SPRINGDALE, AR- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals used an eight-run first inning to defeat the Springfield Cardinals 12-4 on Saturday night at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals offense exploded for eight runs in the top of the first inning. The inning was the biggest for the team all year long and was highlighted by a Mario Lisson's three-run home run. The home run was number 40 of Lisson's Naturals' career.

Alex McClure added an RBI single in the bottom half of the third inning that scored Lisson to make it a 9-0 game. The Naturals offense did not stop there pushing across another run on an RBI single by Manny Pina that made it 10-0. The offense tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 12-0.

Michael Mariot (4-3) went six shutout innings allowing just three hits to earn the win. Buddy Baumann went the rest of the way for the Naturals. Richard Castillo (5-4) went just three innings allowing 11 hits and 10 runs, eight of which were earned.

The Cardinals picked up their first two runs of the game in the top of the eighth inning. Kolten Wong had an RBI double for the Cardinals, and Jermaine Curtis and RBI single that made it 12-2. Audry Perez added a two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to make it a 12-4 contest.

The Naturals continue their four-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Sunday night at 6:05 PM. The Naturals will send left-hander Mike Montgomery (1-2, 7.13) against the Cardinals Carlos Martinez (2-3, 2.75). The game can be heard on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket.