Naturals pitch their way to Saturday win

Springdale, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals claimed game three of the series, 4-0, against the Springfield Cardinals before 5,522 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday night.

After two perfect innings from RHP Kurt Heyer (L, 3-9) to start his outing, the Naturals (18-18, 43-63) cracked the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third. With two on and one away, 2B Angel Franco dealt the go-ahead RBI single to swing Northwest Arkansas into the 1-0 lead.

The Naturals padded the lead with single runs in the fourth and fifth frames. In the fourth, 1B Cheslor Cuthbert and 3B Hunter Dozier knocked consecutive doubles to make it 2-0, before a wild pitch from Heyer brought in the third run in the fifth.

Heyer finished his outing with a scoreless sixth inning, posting a quality start with only the three runs allowed. However, Naturals RHP Christian Binford (W, 3-1) countered with a scoreless performance, scattering seven hits through 6.1 innings with six strikeouts.

After Heyer wrapped up his outing, Northwest Arkansas plated a final insurance run in the bottom of the seventh against RHP Chris Thomas. LF Justin Trapp started the inning with a single, his third hit of the game. After moving to second on a fly out to left, Trapp took third on a base hit from Franco. SS Orlando Calixte then skied an RBI sacrifice fly to right field, bringing in Trapp for the 4-0 lead.

Thomas bounced back with a 1-2-3 eighth inning to keep the Cardinals (14-22, 48-58) within striking distance, but RHP Ali Williams dealt a scoreless top of the ninth to close the 4-0 win for the Naturals.

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.

Bill Virdon Bobbleheads, Songs from Movies Fireworks, Pink in the Park Wristlets and Michael Wacha Bobbleheads coming up

The Cardinals continue the road trip against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Sunday at 6:05pm. 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.

The Cardinals then kick off a four-game homestand on Thursday, July 31 with the Bill Virdon Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Wendy's - Sam, June and Mike Hamra for 2,500 fans. That Thursday is also a "Buck a Brat" Night featuring $1 bratwursts all game. First Pitch is set for 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The series will also feature -

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Songs from Movies on Friday, August 1. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Rick's Automotive Pink in the Park Wristlet Giveaway for 2,500 fans and the Pink in the Park Jersey Auction to benefit BCFO on Saturday, August 2. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Maria's Mexican Restaurant Michael Wacha Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,500 fans, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, August 3. First Pitch is 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.

Escape to Cardinals Baseball!