Drillers get by Cardinals in 15 innings, 2-1

Tulsa, OK - In a 15-inning marathon battle, the Tulsa Drillers edged the Springfield Cardinals, 2-1, before 5,074 fans at ONEOK Field on Thursday night. It was the second-longest game in Cardinals history, only behind the 20-inning game vs. Northwest Arkansas at Hammons Field last Saturday.

The Drillers (17-22) struck first against RHP Scott McGregor in the bottom of the second. With two down and the bases empty, C Jose Gonzalez knocked a solo home run over the right field fence, making it 1-0.

McGregor and Tulsa RHP Sean Gallagher then alternated scoreless frames throughout the remainder of their respective seven-inning outings. McGregor allowed just the one run while tying a season-high with eight strikeouts. Gallagher, a former Major Leaguer, dealt his seven frames in scoreless fashion, keeping the Drillers ahead by the narrow margin throughout his outing.

The Cardinals (21-17) rallied to stay alive in the top of the ninth. CF James Ramsey led off with a walk, before racing to third on a single by 3B Ruben Gotay. After a pop out, SS Jake Lemmerman ripped an RBI double inside the third base line, scoring Ramsey to tie the game, 1-1.

After five scoreless extra innings, the Drillers tallied the game-winning run in the bottom of the 15th inning against LHP Nick Greenwood (L, 0-2). With the bases loaded and two down, 2B Angelys Nina chopped a ground ball to the first base side. 1B Xavier Scruggs fielded the grounder and flipped it to the covering Greenwood at first base, but Nina was ruled safe on the play, which scored CF Rafael Ortega from third to lift Tulsa to the 2-1 walk-off win.

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

The Cardinals continue the eight-game road trip in Arkansas on Friday at 7:10pm. Catch all the action on JOCK 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

Springfield returns home to begin an eight-game homestand on Wed., May 22 with a 7:05pm First Pitch against the Frisco RoughRiders. The homestand will feature the St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Series Championship Replica Ring Giveaway (2,500 fans) on Thurs., May 23, AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Country Music on Fri., May 24, the Yadier Molina Gold and Platinum Glove Award Giveaway (2,500 fans) on Sat., May 25 and much more! Click below to view the full rundown of promotions at Hammons Field.

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.

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