TL1 Springfield Cardinals

Travelers Offense Powers Passed Cardinals 11-7

Published on August 3, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release


Little Rock, AR - Winners of seven of the last eight games, the Cardinals were primed to take game two of the short three-game series against the Arkansas Travelers. In the way was All-Star right hander Matt Shoemaker who came into the game with a 9-2 record and leading the Texas League with a 2.11 ERA. But, the Cardinals countered with an All-Star of their own with righty Michael Blazek who earned a win his last time out.

The Cardinals jumped out quickly against Shoemaker and the Travelers in the top of the first inning plating four runs. Jim Rapoport led off with a single and moved to second on a wild pitch. Ryan Jackson followed by being hit by a pitch before Matt Adams singled to right to drive in the games first run. After Aaron Luna was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Zack Cox doubled down the right field line scoring two more to make it 3-0. With two outs, Shoemaker walked Daryl Jones to load the bases again for Chris Swauger who was issued a free pass to bring home the fourth run of the inning.

The Travelers would respond in the home half of the first plating three runs of their own on an RBI double by Chris Pettit, a sacrifice fly from Gabe Jacobo and another RBI double by Blake Gailen to bring Arkansas within just a run, 4-3.

After a scoreless 2nd inning, Arkansas took the lead in the 3rd against Blazek. A one-out walk and a two out single led to Jesus Campos delivering a two-run double to give the Travs a 5-4 lead. Blazek left the game after the third throwing 83 pitches and allowing five runs, three earned, on four hits but walked a season high six batter.

Arkansas scored two more runs in the 4th against Jeff Lyman on a wild pitch and an RBI double by Blake Gailen to grab a 7-4 lead. Two more came across in the 5th on an RBI triple by Mike Trout and an RBI groundout by Darwin Perez to lead 9-4.

Springfield cut the deficit to just three runs in the 6th after knocking Shoemaker from the game. A solo homer from Audry Perez, who came in to replace Charlie Cutler who injured his hand in the 4th inning, started the 6th. Eric Duncan then doubled to chase Shoemaker. A batter later, Chris Swauger grounded out to short to score Duncan making it a 9-6 contest.

Scot Schneider, in his second inning of work, retired the first two batters in the 6th. He then allowed a single before Alberto Rosario blasted a two-run homer to put the Travelers up by five again, 11-6.

Cardinals' second baseman Eric Duncan then launched a solo homer, his 15th of the season, to deep right center in the 8th to make it an 11-7 game.

Francisco Samuel and Sam Freeman threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, but the Cardinals' offense couldn't get anything going in the 9th and lost 11-7 to even the series a game apiece.

Springfield will conclude their three-game series with the Arkansas Travelers Thursday night. The Cardinals will send highly touted prospect, right hander Shelby Miller, to the mound against righty Garrett Richards of the Travs at 7:10pm.

The Cardinals will return to Hammons Field Wednesday August 10th for a six game homestand beginning with the San Antonio Missions at 7:07pm. Great tickets are still available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.

Check out the Springfield Cardinals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Texas League Stories from August 3, 2011


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.

OurSports Central