RockHounds escape with 3-2 win in opener

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals got the game-tying run as far as third base in the bottom of the ninth, but the Midland RockHounds escaped for the 3-2 victory before 5,559 fans at Hammons Field on Saturday evening.

The RockHounds (23-25) took an early lead with a run in the top of the second frame against LHP Nick Greenwood. With one away, C David Freitas was hit by a pitch to reach first base, before racing to third on a double from 2B Dusty Coleman. 3B Tyler Ladendorf then dunked an RBI single to center field, plating Freitas from third base. Coleman tried to come home from second on the base hit, but CF Tommy Pham threw him out at home plate, keeping it just a 1-0 deficit for Springfield.

Midland did find a second run in the top of the third. With the bases empty and two down, LF D'Arby Myers kept the inning going with a double. 1B Anthony Aliotti brought home Myers with an RBI base hit to left field, doubling the Midland lead to 2-0.

The Cardinals (24-22) refused to go down without a fight, battling back to tie the game against RHP Carlos Fisher (W, 1-1) in the bottom of the eighth. With RF Chris Swauger on at second base and two down, SS Jake Lemmerman sent a game-tying two-run home run over the center field wall, squaring the score at 2-2.

However, the RockHounds had a quick response in the top of the ninth. Leading off the frame against RHP Kevin Thomas (L, 1-2), Aliotti smacked a line drive that just cleared the right field wall for the go-ahead solo home run, lifting Midland back into the lead, 3-2.

In the bottom of the ninth, LF Mike O'Neill singled, moved to second on a balk and took third on a ground out, but RHP Mike DeMark (S, 2) escaped the jam to close the 3-2 win for Midland.

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

The series continues on Sunday with a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday, featuring a free ice cream party for kids before the game. All kids can then run the bases just like the Cardinals after the game. First Pitch is 6:09pm, gates open at 5:09pm.

The homestand wraps up with a Memorial Day Matinee Game this Monday at 12:09pm. Spend your holiday weekend at the ballpark and let us handle cooking the hot dogs! Gates open at 11:09am on Monday.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company 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 Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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