Little Rock, AR - The Springfield Cardinals used early runs and excellent pitching to take game one of the three game series with the Arkansas Travelers, 4-0.

Springfield started early on Saturday night plating two first inning runs on an RBI double by Oscar Taveras and a two-out RBI single by Chris Swauger to grab a quick 2-0 lead.

The Cardinals added two more in the 3rd as Taveras walked and Romak singled to put runners on the corners before Swauger bounced into an RBI fielder's choice and Romak was safe at second on a throwing error. A Greg Garcia single loaded the bases with no outs before Xavier Scruggs bounced into a double play plating the second run of the inning giving the Redbirds a 4-0 advantage.

Seth Maness was back to his normal self in his final tune up before the playoffs tossing five scoreless innings allowing just three hits while not walking a batter.

Carlos Martinez, Deryk Hooker and Eric Fornataro added scoreless innings out of the Springfield bullpen to keep the score 4-0 into the 9th.

Keith Butler entered in the 9th and delivered a perfect frame to hold on to the 8th shutout of the season for Springfield.

The Cardinals will their series in Little Rock against the Travelers tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. Scott Gorgen will make the start for Springfield against Jarrett Grube for the Travs.

Springfield will return home for game three of the North Division Playoffs Friday, Sept. 7th at 7:08pm. 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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