Cardinals hook 2-1 win in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX - The Springfield Cardinals beat the Corpus Christi Hooks, 2-1, before 4,488 fans at Whataburger Field on Monday night.

The Cardinals (4-7) took the early lead right away in the top of the first inning against LHP Luis Cruz (L, 2-1). LF Mike O'Neill started the game by reaching all the way to second base on a two-base error by SS Jio Mier. O'Neill darted to third on a base hit from Texas League Player of the Week OF James Ramsey. One out later, 1B Jonathan Rodriguez brought in O'Neill with an RBI fielder's choice, lifting the Cardinals to the 1-0 lead.

Springfield doubled the early advantage with another run in the top of the second. With one down, 3B Patrick Wisdom singled himself on. 2B Greg Miclat and C Travis Tartamella followed with consecutive free passes, loading the bases for O'Neill. O'Neill came through with an RBI sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Wisdom for the 2-0 lead.

RHP Kurt Heyer (W, 1-1) kept the Hooks (8-3) bats at bay, blanking them through five scoreless frames before Corpus Christi got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. With one down, 2B Nolan Fontana hit a triple to right-center, before coming in on an RBI single from RF Andrew Aplin to make it 2-1.

Heyer, though, induced an inning-ending double play to get out of the sixth, before posting a 1-2-3 seventh frame to keep Springfield ahead. He finished with 7.0 innings of work, surrendering just the one run on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk.

RHP Joey Donofrio took over for Heyer in the eighth inning, retiring two outs before giving way to LHP Dean Kiekhefer (S, 2). Kiekhefer retired all four batters that he faced to close the 2-1 win for the Cardinals.

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

Cardinals kick off next home series on Thursday, April 17

Springfield concludes the Texas trip on Tuesday against Corpus Christi at 7:10pm. 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 return home to start a four-game home series against the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday, April 17. Thursday's game is a "Buck a Brat" Night with $1 bratwursts at the ballpark. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The Cardinals and Travelers square off on Friday, April 18 for game two of the series at 7:10pm. Don't miss a phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Show featuring One-Hit Wonders after the game. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The series continues on Saturday, April 19 with a 6:10pm First Pitch and the Branson Zipline Flight Crew T-Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Gates open at 5:10pm, so come early and get one of these one-of-a-kind t-shirts!

The Cards and Travs wrap up the series with a 4:10pm First Pitch on Sunday, April 20. Start the day and your Easter celebration with us at the annual Sunrise Service at Hammons Field. Then in the afternoon, there will be the Easter Egg Hunt EGGstravaganza for 1,000 kids 10-and-under before the game. Gates open at 3:10pm.

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 complete 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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