Missouri native Brad Bennett will be on hand Thursday night in a night filled with motorcycle and skate boarding stunts. Tickets are available for all seven remaining games in the home stand by calling (417) 863-2143 and at www.springfieldcardinals.com.
• Discuss this story on the Texas League message board...
Texas League Stories from April 19, 2006
- Travs Four Homers Not Enough In 8-6 Loss - Arkansas Travelers
- Koshansky powers Drillers past Travs - Tulsa Drillers
- Franco, Hoffpauir Homer in Victory - Springfield Cardinals
- Bonifay blast lifts Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Cards Partner with AT&T, Add to Promotional Schedule - Springfield Cardinals
- Hooks update - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Wranglers add to roster - Wichita Wranglers
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.
