Missions claim 6-3 win on Saturday

Springfield, MO - The San Antonio Missions struck for four runs in the top of the sixth, claiming a 6-3 victory against the Springfield Cardinals before 4,587 fans at Hammons Field on Saturday night.

The Missions (2-1) got out to a quick start with a couple of early runs in the top of the first against RHP Seth Blair. With two down, SS Jace Peterson kept the inning alive with a single. LF Kyle Gaedele followed with a two-run home run to right-center, swinging San Antonio ahead, 2-0.

The Cardinals (1-2) cut the deficit in half right away in the bottom of the first against RHP Devin Jones (W, 1-0). With one out, 2B Greg Miclat and CF James Ramsey worked back-to-back walks, putting runners at first and second base. 1B Curt Smith then bounced into a fielder's choice that retired Ramsey at second, but led to a throwing error by 2B Cory Spangenberg, who fired the ball past first base, enabling Miclat to score and cut the deficit to 2-1.

Springfield completed the comeback in the bottom of the third inning. Miclat again worked a one-out walk to spark the rally. He then motored to second base with a steal, before racing home one out later on an RBI infield single by Smith, squaring the score at 2-2.

The Cardinals charged in front in the bottom of the fifth frame. A leadoff double by LF Mike O'Neill started the stanza, before Ramsey brought O'Neill home one out later with an RBI double of his own, propelling Springfield to the 3-2 lead.

The Missions, though, responded in the top of the sixth. San Antonio loaded the bases against RHP Logan Billbrough (L, 0-1), before LHP Danny Miranda took over on the mound. A bases-loaded walk by CF Travis Jankowski, followed by a passed ball, accounted for the frame's first two runs and tilted the lead in the Missions favor. Spangenberg and SS Jace Peterson then stretched the new advantage with consecutive RBI singles, making it 6-3.

The Cardinals threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning with back-to-back walks from 3B Patrick Wisdom and SS Matt Williams to start the frame, but RHP Johnny Barbato (S, 2) got the Missions out of trouble and closed the 6-3 win for San Antonio.

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

Magnet Schedules, Free Ice Cream for Kids and Kids Race the Bases this Sunday

Springfield begins a three-game home series against the Corpus Christi Hooks on Sunday with a 4:10pm First Pitch. Sunday is the final installment of the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (3,500 fans).

Sunday's game is also the first Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday of the season with free ice cream for kids before the game. All kids can then run the bases like the Cardinals after the game with The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases promotion. Gates open at 3:10pm.

The Cardinals then host the Hooks on Monday night at 7:10pm, before wrapping up the series with morning baseball on Tuesday. First Pitch on Tuesday will be 11:10am for the CoxHealth Healthy Living Educational Day and Cardinals Leadership Forum. Tuesday is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day, so join us for lunch! Gates open at 10:10am.

Click here for the complete 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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