Cardinals trip Travelers with 5-1 win

North Little Rock, AR - The Springfield Cardinals took their second straight win with a 5-1 victory against the Arkansas Travelers before 4,062 fans at Dickey-Stephens Park on Thursday night.

The Travelers (28-30) got their lone run of the game early against RHP Sam Gaviglio (W, 3-8). With two down in the bottom of the second, former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and current Arkansas DH Erik Komatsu knocked a solo home run for the 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals (28-31), though, responded right away with four runs in the top of the third against LHP Nate Smith (L, 1-1). The rally was sparked by a one-out walk from C Travis Tartamella, followed by singles from LF Matt Williams and 2B Jacob Wilson to load the bases. RF Chris Swauger then ripped a go-ahead, two-run single up the middle, bringing in Tartamella and Williams. After a strikeout, 1B Jonathan Rodriguez unloaded a booming two-run triple to center field, plating Wilson and Swauger for the 4-1 lead.

After a single started the bottom of the third, Gaviglio dug in on the mound, retiring the next 10 Travelers in a row for 11 consecutive outs. He ended with six one-run frames, scattering six hits while striking out five.

Meanwhile, Springfield stretched the lead against Smith in the top of the fifth. With runners at the corners and one away, Rodriguez struck again with an RBI infield single, scoring Williams from third base to stretch it to a 5-1 advantage.

After Gaviglio exited at the end of the sixth, RHP Logan Billbrough, RHP Mitch Harris and LHP Ryan Sherriff each tossed a scoreless inning of work apiece, closing the 5-1 win for the Cardinals.

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

Guarantee Individual Promo Items with the brand-new Promo Seats

With the upcoming homestand from Saturday, June 7 - Saturday, June 14 full of must-have Promotional Items, now is the time to get your Promo Seats and guarantee individual Promo Items!

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.

Cardinals kick off an eight-game homestand on Saturday, June 7

The Cardinals conclude the road trip in Arkansas on Friday 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.

Springfield then returns home on Saturday, June 7 to start a brand-new eight-game homestand. The game on June 7 will feature the Vision Clinic Matt Carpenter Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans. First Pitch is at 6:10pm, with gates opening 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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