Travs stun Cards, win division

It came as no surprise to manager Bobby Magallanes that his Arkansas Travelers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the 11th inning Tuesday to defeat the Springfield Cardinals, 7-6, and clinch the Texas League North Division first-half crown.

"This was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen," Magallanes said in a jubilant clubhouse. "We've been a good come-from-behind team all year because this team shows a lot of heart."

Adam Greenberg capped the comeback with a single to right field, plating Anderson Rosario with the pennant-winning run.

Trailing, 6-4, the Travelers knotted the game on RBI singles by Corey Smith and Jordan Czarniecki. Arkansas also was down, 4-3, with two outs in the ninth when Michael Collins homered.

"That really turned the momentum around," Magallanes said.

The Travelers' second-year manager also credited the bullpen with keeping his team in the game. Daniel Davidson, who relieved starter Fernando Rodriguez in the third with Arkansas trailing, 3-0, allowed one run on two hits with six strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

"Davidson gave us a solid outing," Magallanes said. "He did an outstanding job."

Ryan Aldridge (1-0) got the final out in the top of the 11th to pick up the win.

Along with Collins, the Travelers (36-34) got homers from Czarniecki and Nate Sutton, both of whom went 3-for-5.

The Cardinals (36-34) grabbed a 6-4 lead in the top of the 11th on RBI doubles by Shane Robinson and Jon Jay. Allen Craig was 2-for-6 with a double and two RBIs for Springfield.

Luke Gregerson (3-4) was saddled with the loss after surrendering three runs on five hits and a walk with one strikeout in 1 1/3 innings. Cardinals starter Jess Todd allowed two runs on seven hits over seven frames, strikikng out four.