Cardinals blank Drillers, 3-0, to start Second Half

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals started the Second Half of the season with a 3-0 shutout win against the Tulsa Drillers before 3,774 fans at Hammons Field on Tuesday night. It is the Cardinals eighth shutout win of the season.

After Springfield RHP Richard Castillo (W, 5-3) and Tulsa RHP Christian Bergman (L, 3-6) alternated two scoreless innings apiece, the Cardinals (1-0, 34-35) broke through in the bottom of the third. With two away, 3B Ruben Gotay worked a walk to extend the frame, before RF Chris Swauger followed with a single to put two men on. 1B Xavier Scruggs jumped on the first pitch of his at-bat and crushed a three-run home run over the left field fence, swinging Springfield to the 3-0 lead.

Castillo kept the Cardinals lead intact through his 6.2 scoreless innings, shutting down the Drillers offense with only three hits allowed. LHP Lee Stoppelman took over to retire the final out of the seventh and start the eighth, before RHP Kevin Thomas and RHP Deryk Hooker (S, 4) both provided a scoreless inning apiece, completing the 3-0 shutout win for Springfield.

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

The Cardinals continue the homestand against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night at 7:09pm. Gates open at 6:09pm.

Springfield then kicks off a home series against the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday night at 7:09pm. Thursday's game features the St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Championship Replica Ring Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Additionally, Thursday is a Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night with delicious one dollar brats all game. Gates open at 6:09pm.

Don't miss a phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Summer Kickoff Fireworks Show following this Friday's 7:09pm game against the Travs. We're celebrating the start of summer with Beach Rock-N-Roll during the fireworks show. Gates open at 6:09pm.

Then on Saturday, it is the Mid Missouri Credit Union and Fort Leonard Wood Military Appreciation Night, as we salute the men and women who protect our freedom and our way of life. Saturday's game will be followed by a Military Appreciation Fireworks Celebration, and the Cardinals will be wearing Specialty Camo Jerseys during the game. First Pitch is 6:09pm, gates open at 5:09pm.

The Cardinals will wear the Camo Jerseys again on Sunday, and will auction them off during the game to benefit the March of Dimes. Also on Sunday, it is the Vision Clinic and Oakley Sunglasses Oscar Taveras Texas League Player of the Year Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Additionally, Sunday is a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with a free ice cream party for kids before the game, and then all kids can run the bases after the game. First Pitch is 2:09pm, gates open at 1:09pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company 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 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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