Travelers edge Cardinals, 3-1

North Little Rock, AR - The Arkansas Travelers got by the Springfield Cardinals, 3-1, before 2,922 fans at Dickey-Stephens Park on Wednesday night.

The Travelers (35-30, 68-66) got out to an early advantage in the bottom of the first inning against RHP Zach Petrick (L, 3-3). CF Randal Grichuk led off with a base hit, before darting around to third base on a two-base throwing miscue by Petrick, who misfired a pickoff throw past first base. One out later, LF Cyle Hankerd ripped an RBI single down the third base line to get the Travelers the early lead, 1-0.

The Cardinals (31-34, 64-69) battled it back even with a two-out rally against LHP Michael Roth (W, 6-3) in the top of the third inning. With two away and the bases empty, CF James Ramsey was hit by a pitch to keep the inning alive. LF Starlin Rodriguez then walked, before 3B Ruben Gotay loaded the bases with an infield single. 1B Xavier Scruggs then worked an RBI walk, forcing in Ramsey to square the score, 1-1.

The Travelers reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the third inning. With two on and no outs, Hankerd crushed a line drive to third base, but Gotay made a leaping catch to rob Hankerd before doubling up the runner away from second base. With only one on and two down after the great play, 1B CJ Cron struck with a two-run home run to cash in for the Travelers and open a new 3-1 advantage.

Neither pitching staff allowed another run the rest of the way, with both Petrick and Roth dealing the remainder of their five-inning outings in scoreless fashion. The Cardinals received scoreless relief from LHP Danny Miranda (1.0 inning), RHP Heath Wyatt (1.2 innings) and LHP Lee Stoppelman (0.1 inning), but Arkansas countered with RHP Elvin Ramirez (2.0 innings), RHP David Carpenter (1.0 inning) and RHP Mike Morin (1.0 inning) to close out the 3-1 win.

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

The Cardinals continue the road trip in Arkansas on Thursday at 7:10pm. 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.



Springfield returns home for the final home series of the 2013 Regular Season, starting on Saturday, August 31. That night will feature the Mercy Knit Scarf Giveaway (2,500), along with AM Pyrotechnics End of Season Fireworks. The Cardinals will also be wearing Teal Pinstripe Specialty Jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit GYNCA. First Pitch is 6:09pm, gates open at 5:09pm.

The Cardinals then take on the Tulsa Drillers again on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 6:09pm for the Purina Bark in the Park, when all fans can bring their dogs to the game. The night will feature a pregame pet parade, with all fans that bring pets invited to march around the field. To participate in the parade, please arrive at the ballpark by 5:30pm.

The Sunday, Sept. 1 game will also feature the Purina Pet Food Bowl Mat Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Sunday's game will be a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for kids before the game, and then all kids can run the bases after the game. Gates open at 5:09pm.

The Cardinals then wrap up the 2013 Regular Season on Monday, Sept. 2 with a 12:09pm First Pitch. The Labor Day ballgame is Fan Appreciation Day, with all fans in attendance receiving a free ticket voucher for a 2014 game.

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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