Chinea records 4-hit night but Cardinals still fall 4-3 to RockHounds

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Cardinals DH Chris Chinea had a perfect 4-for-4 night at the plate but Springfield (30-38; 60-78) fell 4-3 to the Midland RockHounds (37-31; 71-66) on Saturday night in front of 6,256 fans at Hammons Field.

DECISIONS:
W: LHP Tyler Alexander (1-1)
L: RHP Will Latcham (0-2)
S: RHP Jesus Zambrano (7)

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:
- RockHounds 1B Dan Gamache broke a 3-3 tie with a two-out RBI single in the top of the eighth inning, scoring C Jonah Heim and putting Midland ahead for good.

- After trailing 3-0 early, Springfield began rallying back when Chinea hit his 10th home run of the season in the bottom of the second.

- Still down 3-1 in the fourth, it was Chinea who delivered again, this time doubling in C Brian O'Keefe to bring the Cardinals within a run. One batter later, LF Juan Yepez tied the game 3-3 with a sacrifice fly to center.

- RockHounds RF Greg Deichmann put Midland ahead 3-0 with a three-run shot in the first off Cardinals LHP Evan Kruczynski.

NOTABLES:
- Kruczynski recovered nicely after Deichmann's first-inning shot, not allowing another run while pitching into the seventh inning (6.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 Ks).

- Chinea's four-hit effort was his first since August 22, 2017 with the High-A Palm Beach Cardinals.

- Beyond the one run allowed, Latcham was effective in relief, striking out two and allowing two hits and two walks over 2.1 innings.

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

Sunday is our Aaron Sachs & Associates Flippin' Ozzie Smith Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,000 fans.

Plus, it's Kids Sing-A-Long Fans-On-Field Fireworks after the game.

It's also a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday & Kids Run the Bases, meaning free ice cream for kids on the right-field patio before the game and the chance to run the bases after the final out.