Springfield, MO - Heartbeats got a little quick in the 9th, but the Springfield Cardinals held on to a 4-3 win over Tulsa to win their 7th consecutive game.

Springfield had righty Scott McGregor on the mound against righty, and Tulsa native, Parker Frazier of the Drillers.

The Cardinals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first inning as Greg Garcia double, Oscar Taveras singled and Jamie Romak brought home Garcia with an RBI single to take a quick 1-0 lead.

McGregor was dealing for the Cardinals through the first four innings, but a one out double by Jose Gonzalez started a bit of a rally for the Drillers. After a ground out, Parker Frazier's swinging bunt down the third base line scored Gonzalez to tie the 1-1 after five innings.

In the 6th, Springfield regained the lead as Jamie Romak led off with a double and scored on a one out RBI double by Xavier Scruggs. Audry Perez followed by grounding a ball under to glove of Nolan Arenado at third base scoring Scruggs to give the Redbirds a 3-1 lead.

Tulsa got a run back in the 7th as Corey Dickerson and Tim Torres started the inning with singles, moved up a base on a sacrifice bunt and Dickerson scored on a groundout by Warren Schaeffer to make it a 3-2 game. McGregor left after the 7th allowing just two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.

Springfield got a much needed insurance run in the 9th as Adam Melker hit his second homer in as many days, a solo shot, to give the Cardinals a two run lead, 4-2.

After a scoreless frame in the 8th by Deryk Hooker, Keith Butler allowed two hits with one out in the 9th. Pinch-hitter Kent Matthes then singled to score Torres to bring the Drillers within one. But, Butler settled in to retire the next two batters on fly balls to the outfield to end the game with Springfield in front 4-3, their 7th straight win.

The Cardinals continue their four-game series against the Tulsa Drillers Tuesday night at 7:05pm. Springfield will send Scott Gorgen to the mound against Josh Outman.

Springfield will return home to Hammons Field Friday to begin a four game set with NW Arkansas. Friday is the FINAL World Series Championship Replica Ring Giveaway night of the season. 2,000 fans will receive this outstanding item, so get your tickets now and get to the ball park early. Friday is also another AM Pyrotechnics Friday night fireworks night. Great tickets are still available, so visit the Hammons Field Ticket Office, go online at springfieldcardinals.com or call (417) 863-2143.

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