TL1 Springfield Cardinals

Travs Take Down Cards on Wednesday

July 23, 2008 - Texas League (TL1)
Springfield Cardinals News Release


Arkansas starting pitcher Dan Denham pitched seven strong innings on Wednesday night, as the Arkansas Travelers defeated the Springfield Cardinals by a score of 4-2 at Hammons Field.

Solo homers from Mark Shorey and Jose Martinez were the only blemishes against Denham (8-8), as he allowed just two runs on five hits over his seven frames. The Travs' bullpen nearly gave it away in the ninth, as Ryan Aldridge allowed three base-runners, but held on for his fourth save.

Leading 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Aldridge walked Andrew Brown on four pitches to open the inning, bringing the tying run to the plate. Shorey, who in the second inning gave Springfield a 1-0 lead with his ninth homer of the year, lined out softly to shortstop Wil Ortiz for the first out. On the play, Brown drifted too far from the bag at first base and consequently was doubled off by Ortiz. Jose Martinez followed with his third hit of the night, a double to left field. Brandon Yarbrough then walked on a 3-2 pitch, putting the tying runs on base for Matt Pagnozzi. Aldridge got Pagnozzi swinging though, ending the game and earning the save.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth, the Travs pounced on Cards' starter Jess Todd (3-4) for three runs. Chris Pettit led off the fourth with a double, then scored on a Brian Stavisky single, tying the game at 1-1. Corey Smith followed with a monstrous homer to left, his 15th of the year to give the Travs a 3-1 advantage.

Arkansas chased Todd in the fifth, as Pettit brought home Adam Greenberg with an RBI single, making it 4-1.

Todd (3-4) left after just 4 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits.

Martinez capped Springfield's scoring with a solo shot in the fifth, bringing the Redbirds to within two at 4-2. Denham would settle down, getting through the seventh with the two-run lead.

Barret Browning struck out three in a scoreless eighth, before turning it over to Aldridge in the ninth.

Springfield (18-14) and Arkansas (10-22) will go at it in the rubber game of the three-game series on Thursday night at Hammons Field. Adam Ottavino (2-5) will take on Amalio Diaz (0-2) of Arkansas. 2,500 fans will receive a Cardinals' Tumbler thanks to Cody's on Thursday night. Game time is 7:10pm and gates open at 6:10pm. Tickets are still available for the final three games of the home stand, by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com.

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