Stanley and Cards blast past Naturals, 4-1

Springfield, MO - All-Star C Cody Stanley belted two home runs to help pace the Springfield Cardinals to the 4-1 win against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals before 3,622 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday night.

After a pair of scoreless innings from Cardinals LHP Jonathan Cornelius (W, 8-6) and Naturals RHP Andy Ferguson (L, 6-7), Springfield (8-11, 42-47) struck in the bottom of the third. 3B Patrick Wisdom started the frame with a triple, before trotting home on a two-run homer by CF Rafael Ortega. Two outs later, Stanley swatted his first solo shot of the night, stretching the advantage to 3-0.

Cornelius kept the Naturals (9-10, 34-55) bats at bay through his first four scoreless frames, but Northwest Arkansas scratched across their first run in the top of the fifth. C Juan Graterol knocked a base hit to left field to open the inning. After moving to second on a sacrifice bunt, Graterol advanced to third on a fly out to center field. With two down, CF Ethan Chapman came through with an RBI triple into the right field corner, plating Graterol to cut the Cardinals lead to 3-1.

Stanley and the Cardinals, though, stretched the lead back out in the bottom of the sixth. Leading off the inning, the All-Star catcher belted his second solo home run of the game to right field, his 10th homer of the year, increasing the advantage back to three runs, 4-1.

After Cornelius's six one-run frames, RHP Chris Thomas struck out four through two scoreless relief innings. LHP Justin Wright (S, 7) then slammed the door with a scoreless ninth, closing the 4-1 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.

Kolten Wong Bobbleheads, Friday Night Fireworks with Music from Kids Movies, U.S.A Hockey Jersey Auction and more coming up

The Cardinals continue the homestand with the U.S. Cellular Kolten Wong Bobblehead Giveaway (2,500) and $1 Brats on Thursday, July 10 at 7:10pm. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The home series will also feature -

-AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Music from Kids Movies on Friday, July 11 at 7:10pm. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-U.S.A Hockey Specialty Jersey Auction to benefit Horses of Hope during the Saturday, July 12 game at 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!