Cardinals take 4th straight series with 5-1 win against Hounds

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals won their fourth consecutive series with a decisive 5-1 victory against the Midland RockHounds before a sellout crowd of 6,815 fans at Hammons Field on Sunday afternoon. The Cards have won eight of their last eleven overall.

The Cardinals (25-30, 59-66) swung in front right away, charging ahead in the bottom of the first inning against RHP Nate Long (L, 11-8). With two away, C Cody Stanley belted a solo blast, his 12th of the year, on top of the Indoor Training Facility beyond the right field wall, lifting the Cards into the 1-0 lead.

The RockHounds (31-25, 69-57), though, had a quick response with a long-ball of their own in the top of the second against LHP Jonathan Cornelius (W, 11-9). After Cornelius retired the frame's first out, RF Jeremy Barfield knocked a solo shot to right field, evening the score, 1-1.

The Cardinals didn't take long to crack the tie, jumping back in front in the bottom of the third. After a groundout started the stanza, Stanley worked a walk to get on. One out later, 1B Curt Smith smoked a two-run home run to left field, propelling the Cards back into the lead, 3-1.

Springfield continued to stretch the advantage in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one away, RF Rafael Ortega lined a single to left-center to reach base. One out later, SS Matt Williams knocked his second single of the game, moving Ortega to second base and chasing Long from the mound. Facing RHP Ryan Doolittle, LF David Popkins ripped an RBI single through the right side of the infield, bringing in Ortega to pad the lead to 4-1.

The Cardinals added their final insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. With Williams on at first base and two away, the shortstop swiped his way to second with his 12th steal of the season. A base hit from Popkins advanced Williams to third, before an RBI single by CF Charlie Tilson brought him home for the 5-1 advantage.

After Cornelius dealt a dominant six innings with only the one run allowed on six hits, RHP Mitch Harris followed suit with two perfect relief innings in the seventh and eighth. RHP Jeremy Berg finished the impressive combined pitching performance with a 1-2-3 top of the ninth, closing the 5-1 win for the Cardinals.

Click here for the complete box score from Sunday'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!

Click here for more information on Cardinals Promo Seats.

The Cardinals kick off the final homestand of the Regular Season on Saturday, August 23

The Cardinals kick off a four-game road trip this Tuesday against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at 7:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

The Cards then come home for the final homestand of the 2014 Regular Season from Saturday, August 23 - Friday, August 29. The homestand will feature:

-AT&T Adult Replica Jersey Giveaway (2,500), AT&T Dreams Come True Night and a Specialty Jersey Auction to benefit GYNCA on Saturday, August 23. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Purina Bark in the Park and Fleece Blanket Giveaway (2,500), Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, August 24. First Pitch is 2:10pm, gates open at 1:10pm.

-Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day on Tuesday, August 26. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Budweiser Commemorative 10th Season Beer Stein Giveaway (2,500, ages 21+) and "Buck a Brat" Night with $1 bratwursts all game on Thursday, August 28. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Fan Appreciation Day Free Vouchers for a 2015 Game and AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring the Top Hits of 2014 on Friday, August 29. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

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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