Hald and Cardinals take opener, 2-1, in San Antonio

San Antonio, TX - Behind seven one-run frames from All-Star LHP Kyle Hald, the Springfield Cardinals took the opener against the San Antonio Missions, 2-1, before 5,244 fans at Wolff Stadium on Saturday night.

After both Hald (W, 7-2) and Missions RHP Bryce Morrow (L, 1-2) alternated a pair of scoreless innings, the Cardinals (6-10, 40-46) swung in front in the top of the third. With one away, LF Mike O'Neill reached first base on a fielding error charged to SS Brian Bixler. After O'Neill swiped second base, 2B Matt Williams ripped an RBI single to left-center, plating O'Neill for the 1-0 lead.

While Hald kept the Missions (10-6, 46-40) off the board, the Cardinals doubled the advantage in the top of the sixth. 1B Curt Smith singled himself on with one down, before racing around to third on a base hit by 3B Patrick Wisdom. CF Starlin Rodriguez then skied an RBI sacrifice fly to right field, padding the lead to 2-0.

The Missions found a way onto the board in the bottom of the sixth inning. 2B Cory Spangenberg led off with a double, before racing to third on an errant pickoff attempt from Hald. Spangenberg then came in the final ninety feet on an RBI groundout by 3B Adam Buschini. After a base hit, though, Hald got out of the inning with a strikeout and a groundout, keeping Springfield in the lead, 2-1.

Hald then finished his outing with a 1-2-3 seventh, before LHP Justin Wright (S, 5) slammed the door with two perfect innings to close the 2-1 win for the Cardinals.

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.

Kolten Wong Bobbleheads, Friday Night Fireworks with Music from Kids Movies, U.S.A Hockey Jersey Auction and more coming up

The Cardinals continue the road trip on Sunday at 6:05pm in San Antonio. 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 a four-game homestand from Wednesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 12. The homestand will include -

-U.S. Cellular Kolten Wong Bobblehead Giveaway (2,500) and $1 Brats on Thursday, July 10 at 7:10pm. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Music from Kids Movies on Friday, July 11 at 7:10pm. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-U.S.A Hockey Specialty Jersey Auction to benefit Horses of Hope during the Saturday, July 12 game at 6:10pm. Gates open 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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