Tulsa avoids sweep with win in series finale

Springfield, MO - The Tulsa Drillers avoided the sweep with a 3-0 win against the Springfield Cardinals before 3,394 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday night. The Cardinals took the series win, 2-games-to-1.

The Drillers (14-19, 48-53) cracked the scoreless tie with a pair of tallies in the top of the third inning against LHP Jonathan Cornelius (L, 2-5). With two on and two down, 1B Kiel Roling drove a two-run double off the left field fence, plating both runners for the early 2-0 lead.

Tulsa stretched the lead with one more run in the top of the seventh. Two singles and a hit batter loaded the bases with two away, leading to RHP Jose Almarante taking over on the mound. With the bases full, Almarante hit RF Kyle Parker to force in the run from third, making it 3-0.

After a scoreless eighth by RHP Joe Gardner, RHP Cole White (S, 11) closed the 3-0 win for Tulsa with a scoreless ninth.  

LHP Tyler Matzek (W, 7-6) dealt 6.2 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts for the victory. Cornelius logged a quality start for the Cardinals (16-17, 49-52), tossing 6.2 innings with only the three runs allowed, before RHP Jose Almarante and LHP Danny Miranda combined to provide scoreless relief.

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

The Cardinals kick off the four-game series against Northwest Arkansas with Christmas in July this Thursday at 7:09pm. The festive evening features the Great Southern Bank Texas League Championship Trophy Snow Globe Giveaway (2,500). Thursday is also a Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night and will feature Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo. Gates open at 6:09pm.

The series continues with a can't-miss AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Show featuring Classic Rock Music this Friday after the 7:09pm game. Gates open at 6:09pm. 

On Saturday, it's the Hiland Dairy Texas League Championship Ceramic Ice Cream/Cereal Bowl Giveaway (2,500) with a 6:09pm First Pitch. Saturday will also feature the DSGO Step Up for Down Syndrome. Gates open at 5:09pm.

The homestand wraps up with a special evening this Sunday, featuring the Cline Dental Stan Musial Statue Giveaway (2,500). Sunday is also a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with a free ice cream party for kids before the game, and all kids can run the bases after the game. First Pitch is 6:09pm with gates opening at 5:09pm.

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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