Cornelius and Cardinals cruise in Tulsa, 4-1

Springfield, MO - LHP Jonathan Cornelius struck out a season-high nine batters through seven one-run frames, helping pace the Springfield Cardinals to the 4-1 win against the Tulsa Drillers before 8,062 fans at ONEOK Field on Saturday night. The Cardinals remain only one game behind the 1st-place Arkansas Travelers in the North Division Second Half Standings with nine games left.

Springfield (31-30, 64-65) swung in front right away, tallying three runs in the top of the first inning. CF James Ramsey and 2B Colin Walsh started the rally with a single and a walk, respectively, putting two men on. A wild pitch moved both runners to second and third, while RHP Daniel Winkler (L, 1-1) retired the next two batters. With two on and two down, RF Stephen Piscotty launched a two-run double to right field, cracking the scoreless tie. Piscotty then came in on an RBI single from C Cody Stanley, stretching the new lead to 3-0.

Cornelius (W, 6-6) retired the first 10 batters in a row, before the Drillers (28-33, 62-67) got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two on and two down, C Dustin Garneau placed an RBI single to center field, bringing in SS Joey Wong from second base. RF Tyler Kuhn followed with a single to left field, but LF Adam Melker threw out 1B Kyle Parker, who was trying to score from second base, with a play at the plate, ending the inning and keeping Springfield ahead, 3-1.

The Cardinals padded the lead back to three runs with one more in the top of the seventh inning. SS Luis Mateo scorched a double down the left field side with only one away in the inning. One out later, Ramsey placed an RBI single to left-center, scoring Mateo for the 4-1 lead.

Cornelius capped his evening with a pair of strikeouts to end the seventh, before giving way to the bullpen. RHP Jose Almarante tossed a scoreless eighth inning, before LHP Lee Stoppelman (S, 6) slammed the door in the ninth, closing the 4-1 win for Springfield.

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

The Cardinals continue the road trip in Tulsa on Sunday 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.

Springfield returns home for the final home series of the 2013 Regular Season, starting on Saturday, August 31. That night will feature the Mercy Knit Scarf Giveaway (2,500), along with AM Pyrotechnics End of Season Fireworks. The Cardinals will also be wearing Teal Pinstripe Specialty Jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit GYNCA. First Pitch is 6:09pm, gates open at 5:09pm.

The Cardinals then take on the Tulsa Drillers again on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 6:09pm for the Purina Bark in the Park, when all fans can bring their dogs to the game. The night will feature a pregame pet parade, with all fans that bring pets invited to march around the field. To participate in the parade, please arrive at the ballpark by 5:30pm.

The Sunday, Sept. 1 game will also feature the Purina Pet Food Bowl Mat Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Sunday's game will be a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for kids before the game, and then all kids can run the bases after the game. Gates open at 5:09pm.

The Cardinals then wrap up the 2013 Regular Season on Monday, Sept. 2 with a 12:09pm First Pitch. The Labor Day ballgame is Fan Appreciation Day, with all fans in attendance receiving a free ticket voucher for a 2014 game.

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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