Smith and Cards walk off against Frisco, 2-1, in 11 innings

Springfield, MO - Leading off the bottom of the 11th, 1B Curt Smith launched the game-winning, walk-off home run to lift the Springfield Cardinals to the 2-1 extra-innings win against the Frisco RoughRiders before 3,602 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday night.

Cardinals RHP Kurt Heyer and Frisco RHP Jerad Eickhoff dueled back and forth, alternating scoreless innings through the first half of the game. After Heyer tossed a fifth scoreless stanza, the Cardinals (22-29, 56-65) broke through in the bottom of the fifth inning. 3B Patrick Wisdom started the inning with a walk, before racing to second on a wild pitch. Wisdom took third on a groundout from SS Alex Mejia, before darting in from third on an RBI base hit by LF David Popkins, lifting Springfield in front, 1-0.

After Heyer started the sixth, LHP Lee Stoppelman took over and retired the frame's three outs in scoreless fashion. RHP Sam Tuivailala then came on for the seventh inning and promptly struck out the side, keeping the Cardinals one-run lead intact.

However, Frisco (30-22, 70-51) battled it even in the top of the eighth inning. 2B Guilder Rodriguez led off with a single, before C Jorge Alfaro was hit by Tuivailala to put two men on. LF Odubel Herrera loaded the bases with a bunt single, but Tuivailala responded by striking out DH Trever Adams for the inning's first out. With 3B Joey Gallo at the plate, a wild pitch bounced away from C Travis Tartamella just far enough to enable Rodriguez enough time to race home and score the tying run. Tuivailala, though, dug in and dealt a strikeout to Gallo, before striking out 1B J.T. Wise to strike out the side for the second straight inning and keep the RoughRiders from pulling ahead out of the new 1-1 tie.

RHP Joey Donofrio (W, 3-3) took over to start the top of the ninth and put in a dominant outing, tossing three perfect relief innings to keep the tie intact through the top of the 11th inning.

With LHP Martire Garcia (L, 1-1) on the mound for the bottom of the 11th, 1B Curt Smith struck with the game-winning, walk-off home run, launching the solo shot over the left field wall for the 2-1 win for Springfield.

Click here for the complete box score from Wednesday'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.

$1 Bratwursts on Thursday, Girl Power Fireworks, 10 Years of Cardinals History Canvases and more coming up

The Cardinals wrap up the series against Frisco on Thursday, August 14 with "Buck a Brat" Night, featuring $1 bratwursts throughout the game. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The homestand also includes:

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Girl Power Music on Friday, August 15. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

-Mercy 10 Years of Cardinals History Canvas Giveaway (2,500) on Saturday, August 16. First Pitch is 6:10pm, gates open at 5:10pm.

-Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases on Sunday, August 17. First Pitch is 2:10pm, gates open at 1:10pm.

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.

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