Cards Shutout by Naturals 5-0
The Cardinals sent red-hot lefty John Gast to the mound in search of his fourth straight victory. Against him was right hander Jake Odorizzi, the Royals 4th best prospect according to Baseball America.
Both teams exchanged zeroes through the first two and a half innings before Gast ran into problems in the bottom of the 3rd. A one out single by Christian Colon and an infield single that Wil Myers beat out, much to the chagrin of Gast and Manager Mike Shildt, began the rally. Johnny Whittleman followed with a two-run double to center to give the Naturals a 2-0 lead.
Gast would last six innings in his start allowing just the two runs on eight hits while striking out five.
Springfield could never get to Odorizzi while he was on the mound. The Cardinals had runners in scoring position just four times in the first seven innings and could not deliver a clutch base hit. Odorizzi ended his out throwing seven shutout innings allowing just four hits while striking out a career high 11.
In the 8th, the Naturals added three more runs against Cardinals' reliever Keith Butler as Sharlon Schoop homered and Julio Rodriguez doubled home two more runs to give NW Arkansas a 5-0 lead.
Springfield never could get their bats going as they collected just four hits and had six total base runners on the night.
The Redbirds will continue their four-game series tomorrow night at NW Arkansas at 7:00pm. Springfield will sent righty Trevor Rosenthal to the mound against Noel Arguelles of the Naturals.
The Cardinals will return home for an eight-game homestand Tuesday, May 1st against the NW Arkansas Naturals. Every Tuesday is a Great Southern Bank Dollar Dog Day featuring $1 hot dogs all game long. It's also Drury University's Red Cardinals T-Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Tickets are available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.
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