Ferguson and Naturals edge Cards, 2-0, before 7,038 fans

Springfield, MO - RHP Andy Ferguson went the distance for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to edge the Springfield Cardinals, 2-0, before the sellout crowd of 7,038 fans at Hammons Field on Saturday evening.

Cardinals RHP Mike Mayers (L, 1-4) and Ferguson (W, 7-8) dueled through the first four innings, alternating scoreless frame after scoreless frame before Northwest Arkansas (14-15, 39-60) broke through in the fifth.

After Mayers started his fifth inning with a groundout, CF Ethan Chapman got himself aboard with a bunt single. Chapman then raced all the way home from first on an RBI triple by DH Angel Franco for the game's first run. SS Orlando Calixte returned the favor, plating Franco from third on an RBI sacrifice fly, doubling the new advantage to 2-0.

Mayers battled back with a scoreless sixth inning to close his quality start with only the two runs allowed, before the Cardinals (10-19, 44-55) received three scoreless relief innings from the bullpen to stay within striking distance. LHP Ryan Sherriff took care of the seventh, before RHP Seth Blair, who just returned from AAA-Memphis today, dealt the scoreless eighth and ninth with three strikeouts.

However, Ferguson continued to roll on the mound. The Naturals starter ended up tossing a rare nine-inning, complete-game shutout on 101 pitches. By finishing what he started, Ferguson ensured that the narrow lead held up and the Naturals prevailed, 2-0.

Click here for the complete box score from Saturday'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.

Replica Batting Helmets, Free Ice Cream for Kids and Kids Race the Bases on Sunday

The Cardinals and Naturals continue the series with the Hiland Dairy Replica Batting Helmet Giveaway (2,500), Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, July 20. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

The homestand will also feature -

-Pasta Express $1 Kids Ravioli Night (All kids, 12-and-under) on Monday, July 21. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-St. Louis Cardinals 2004 National League Championship Replica Ring Giveaway (2,500) and Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day on Tuesday, July 22. 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.

Escape to Cardinals Baseball!