Wisdom and Cardinals blast by Naturals, 7-3

Springfield, MO - The Springfield Cardinals swung past the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 7-3, before 4,476 fans at Hammons Field on Thursday night. 3B Patrick Wisdom helped pace the offense with a three-run home run, a base hit and two runs scored.

After the Naturals (10-17) plated the game's first run in the top of the second, the Cardinals (14-13) came right back with three of their own in the bottom of the frame. With one away and RHP Jason Adam (L, 0-4) on the mound, RF David Popkins and 3B Patrick Wisdom ripped back-to-back base hits. SS Luis Mateo then drove a single to center field that CF Lane Adams bobbled when trying to field, enabling Popkins to score from second on the miscue. After a sacrifice bunt from 2B Greg Miclat, LF Mike O'Neill sliced a two-run double inside the left field line, bringing in both runners for the 3-1 lead.

LHP Kyle Hald kept the lead intact through his first five frames, at one point retiring nine of 10 batters, but the Naturals tied it in the top of the sixth. With two down, RF Jorge Bonifacio kept the inning alive with a single, before a two-run home run to right field from 3B Cheslor Cuthbert, evening the score at 3-3.

The Cardinals, though, swung right back in front in the bottom of the sixth. DH James Ramsey started the stanza with a single, before racing around to third base on a single by 1B Curt Smith and a fielding error on RF Jorge Bonifacio. C Cody Stanley then smacked an RBI single to center field, plating Ramsey from third base. After a lineout, Wisdom belted a three-run blast over the right field wall, widening the lead to 7-3.

RHP Joey Donofrio tossed one scoreless relief inning before LHP Justin Wright (S, 1) slammed the door with 2.1 scoreless frames, closing the 7-3 win for the Cardinals.

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

Don't miss phenomenal Friday Night Fireworks featuring Music of the 90s

In addition to the great lineup of promotions, this weekend's series will feature two rehabbing St. Louis Cardinals in LHP Jaime Garcia and RHP Jason Motte. Garcia is scheduled to start Sunday's 2:10pm game against the Tulsa Drillers and Motte is also expected to join the team.

The Cardinals continue the homestand with AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks featuring Music of the 90s after the 7:10pm game against the Naturals this Friday. Gates open at 6:10pm.

Then on Saturday, it's the Price Cutter and Bar-S Foods 10th Season T-Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Gates open at 5:10pm before the 6:10pm First Pitch.

Sunday's 2:10pm game features the Empire Bank Green Cap Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Sunday is also a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for kids before the game, and then all kids can run the bases just like the Cardinals after the game with The Track Family Fun Parks Kids Race the Bases. Sunday also features the Cardinals Bat Auction to benefit Cherish Kids. Gates open at 1:10pm.

The Cardinals and Drillers will then square off in consecutive morning games on Monday and Tuesday with both games starting at 11:10am. Gates open both days at 10:10am.

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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