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TL1 Springfield Cardinals

Naturals Sweep; 2009 Season Ends

September 11, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release


The Northwest Arkansas Naturals clinched a berth in the Texas League Championship Series for the first time in their franchise's history, defeating the Springfield Cardinals by a score of 2-1 on Friday night at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas.

Kert Mertins' two-out hard-grounder off the glove of third baseman Joe Mather brought home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, as pinch-runner Jose Duarte scored from third to complete a three-game sweep in the best-of-five series.

Cards' reliever Chuckie Fick (0-1) issued a lead-off walk to Vance Wilson, to open the ninth inning. With Duarte pinch-running at first, Cody Clark bunted his way aboard, moving the winning run to second. After Marc Maddox popped back to the mound for the first out, Jarrod Dyson chopped a ground ball to shortstop Pete Kozma. Kozma's throw to first was in time for the second out, but the runners moved to second and third for Mertins. Already with five RBIs in the series, Mertins hit a chopper that kicked off the glove of Mather, bringing home Duarte with the game-winner.

Cards' starter Brandon Dickson turned in one of the best performances of the season, keeping the Cards in the game through seven innings.

Facing a must-win situation, Dickson allowed a first-inning run, when Jeff Bianchi and Ed Lucas hit back-to-back doubles to put the Naturals in front 1-0. Dickson settled in though, allowing just the one run on six hits over seven full innings.

The Cards pulled even in the fourth inning against Naturals' starter Rowdy Hardy. Colt Sedbrook singled to open the inning, then moved to second on Daryl Jones' groundout. Sedbrook would tie the game at 1-1, scoring on a ball hit by Pete Kozma, as his hard line drive went off the glove of center fielder Jarrod Dyson.

Hardy would be charged with one unearned run over 7 1/3 innings, as he allowed just three hits.

Northwest Arkansas reliever Blake Wood (1-0) faced the minimum over 2 1/3 innings, earning the win in relief.

The Naturals will now face the winner of the Midland/San Antonio series in the Texas League Championship Series. Midland edged San Antonio on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Springfield Cardinals would once again like to thank everyone who visited Hammons Field this season. THANK YOU to the fans, the corporate partners, the sponsors, the media, the players, the coaches, the game-day staff, the Junior Associates and all of the staff who helped to make Season Five of Springfield Cardinals Baseball, so very special. We hope to see you at Hammons Field in April of 2010, for next year's season-opener. THANK YOU again for all of your overwhelming support. GO Cards!

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