Cardinals take third straight win, 4-3, in NW Arkansas

Springdale, AR - The Springfield Cardinals took their third straight game with a 4-3 win against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals before 4,907 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday night. CF Charlie Tilson, in just his third Double-A game, helped lead the lineup with a 3-for-5 night, including two doubles and two RBIs.

The Cardinals (14-20, 48-56) seized the early advantage against RHP Andy Ferguson (L, 7-9) in the top of the first inning. Tilson dealt his first blow with a leadoff double to start the game, before racing to third on a sacrifice bunt from LF Mike O'Neill. RF James Ramsey then placed a perfect bunt inside the third base line, bringing in Tilson from third with an RBI single for the game's first run. Ramsey promptly swiped second base, taking third next on a groundout by 1B Curt Smith. After a walk drawn by C Cody Stanley, 2B Breyvic Valera sliced a two-out RBI single to left-center, scoring Ramsey to make it 2-0.

RHP Mike Mayers (W, 2-4) kept the early lead intact through a pair of quick scoreless frames, before the Naturals (16-18, 41-63) got on the board in the bottom of the third. With one down, CF Ethan Chapman swung himself on with a double, coming in one out later on an RBI single by SS Orlando Calixte to slice the Cardinals lead to 2-1.

Northwest Arkansas completed the comeback with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth. After 3B Cheslor Cuthbert led off with a double, 1B Max Ramirez drove an RBI triple into the right field corner to bring Cuthbert home. Mayers battled back with a pair of groundouts with Ramirez staying at third, but LF Justin Trapp struck with a two-out RBI single to center field, swinging the Naturals into the 4-3 lead.

Springfield didn't stay down for long, catapulting back in front in the top of the sixth inning. With one away, 3B Patrick Wisdom worked a walk to reach base. SS Alex Mejia followed with a single, before Tilson brought in both runners with a go-ahead, two-run double to left-center field. In just his third game with Springfield, Tilson's fourth and fifth RBIs on the season leapfrogged the Cardinals into the 4-3 lead.

Mayers came back out for the bottom of the sixth and retired the first two outs in the inning. After Trapp reached on an error to extend the frame, LHP Ryan Sherriff took over on the mound and quickly induced the final out in the inning.

Sherriff logged the first out in the eighth, before 1.1 scoreless innings from RHP Jeremy Berg. With one on and two down in the bottom of the eighth inning, RHP Seth Blair (S, 1) started his relief outing. The right-hander dealt 1.1 scoreless frames to close the 4-3 win for the Cardinals with his first-career save.

Click here for the complete box score from Thursday'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 Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday 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.

Click here for the complete 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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