Griffin out-duels Kruczynski as Naturals claim 1-0 win

Springdale, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals snuck by the Springfield Cardinals, 1-0, before 5,080 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday evening.

The Cardinals (18-25, 51-62) out-hit the Naturals (17-25, 52-60), 7-6, with SS Tommy Edman (16-game) and C Andrew Knizner (11-game) both collecting a base hit to extend their hitting streaks.

Cardinals LHP Evan Kruczynski (L, 1-1) and Naturals LHP Foster Griffin (W, 7-12) dueled back and forth throughout their stellar starts. Kruczynski allowed just one run through his 7.0 innings, scattering six hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Kruczynski only allowed one Natural to reach scoring position through his first 5.0 scoreless frames, before Northwest Arkansas got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. With two away and the bases empty, SS Jecksson Flores sent a triple to left-center field. 1B Samir Dueñez then came through with an RBI single to center field, lifting the Naturals ahead, 1-0.

Kruczynski closed the sixth and tossed a 1-2-3 seventh, but Griffin kept the Cardinals scoreless through his 7.0 frames, working around seven hits and two walks while striking out six. RHP Pedro Fernandez (S, 1) picked up where Griffin left off, tossing two scoreless stanzas to close the 1-0 win for the Naturals.
Bob Gibson Career Highlights Bobbleheads, Snoopy Bobbleheads and more August 14 - 19
The Cardinals continue the trip in Northwest Arkansas on Sunday at 2:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyotes Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

Springfield then returns home for a fun-filled homestand from Tuesday, August 14 - Sunday, August 19, featuring:

-Tuesday, August 14, 6:30pm - Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield School Supply Drive. Gates open at 5:30pm.

-Wednesday, August 15, 6:30pm - Purina Woof Wednesday with dogs welcome at the game. Gates open at 5:30pm.

-Thursday, August 16, 7:10pm - Henry's Towing Baseball Card Set Giveaway (2,000) and Klement's $1 Bratwurst Night. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Friday, August 17, 7:10pm - Fans-On-Field Fireworks and Wedding Dance Party. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Saturday, August 18, 6:10pm - Maria's Mexican Restaurant Bob Gibson Career Highlights Bobblehead Giveaway (2,000) and Specialty Jersey Auction to benefit Springfield Sports Commission. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Sunday, August 19, 6:10pm - Peanuts & St. Louis Cardinals Snoopy Bobblehead Giveaway (2,000), Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and Kids Run the Bases. Gates open at 5:10pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.
Click here to order your tickets and view the full 2018 Promotional Schedule.