Hald and Cardinals out-duel Drillers, 2-1

Springfield, MO - LHP Kyle Hald struck out a season-high seven batters through his seven scoreless innings, leading the Springfield Cardinals to the 2-1 win against the Tulsa Drillers before 6,072 fans at Hammons Field on Tuesday afternoon. RHP Jason Motte continued his Rehab Assignment with a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

The Cardinals (16-16) swung in front early in the bottom of the first inning against RHP Eddie Butler (L, 1-4). With one away and the bases clear, CF Rafael Ortega launched a solo home run to right-center field, lifting Springfield into the 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals doubled the early lead with another long-ball in the bottom of the fourth. With one down, C Cody Stanley swatted a solo home run, stretching the advantage to 2-0.

Meanwhile, Hald (W, 2-0) kept the Drillers (15-17) bats at bay, at one point retiring 15 of 16 batters from the second through the first two outs in the seventh. He finished with seven scoreless frames, scattering just three hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Motte then took over for the eighth inning and retired the three Drillers he faced on a total of six pitches, before LHP Dean Kiekhefer (S, 7) took the mound for the ninth.

Facing Kiekhefer, the Drillers refused to go down easily. CF Delta Cleary, Jr. led off with a single, before taking second base on defensive indifference. Kiekhefer retired the next two with fly outs to right field, but pinch-hitting 1B Harold Riggins brought in Cleary, Jr. with an RBI single to center field, getting the Drillers on the board. Kiekhefer, though, came right back and struck out RF Jared Simon for the final out, closing the 2-1 win for the Cardinals.

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

Cardinals come back on May 16 for a four-game series

The Cardinals kick off an eight-game road trip this Thursday against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at 7:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

Springfield then returns home on Friday, May 16 to host the Arkansas Travelers for a four-game series at Hammons Field. Don't miss phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring 60s British Rock & Roll after the 7:10pm game. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The Cards and Travs then square off on Saturday, May 17 with a 6:10pm First Pitch. That day features the Coca-Cola 3/4 Sleeve Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Gates open at 5:10pm.

Sunday, May 18 will be a 2:10pm game at Hammons Field, as well as a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for kids before the game. All kids can then run the bases just like Cardinals after the game with The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases promotion. Gates open at 1:10pm.

The series then wraps up on Monday, May 19 with a 7:10pm First Pitch against the Travelers. 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.

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