Travs escape with 4-3 win in Arkansas

North Little Rock, AR - The Springfield Cardinals got the tying run into scoring position in the 9th, but the Arkansas Travelers escaped with the 4-3 win before 5,096 fans at Dickey-Stephens Park on Wednesday night.

The Travelers (14-12, 48-48) seized the early advantage in the bottom of the first inning against RHP Kurt Heyer (L, 3-7). LF Maikol Gonzalez led off with a walk, before moving to second on a groundout. One out later, 1B Brian Hernandez placed an RBI double inside the right field line, plating Gonzalez for the 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals (9-17, 43-53) raced in front with three runs in the top of the fourth against LHP Michael Roth (W, 8-5). LF Mike O'Neill sparked the rally with his third double of the series to lead off the inning. 2B Breyvic Valera then laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved O'Neill to third base and led to a throwing error on 1B Brian Hernandez, enabling Valera to reach base as well. DH Curt Smith wasted no time bringing both runners in, tattooing a two-run double to right-center field to leapfrog the Cardinals in front. Two outs later, RF Starlin Rodriguez brought in Smith with a perfectly-placed RBI single up the middle, stretching the new lead to 3-1. Rodriguez wrapped up the series going 6-for-11 with two RBIs through the four games.

After the early run from Arkansas, Heyer dug in on the mound and rattled off 12 straight outs from the final out in the first through the first two outs in the fifth.

The Travelers, though, reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Gonzalez again started the charge with a walk, before a double from 2B Alex Yarbrough. CF Matt Long struck with an RBI single, leading to RHP Chris Thomas taking over on the mound. Hernandez dealt the next blow with an RBI sacrifice fly to right field, before Thomas recorded the frame's second out with a foul pop up. However, C Jett Bandy cracked the 3-3 tie with a two-out RBI base hit to bring in Long for the 4-3 lead.

Springfield refused to go down without a fight, attempting the comeback in the top of the ninth against RHP Daniel Reynolds (S, 2). 1B Jonathan Rodriguez led off with a single, before giving way to INF Matt Williams as a pinch runner. After a foul out, RF Starlin Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to advance Williams into scoring position. Reynolds, however, came back with a pop out and a fielder's choice, as the Travelers escaped trouble with the 4-3 win in the series finale.

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

Guarantee Individual Promo Items with the brand-new Promo Seats

The brand-new Promo Seats Package includes one Diamond Box Ticket for a game featuring a Promotional Item and guarantees that you receive one of that night's Promotional Items, plus a portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Hamels Foundation Cardinals Youth Initiative to provide tickets for area youth and non-profit organizations.

By purchasing the Promo Seats, fans will have an item reserved for them regardless of where they are in line or what time they arrive at the game. And, for the first time, out-of-town fans that order a Promo Seat Package can choose to have their Promotional Item mailed to them for an additional shipping and handling charge of $10 per item. Both out of town fans and those unable to make the game may donate their game ticket to the Hamels Foundation Cardinals Youth Initiative.

Promo Seat Packages are just $28 each and there are only 61 available for each game. Call the Ticket Office at (417) 863-2143 right now to order yours!

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Cards kick off homestand this Thursday with Louie Bobblehead Photo Frames

The Cardinals return home to begin a seven-game homestand on Thursday, July 17. Don't miss the American National Louie Bobblehead Photo Frame Giveaway for 2,500 fans on Thursday. Thursday is also a "Buck a Brat" Night with $1 Bratwursts, along with Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo throughout the game. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The homestand will also feature -

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Boy Band Music on Friday, July 18. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Great Southern Bank Commemorative 10th Season Ring Giveaway (2,500) on Saturday, July 19. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Hiland Dairy Replica Batting Helmet Giveaway (2,500), Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, July 20. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Pasta Express $1 Kids Ravioli Night (All kids, 12-and-under) on Monday, July 21. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-St. Louis Cardinals 2004 National League Championship Replica Ring Giveaway (2,500) and Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day on Tuesday, July 22. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a The Cup 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 complete 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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