Missions strike late for 5-2 win

San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Missions struck for three runs in the bottom of the eighth en route to the 5-2 win against the Springfield Cardinals before 2,031 fans at Wolff Stadium on Monday night.

After San Antonio (3-2) pulled ahead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first, the Cardinals (2-3) started the comeback in the top of the second.  1B Xavier Scruggs hammered the frame's first pitch over the right field fence, cutting it to just a 2-1 Missions lead.

Springfield completed the comeback in the top of the fifth inning.  With one down, INF Starlin Rodriguez pulled a pinch-hit double to left field, swinging his way to scoring position.  Rodriguez then scored on an error by SS Jeudy Valdez, who misplayed a grounder from LF Mike O'Neill, tying the game, 2-2.

However, the Missions retook the lead in the bottom of the eighth.  CF Rico Noel worked a lead-off walk against LHP Kevin Siegrist (L, 0-1) and quickly stole second.  After an infield single by LF Everett Williams, RHP Ramon Delgado took over on the mound.  Delgado battled 1B Tommy Medica, but Medica came through with a two-run triple to right field, plating Noel and Williams for the 4-2 lead.  Medica later scored on an RBI base hit by C Eddy Rodriguez, stretching the lead to three runs.

RHP Kevin Quackenbush (S, 1) took over for the bottom of the ninth, closing the 5-2 win for San Antonio with a 1-2-3 inning.  RHP Matt Stites (W, 1-0) tossed a scoreless eighth inning, recording the win.

The Cardinals and Missions wrap up the three-game series with the rubber match on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.  Tune in live on JOCK 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and catch the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m.

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

The Hammons Field Home Opener is just 4 days away on Thursday, April 11, and will feature the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), the AM Pyrotechnics Fireworks Kick-Off Show and will be a Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night with bratwursts for just a buck!  First Pitch is 7:09 p.m. against Corpus Christi with gates opening at 6:09 p.m.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

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