Missions claim season opener, 7-4

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals kicked off the 10th Season at Hammons Field on Thursday night, with the San Antonio Missions claiming a 7-4 victory before 4,010 fans. The start of the game was delayed by one hour and 18 minutes due to inclement weather.

After the delay, the Missions (1-0) started the scoring with a two-out rally against RHP Kurt Heyer (L, 0-1) in the top of the first. A base hit by SS Jace Peterson sparked the rally, before an RBI double from LF Rymer Liriano. RF Yeison Asencio followed with an RBI single, and then C Austin Hedges brought in Asencio with an RBI double for the 3-0 lead.

Springfield (0-1) swung the deficit down to one run with a pair of tallies against RHP Matt Wisler in the bottom of the third. With one away, LF Mike O'Neill singled himself on. After a pop out, O'Neill raced around to third base on a single from RF James Ramsey. Both runners then scored on a two-out, two-run double that 1B Jonathan Rodriguez pelted off the center field wall to make it 3-2.

The Missions, though, increased the advantage in the top of the fifth inning. With two down, CF Travis Jankowski and 2B Cory Spangenberg extended the stanza with consecutive singles. Peterson followed with a three-run shot to right field, stretching the lead to 6-2.

The Missions added a seventh run in the top of the eighth, but the Cardinals countered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. With one down, Rodriguez struck again, this time driving a solo home run over the left field wall. 3B Patrick Wisdom then worked a walk and promptly took second base on a wild pitch. One out later, SS Matt Williams ripped an RBI single to right-center, plating Wisdom from second base to make it 7-4.

However, San Antonio RHP Johnny Barbato (S, 1) took over for the bottom of the ninth and closed the 7-4 win for the Missions. RHP Jesse Hahn (W, 1-0) tossed 3.0 scoreless relief innings to register the win.

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

Opening Homestand continues with Friday Fireworks and Disco Music

The Cardinals take on the Missions for Game 2 of the series this Friday at 7:10pm. Friday features the second edition of the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway for 3,500 fans. Then stick around after the game for a phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Show featuring Disco Music. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The series continues on Saturday with a 6:10pm First Pitch. On Saturday, 2,500 fans will receive a voucher for a Commemorative 10th Season Coin, celebrating the milestone campaign at Hammons Field.

The Cardinals will also suit up in Specialty Tin Year Anniversary Jerseys on Saturday, which will be auctioned off during the game to benefit Champions Committed to Kids. Gates open at 5:10pm.

The Cardinals will continue the Opening Homestand against the Corpus Christi Hooks this Sunday - Tuesday at Hammons Field.

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

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