2013 1st Rounder Marco Gonzales starting on Saturday

Springfield, MO - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that 2013 1st Round Draft Pick, LHP Marco Gonzales, has been transferred to the Springfield Cardinals from High-A Palm Beach. Gonzales is scheduled to start Saturday's 6:10pm game against the Arkansas Travelers.

Gonzales, 22, was selected by St. Louis with the 19th overall pick in the 1st Round of the 2013 June Draft out of Gonzaga University and had already been promoted to High-A Palm Beach by the end of the 2013 season. Last year, he made eight total appearances (six starts) between the Gulf Coast League Cardinals (Rookie) and Palm Beach, going 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 23.1 total innings.

Gonzales entered the 2014 campaign tabbed by Baseball America as the Cardinals #5 overall prospect and #2 pitching prospect, and is ranked as having the best changeup in the St. Louis system.

After spending time in Major League Spring Training as a Non-Roster Invitee, the Fort Collins, Colorado native has been dominant through six starts in Palm Beach so far this season, going 2-2 with a 1.43 ERA, striking out 32 and allowing only six earned runs through 37.2 innings. He's allowed more than one run in only one outing this year, and posted a season-high eight strikeouts in his last start against the St. Lucie Mets on May 10.

Prior to joining the pro ranks, Gonzales put together a fantastic collegiate career at Gonzaga. He was named the West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013, along with WCC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2012. Gonzales was also a member of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team in 2012, tossing eight one-run innings with nine strikeouts against the Netherlands to clinch the Bronze medal.

Click here to order your tickets right now for Marco Gonzales's Springfield debut this Saturday.

Coca-Cola 3/4 Sleeve Shirt guaranteed with purchase of the new Promo Seats for Saturday

The brand-new Promo Seats Package includes one Diamond Box Ticket for a game featuring a Promotional Item, like the Coca-Cola 3/4 Sleeve Shirt Giveaway (2,500) on Saturday, May 17, guarantees that you receive one of that night's Promotional Items, plus a portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Hamels Foundation Cardinals Youth Initiative to provide tickets for area youth and non-profit organizations.

By purchasing the Promo Seats, fans will have an item reserved for them regardless of where they are in line or what time they arrive at the game. And, for the first time, out-of-town fans that order a Promo Seat Package can choose to have their Promotional Item mailed to them for an additional shipping and handling charge of $10 per item. Both out of town fans and those unable to make the game may donate their game ticket to the Hamels Foundation Cardinals Youth Initiative.

Promo Seat Packages are just $28 each and there are only 61 available for each game. Call the Ticket Office at (417) 863-2143 right now to order yours!

Click here for more information on Cardinals Promo Seats.

Friday Night Fireworks tonight, Coca-Cola 3/4 Sleeve Shirts on Saturday!

The Cardinals return home tonight to host the Arkansas Travelers for a four-game series at Hammons Field. Don't miss phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring 60s British Rock & Roll after the 7:10pm game. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The Cards and Travs then square off on Saturday, May 17 with a 6:10pm First Pitch. That day features the Coca-Cola 3/4 Sleeve Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Gates open at 5:10pm.

Sunday, May 18 will be a 2:10pm game at Hammons Field, as well as a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for kids before the game. All kids can then run the bases just like Cardinals after the game with The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases promotion. Gates open at 1:10pm.

The series then wraps up on Monday, May 19 with a 7:10pm First Pitch against the Travelers. Gates open at 6:10pm.

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.

Click here for the Cardinals full 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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