Naturals slide by Cardinals, 6-4

Springfield, MO - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals claimed a 6-4 win against the Springfield Cardinals before 3,867 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday afternoon.

The Cardinals (13-13) took an early advantage in the bottom of the first with one run against RHP JC Sulbaran. With one down, DH Rafael Ortega ripped a triple off the right-center field fence, before darting home on an RBI groundout by CF James Ramsey to make it 1-0.

The Naturals (10-16) had a quick response, striking for two runs in the top of the second against RHP Kurt Heyer (L, 2-2). With one down, DH Mark Threlkeld and SS Angel Franco knocked back-to-back singles. A fielder's choice hit into by C Juan Graterol led to a throwing error, enabling Threlkeld to come in from third. Franco then raced in on an RBI groundout by LF Ethan Chapman, lifting the Naturals into the 2-1 lead.

The Cardinals came right back in the bottom of the second. RF David Popkins worked a walk to start the inning, before Sulbaran battled back with two outs. 2B Matt Williams extended the frame with a two-out walk, and then C Travis Tartamella placed an RBI double inside the left field line, evening it at 2-2.

However, Northwest Arkansas moved right back in front in the top of the third. With one on and one down, 3B Cheslor Cuthbert drove a two-run home run to left field, swinging the Naturals into the 4-2 lead.

After Cuthbert drove another home run in the top of the fifth inning to make it 5-2, Springfield answered with a long-ball of their own in the bottom of the frame. Ortega reached on an error with one down, and then Ramsey launched a two-run home run on top of the clubhouse beyond the right field wall, bringing the Cardinals within just one run, 5-4.

However, RHP Andrew Triggs (W, 2-0) took over on the mound after the Ramsey home run and kept Northwest Arkansas ahead with 3.2 scoreless innings of work. After the Naturals added some insurance with an unearned run in the top of the ninth, LHP Scott Alexander (S, 2) navigated through a scoreless bottom of the ninth to close the 6-4 win for the Naturals.

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

Don't miss the 2013 NL Championship Replica Ring Giveaway and $1 Brats this Thursday

The Cardinals continue the homestand with the St. Louis Cardinals 2013 National League Championship Replica Ring Giveaway for 2,500 fans this Thursday. Thursday is also a "Buck a Brat" Night with $1 bratwursts at the ballpark, as well as an AT&T Dreams Come True Sweepstakes Night. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The homestand will also include the AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Music from the 90s on Friday, May 2, the Price Cutter and Bar-S Foods 10th Season T-Shirt Giveaway (2,500) on Saturday, May 3 and much, much more. Click below to view the complete schedule.

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.

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