Cardinals blow out Drillers, 9-4

Tulsa, OK - Seven different Springfield Cardinals registered at least one RBI, as the Cards blew away the Tulsa Drillers, 9-4, before 4,659 fans at ONEOK Field on Monday night. LHP Jimmy Reed picked up his first Double-A win in his Springfield debut, helping lead the Cardinals to their fifth win in the last seven games.

The Cardinals (16-22, 50-58) jumped on RHP Eddie Butler (L, 4-6) right away, swinging in front in the top of the first inning. With one down, 2B Breyvic Valera crushed a triple to right-center field to spark the offense. CF James Ramsey followed with an RBI double to right field, his third double in the last two games, lifting the Cards in front. Ramsey then darted to third base on a wild pitch from Butler, with 1B Jonathan Rodriguez working a walk to put runners at the corners. RF Rafael Ortega brought Ramsey home with an RBI sacrifice fly to center field, increasing the early lead to 2-0.

After a pair of scoreless innings from Reed (W, 1-0) to start his Double-A debut, the Drillers (16-22, 54-53) got on the board in the bottom of the third. 1B Will Swanner led off with a single, before RF Jared Simon joined him on base with a walk. After a sacrifice bunt, Reed induced a tapper back to the mound for the frame's second out. However, SS Trevor Story came through with a two-out RBI single to left, getting the Drillers within one run, 2-1.

Springfield wasted no time getting the run back, striking right away in the top of the fourth. With one away, 3B Patrick Wisdom crushed his 12th home run of the year, a solo shot, to left field for the 3-1 lead.

The Cardinals powered further in front with another blast in the top of the fifth inning. After an inning-opening strikeout by Butler, LF Charlie Tilson crushed a solo homer to right-center for his first Double-A home run and the 4-1 advantage.

Reed closed his debut outing with a 1-2-3 sixth inning, retiring the final eight batters that he faced in a row. The southpaw allowed just the one run on three hits, walking two and striking out two in the excellent outing.

The Cardinals then tacked on two runs of insurance in the top of the seventh. LF Mike O'Neill led off with a pinch-hit single, before Tilson placed a bunt basehit that led to a throwing error and enabled O'Neill to get all the way to third. Valera then ripped an RBI single, bringing in O'Neill the final ninety feet. After a Ramsey walk loaded the bases, Tilson raced home on a double-play ball hit by 1B Jonathan Rodriguez, stretching it to 6-1.

Springfield kept pouring it on, plating two more in the top of the eighth inning. With one away, SS Matt Williams belted a double to right-center field. C Travis Tartamella followed suit right away, smoking an RBI double to left-center field to bring in Williams. Tartamella then moved to third on a single from O'Neill, before charging home on an RBI fielder's choice from Tilson to make it 8-1. With two more RBIs in the game, Tilson is up to seven RBIs through his first six games with Springfield.

The Cardinals weren't done yet, adding their final run in the top of the ninth inning. With one down, 1B Jonathan Rodriguez crushed a solo shot to left, his ninth of the year, to make it 9-1.

After a pair of scoreless relief innings from LHP Ryan Sherriff, RHP Mitch Harris took over for the bottom of the ninth. The Drillers did not make it easy, getting two men on with only one down. 3B Jayson Langfels put a charge into a three-run homer, bringing Tulsa within five runs of tying it. However, Harris responded with a groundout and a strikeout, closing the Cardinals decisive win, 9-4, in the series opener.

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

Guarantee Individual Promo Items with the brand-new Promo Seats

The brand-new Promo Seats Package includes one Diamond Box Ticket for a game featuring a Promotional Item and 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!

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Bill Virdon Bobbleheads, Songs from Movies Fireworks, Pink in the Park Wristlets and Michael Wacha Bobbleheads coming up

The Cardinals continue the road trip against the Tulsa Drillers on Tuesday at 7:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

The Cardinals then kick off a four-game homestand on Thursday, July 31 with the Bill Virdon Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Wendy's - Sam, June and Mike Hamra for 2,500 fans. That Thursday is also a "Buck a Brat" Night featuring $1 bratwursts all game. First Pitch is set for 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The series will also feature -

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Songs from Movies on Friday, August 1. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Rick's Automotive Pink in the Park Wristlet Giveaway for 2,500 fans and the Pink in the Park Jersey Auction to benefit BCFO on Saturday, August 2. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Maria's Mexican Restaurant Michael Wacha Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, August 3. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

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.

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