Cardinals come up short in 5-4 loss to RockHounds

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Springfield Cardinals (30-37; 60-77) dropped the first of a four-game series 5-4 against the Midland RockHounds (36-31; 70-66) in front of a sold-out Friday night crowd of 7,640 at Hammons Field.

The RockHounds clinched a spot in the Texas League playoffs with the win, which ensured them the second-best overall record in the South Division for the 2019 season.

DECISIONS:
W: RHP Seth Martinez (4-1)
L: RHP Ronnie Williams (2-3)
S: RHP John Gorman (8)

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:
- An inning after the Cardinals rallied from down 4-1 to tie the game, RockHounds RF Greg Deichmann hit what proved to be the game-winning home run off Williams with two outs in the ninth.

- After one-out singles by 3B Elehuris Montero and DH Chris Chinea in the bottom of the eighth, CF Conner Capel brought the Cardinals within 4-2 with an RBI single into left. Two batters later, C Julio Rodriguez ripped a comebacker into center that scored Chinea and Capel and tied things 4-4. The Cardinals had two chances to push the go-ahead run home from scoring position, but a flyout by 1B Zach Kirtley and a groundout by 2B Kramer Robertson ended the inning.

- The Cardinals scored first in the game on a first-inning RBI single from Chinea that brought in Ascanio.

- Midland took its first lead in the second, tying the game on a double by CF Mickey McDonald and going ahead 2-1 on a bases-loaded walk of SS Mikey White issued by RHP Merandy Gonzalez.

NOTABLES:
- Rehabbing St. Louis Cardinals OF José Martínez finished his fifth and expected final rehab appearance with Springfield 1-for-3 with a strikeout. Martinez batted 8-for-16 with one double, one steal and four RBIs during his rehab stint.

- Chinea and Capel both finished with two-hit games for the Cardinals. Capel now has at least two hits in three of his last five games, pushing his average to its highest point since April 20.

- Gonzalez allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in his first non-relief appearance of the season for Springfield, striking out two.

- LHP Jacob Patterson tossed 3.1 effective innings, allowing one run on five hits and one walk to five strikeouts.

WHAT'S ON DECK:
-The Cardinals continue their final series of the 2019 season Saturday night against the RockHounds. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. with gates opening at 5:10 p.m.

Saturday is our St. Louis Cardinals 2004 National League Championship Beer Stein Giveaway for 2,000 fans aged 21+.

Plus, it's Post-Game Fireworks with the Top Hits of 2019.

It's also our annual Specialty Teal Jersey Auction to benefit GYN Cancer Alliance.