CARDINALS USE BIG BATS TO TAKE OPENER, 6-0

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Northwest Arkansas fell in the series opening game of the four-game set by a final of 6-0 on Sunday evening to the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field. It is the seventh shutout suffered by the Naturals this season.
Springfield used a five-run sixth inning after pitching dominated the first five frames, to open up the sizable lead en route the 6-0 final.
Right-hander, Corey Ray (5-7. 4.50) held the Cardinal in check over his first five frames, allowing just one run on three hits before Springfield broke through with five runs crossing with two outs in the inning.

Northwest Arkansas (50-43/11-12) tallied three hits in the ball game with Allan de San Miguel  collecting the first in the third inning off starter, Zac Gallen (2-2, 2.35) of the Cardinals and Donnie Dewees and Alfredo Escalera  notching the final two in the eighth inning.
The series continues on Monday night with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch from Hammons Field. Two former first round picks will pitch in the contest with left-hander, Foster Griffin (7-1, 2.92) taking the hill for the Naturals against right-hander, Dakota Hudson (7-4, 2.77) countering for the Cardinals.
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The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
-Naturals-