In the top of the first inning, the Hooks got off to a fast start as Jon Singleton hit a two-run home run to left field.

The Cardinals answered in the bottom of the inning. Oscar Taveras grounded into a fielder's choice scoring Kolten Wong from third base. Xavier Scruggs added a two-run home run to give Springfield a 3-2 lead after one inning.

The lead didn't last.

Corpus Christi scored six runs off starter Scott McGregor in the second inning. The inning started with three straight runners reaching base on one walk and two singles. Hooks starter Matt Heidenreich then hit a sacrifice fly to left field for the first run and out.

Another run scored as McGregor hit Andy Simunic with the bases loaded. Singleton then came up and hit a ball to first base. Scruggs fielded it and looked to second, but threw back to first. However, McGregor wasn't covering first and two runs scored on an error.

A batter later, Jake Goebbert hit an RBI groundout to second for the Hooks' fifth run. Bobby Borchering then singled in the sixth and final run of the inning.

McGregor (5-2) lasted only an inning and two-thirds in the game. The start was his shortest on the season. The righty allowed eight runs, five earned, on only four hits. He also allowed three walks and a hit batsman. This is the second start in a row against the Hooks that McGregor has given up five earned runs. He pitched against them in Corpus Christi during his previous start on Aug. 12.

Four more runs came across the plate for the Hooks in the top of the sixth. Jacob Goebbert singled in a run for his second RBI of the game. The next batter, Austin Wates, hit a three-run home run, putting Corpus Christi up 12-3. The four runs were split evenly off Springfield relievers Chase Reid and Kevin Thomas.

Heidenreich (2-1) pitched sixth innings for Corpus Christi. He allowed three unearned runs on six hits and three strikeouts. He battled in and out of trouble all night long. The second was the only inning he allowed a base runner.

In the bottom of the eighth, Springfield added a run to cut the deficit to eight runs. Taveras hit an RBI double to center field scoring Wong from second base.

Springfield will continue their three-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks tomorrow night at 6:08pm. The Cardinals will have Richard Castillo on the mound against Paul Clemens of the Hooks.

Every Sunday is a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday at Hammons Field where all kids receive an ice cream treat on the Prime Patio prior to the game. Kids also get to run the bases after the game. The Cardinals will be wearing Teal Cardinals jerseys tomorrow night that will be available for auction to benefit GYNCA. 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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