Naturals take season opener from Cardinals, 5-1

Springdale, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (1-0) plated three runs in the bottom of the third and never looked back, claiming the Opening Day win, 5-1, against the Springfield Cardinals (0-1) before 5,681 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday night.

DECISIONS:
W: RHP Conner Greene (1-0)
L: RHP Anthony Shew (0-1)
S: LHP Jake Kalish (1)

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:
-The Naturals seized the lead in the third with an RBI sacrifice fly from 2B Gabriel Cancel, an RBI triple by 1B Samir Dueñez and a two-out RBI single from SS Taylor Featherston, although only one of the runs was earned

-RF Dylan Carlson (MLB.com #7 STL Prospect) plated Springfield's first run of the season in the top of the sixth with an RBI sacrifice fly that scored 2B Irving Lopez

-Ahead, 3-1, in the bottom of the seventh, the Naturals worked three walks and capitalized on a bases-loaded hit batter to ultimately add two runs to their lead, accounting for the 5-1 final

NOTABLES:
-SS Kramer Robertson, making his Double-A debut, collected Springfield's first hit of the season in the top of the third, driving a double off the right-center field fence

-2B Irving Lopez came within inches of the Cardinals first long-ball of the year, pelting a two-base hit off the very top of the right field fence to start the sixth

-Former Springfield RHP Conner Greene made his Naturals debut with 6.0 one-run frames, striking out four along the way

-Veteran Naturals LHP Jake Kalish slammed the door with 3.0 perfect relief innings, striking out seven of the nine batters he retired

WHAT'S ON DECK:
-Game Two of the series is Friday at Arvest Ballpark featuring Springfield RHP Williams Pérez (0-0, 0.00) vs. Naturals RHP Jace Vines (0-0, 0.00)

-First Pitch is 7:05pm with the Harbell's Grill and Sports Bar Pregame Show at 6:50pm on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com

OPENING DAY AT HAMMONS FIELD - THURSDAY, APRIL 11!
-Opening Day at Hammons Field is coming up quickly on Thursday, April 11 at 7:10pm (gates open at 6:10pm)

-Don't miss the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks Red Truck Parade, the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (3,500), Opening Day Fireworks and much, much more

-And the KY3 66 Degree Guarantee is back! If it is not at least 66 degrees at the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, April 11, all fans with a paid ticket to Thursday's game will receive a free ticket to another April, 2019 game, based on availability
Join us on Opening Day at Hammons Field on Thursday, April 11!