Naturals Rally from Eight Down to Beat Cards
Published on April 30, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals completed an amazing comeback, scoring an unearned run in the bottom of the 12th inning, defeating the Springfield Cardinals by a score of 9-8 on Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark.
Thanks to an eight-run second inning, the Cards took an early 8-0 advantage. The Naturals would score the game's final nine runs though, including the game-winner on a throwing error.
Cards' reliever Elvis Hernandez (3-2) walked the lead-off hitter to open the 12th inning. Brian McFall was then sacrificed to second base. Cards' shortstop Mike Folli then mishandled a routine ground ball, for what should have been the second out of the inning. Chris McConnell stepped to the plate with runners at first and third and one out, grounding a one-hopper back to the mound. What should have been an inning-ending double-play turned into the final play of the game, as Hernandez delivered a wild throw into center field, allowing McFall to score the winning run.
Springfield's offense built a huge lead with a season-high eight runs in the second. Tyler Henley got the scoring started with a two-run triple. Folli followed with an RBI single to make it 3-0. Daryl Jones and Brett Wallace had back-to-back run-scoring hits, making it 5-0 against Naturals' starter Blake Wood. Steven Hill doubled both of them home to give the Cards a 7-0 lead. Daniel Descalso capped the inning with one of his four hits, an RBI single to make it 8-0.
Cards' starter Brad Furnish couldn't hold the lead though, as he surrendered five runs in the third, as the Naturals made it 8-5 after three innings. Furnish gave up another in the fifth and was chased after just 4 2/3 innings.
Leading 8-6 in the seventh, Cards' reliever Tyler Norrick couldn't hold the lead, as he served up the game-tying two-run homer to Corey Smith, evening the game at 8-8.
Naturals' reliever Chris Nicoll (2-0) got the win, tossing two scoreless innings of relief.
Springfield (11-8) has now lost three straight and is just one game up over Northwest Arkansas in the North Division. The Redbirds send Tyler Herron (0-1) to the hill on Thursday, trying to avoid the four-game sweep. The Naturals will counter with Matt Kniginyzky (0-1). Game time from Arvest Ballpark is scheduled for 7:00pm.
The Cards will return to Hammons Field after their eight game road trip, taking on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday, May 5th, in the opening game of a four-game home stand. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at springfieldcardinals.com. Escape to Hammons Field....Go Cards!
Texas League Stories from April 30, 2009
- Bowden Completes Amazing Comeback - Tulsa Drillers
- Bowden Completes Amazing Comeback - Tulsa Drillers
- Springfield salvages last game of series - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards Avoid Sweep in 6-2 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Owasso Native Kozma To Join Cards In Tulsa Friday - Tulsa Drillers
- Blake Johnson to DL, Cevette activated - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Patchett Leaves For Salt Lake - Arkansas Travelers
- Quick Homestand Kicks off Busy May - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Let One Walk Away - San Antonio Missions
- RHP Rolando Valdez Added to Missions Roster - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Rally from Eight Down to Beat Cards - Springfield Cardinals
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