Cardinals power past Drillers, 6-2

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals belted three two-run home runs on Wednesday, powering them to the 6-2 win against the Tulsa Drillers before 3,557 fans at Hammons Field.

The Cardinals (2-0, 35-35) struck first against RHP Sean Gallagher (L, 3-1) in the bottom of the third frame. With one on and one down, RF James Ramsey drove a two-run home run over the left field wall, swinging the Cardinals to the 2-0 lead.

Tulsa (0-2, 34-36) started chipping away in the top of the fourth against LHP Ryan Sherriff. Sherriff retired the first batter of the frame, but RF Kent Matthes and 2B Angelys Nina doubled and singled, respectively. 3B Jayson Langfels then ripped an RBI double to left-center, plating Matthes from third. Nina tried to score from first on the play, but the Cardinals threw him out at the plate to stay in front, 2-1.

However, the Drillers squared the score in the top of the fifth. With runners at the corners and two down, LF Kyle Parker came through with an RBI base hit, tying the game at 2-2.

Springfield quickly swung in front again in the bottom of the fifth. CF Tommy Pham kept the inning alive with a two-out walk, bringing up 3B Ruben Gotay, who promptly crushed a two-run shot over the right-center field wall to lift the Cardinals back in front, 4-2.

The Cardinals padded the lead with another long ball in the bottom of the eighth. With two down, LF Chris Swauger extended the inning with a walk. 1B Xavier Scruggs then swatted the third two-run homer of the night, sailing the ball over the left field wall to stretch the Cardinals lead to four runs.

RHP Deryk Hooker took over for the top of the ninth and slammed the door with a 1-2-3 inning of work, closing the 6-2 win for the Cardinals.

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

Springfield 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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