Big inning sparks Cards in opener

Springfield used a five-run sixth to cruise past San Antonio 7-1 Friday night in front of 5,574 at Wolff Stadium.
The much-anticipated series opener between division leaders lived up to the hype early Friday, with Missions lefty Logan Allen and Cardinals righty Connor Jones matching zeros through much of the first five frames. Springfield plated the game's only run through five with Tommy Edman's RBI-double to left in the third.
Allen, who entered Friday's start leading the Texas League in wins, ran into a rare rough frame in the sixth. Still leading 1-0, Springfield's big uprising began when Allen walked Jones to start the inning. Edman pushed the Cardinals' lead to 3-0 when he followed with a two-run shot to left. Springfield added three more in the frame against Allen (6-2) and right-hander Trevor Megill on a Victor Roache groundout, a passed ball and a Granden Goetzman single to left.
Jones' only blemish came in the bottom of the sixth when Peter Van Gansen's infield single scored Josh Naylor from third. Jones (3-1) allowed just five hits and one walk, while striking out five over five plus innings.
Edmundo Sosa capped scoring in the seventh with a single to left center of Megill.
San Antonio (30-18) resumes its three-game set with Springfield (25-23) Saturday at 7:05 PM. Lefty Jerry Keel (3-0, 4.88) will take the hill for the Missions, while the Cardinals counter with right-hander Chris Ellis (2-0, 4.79). Following the game there will be a special fireworks show courtesy of Kahlig Auto Group.