Cards Fall to Naturals 7-1

Springdale, AR - On the heels of a convincing 8-1 win over Arkansas, the Springfield Cardinals continued their eight-game road trip in Springdale, Arkansas to being a four game set against the Naturals. Still trailing by 3.5 games in the division with only six games to go in the first half, every game is a crucial one with a playoff spot on the line.

In the series opener, the Cardinals sent righty David Kopp to the mound in search of his third win of the season. He would face lefty, and former Missouri State Bear, Buddy Baumann of NW Arkansas.

The Naturals would be the first to strike on offense in the 2nd inning as Jeff Bianchi singled, Salvador Perez walked, Jamie Romak sacrificed the runners to second and third before Kurt Mertins doubled down the right field line to give NW Arkansas a 2-0 lead.

The score stayed that way until the 6th when David Kopp walked to lead off batter. After a ground out moved Anthony Seratelli to second, Kopp got Jeff Bianchi to ground out for the second out of the inning. Salvador Perez followed by hitting a soft ground ball through the right side past the diving Domnit Bolivar allowing Seratelli to score. After a walk and a wild pitch moved runners to second and third, Kurt Mertins bounced a ball over the mound for an RBI infield single to grab a 4-0 lead. Kopp left after the 6th inning allowing four runs on six hits while striking out four and pitched much better than his final line score.

Jose Rada came in out of the Springfield bullpen in the 7th and allowed three runs on a bases loaded single by Bianchi and two bases loaded walks to make it a 7-0 advantage for the Naturals.

The Cardinals offense finally broke through in the 8th against reliever Manny Baez as Travis Tartamella reached on a fielder's choice, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Ryan Jackson's RBI single to bring it to the eventual final of 7-1.

Naturals' starter Buddy Baumann worked a season high seven innings allowing no run on only four hits with a season high seven strikeouts.

Springfield will continue their four-game series in Springdale, Arkansas against the NW Arkansas Naturals Friday night at 7:00pm. The Cardinals will send righty Kevin Thomas to the mound against left hander Will Smith of the Naturals.

The Cardinals will return to Hammons Field Monday, June 20th for an eight-game homestand beginning with the Arkansas Travelers. Monday, 2,500 fans will receive a Cardinals Welcome Mat courtesy of our friends at Henry's Towing. And as always, every Monday is a Fazoli's Four Pack Monday where fans can receive four tickets, four shirts, four hats and a family meal for four at Fazoli's for just $40. So don't miss out on this steal of a deal! Game time Monday is at 7:07pm. Great tickets are still available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.

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