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Cardinals come back for 9-6 win against Naturals

April 22, 2013

Springfield, MO - After falling behind early, the Springfield Cardinals came back for the 9-6 win against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals before 3,143 fans at Hammons Field on Monday night.  With the win and a loss by the Tulsa Drillers, the Cards move into sole possession of first place in the North Division early on.

The Naturals (5-12) got out to a quick start, plating four runs in the top of the first against RHP Scott McGregor.  3B Rey Navarro and DH Mitch Canham connected with consecutive RBI doubles to start the scoring, before an RBI double by C Manny Pina and an RBI base hit by 1B Matt Fields later in the frame stretched the lead to 4-0.

McGregor, however, settled in and the Cardinals (9-8) began chipping away with three runs in the bottom of the fourth.  With 3B Ruben Gotay on at second and one down, LF Chris Swauger ripped an RBI single to get the Cardinals on the board.  Swauger then trotted home on a two-run shot by 2B Starlin Rodriguez, slicing the deficit to just one run, 4-3.

Springfield completed the come back in the bottom of the fifth.  DH Mike O'Neill worked a one-out walk and then quickly took second base on a passed ball by Pina.  CF Tommy Pham tied it with an RBI double to right-center, plating O'Neill from second.  One out later, Scruggs pulled an RBI single through the left side, scoring Pham and lifting the Cardinals in front.  Another RBI single by Swauger added the inning's third run and made it 6-4.

After a two-run base hit by Fields in the top of the seventh tied it, Springfield moved right back in front with three more runs in the bottom of the seventh.  O'Neill started the stanza with a double and then raced home one out later on an RBI double by Gotay.  Scruggs followed with a towering two-run homer to left field, moving the Cardinals in front, 9-6.

After 1.2 scoreless relief innings by RHP Ramon Delgado (W, 1-0), RHP Michael Blazek (S, 4) tossed a 1-2-3 top of the ninth, closing the Cardinals 9-6 win.

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

The Cardinals host the Naturals for Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day with delicious hot dogs for just a buck on Tuesday.  First Pitch is 7:09pm with gates opening at 6:09pm.

The homestand will also feature the 2012 Texas League Championship Replica Ring Giveaway (2,500) on Thurs., April 25, AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring 60's British Rock-N-Roll on Fri., April 26, the Price Cutter and Bar-S Texas League Championship Jersey T-Shirt Giveaway (2,500) on Sat., April 27, the Empire Bank Green Cap Giveaway (2,500) on Sun., April 28 and more!  Click below to view the full Promotional Schedule for the homestand and to get your tickets right now.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for the Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule.

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