Cardinals win 4th straight, 3-2, against Frisco

Springfield, MO - 3B Ruben Gotay struck with an RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning, propelling the Springfield Cardinals to the 3-2 win against the Frisco RoughRiders before 3,427 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday night. The Cards have won their last four games, pulling within just two games of tying the 1st-place Arkansas Travelers.

For the first time in the last five games, the Cardinals opponent struck first, with Frisco (18-28, 57-59) cracking the scoreless tie in the top of the first inning against RHP Richard Castillo. With one down and the bases clear, 2B Rougned Odor knocked a solo home run over the right field wall, lifting the RoughRiders into the 1-0 lead.

Frisco RHP Neil Ramirez logged a pair of scoreless innings and RHP Arlett Mavare followed suit in the third and the fourth before the Cardinals (23-23, 56-58) evened it out in the bottom of the fifth. On the inning's first pitch, 1B Xavier Scruggs ripped a low fly ball over the left field fence, swatting a solo shot to tie the game at 1-1.

However, Frisco responded with a home run of its own in the top of the sixth inning. Castillo retired the first two of the frame, but 1B Brett Nicholas struck with a solo home run to swing the RoughRiders back in front, 2-1.

The Cardinals refused to stay down for long, tying the game again in the bottom of the sixth inning. After a ground out, a walk by CF James Ramsey and a single from 2B Colin Walsh put runners at the corners with one down. While dealing to Gotay, Mavare was called on a balk, advancing both runners ninety feet with Ramsey scoring on the call, squaring the score at 2-2.

Gotay then lifted the Cardinals in front in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ramsey started the inning with a walk, before LHP Jimmy Reyes (L, 1-4) induced a foul pop out against his final batter faced. RHP Lisalverto Bonilla took over to face Gotay, who promptly launched the first pitch to right-center for an RBI double that plated Ramsey from first base and gave the Cardinals the 3-2 advantage.

LHP Justin Wright (W, 1-1) started the top of the ninth with a hit batter, giving way to RHP Jose Almarante (S, 1). Almarante got CF Joe Benson to bounce into a fielder's choice, followed by a pop out from RF Chih-Hsien Chiang. Benson then tried to swipe second base, but C Cody Stanley threw him out for the final out in the 3-2 win for Springfield.

Click here for the complete box score from Wednesday's game.

Springfield takes on the RoughRiders on Thursday at 7:09pm. Thursday features the U.S. Cellular Lance Lynn Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans, and it is also a Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night with delicious bratwursts for just a buck each. Gates open at 6:09pm.

This Friday is the next installment of the phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks after the Cardinals take on the Midland RockHounds at 7:09pm. This week's can't miss show will feature music by The King. Gates open at 6:09pm.

The series with Midland continues on Saturday with the Mercy Texas League Championship Dry Fit T-Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. First Pitch is 6:09pm with gates opening at 5:09pm.

The homestand wraps up on Sunday with the Maria's Mexican Restaurant Shelby Miller Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Sunday's game is also a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with a free ice cream party for kids before the game, and then all kids can run the bases after the game. First Pitch is 6:09pm, gates open at 5:09pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for the Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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