Missions silence Cardinals 3-0 in series opener

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Missions made quick work of the Cardinals on Tuesday.

The visitors silenced Springfield's bats in a 3-0 shutout, doing all their damage in an efficient two hours and 17 minutes in the last-ever series opener between the Cardinals and Missions with San Antonio jumping to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2019.

Cardinals right-hander Matt Pearce (0-5) tossed seven full innings, allowing just two runs on eight hits and a pair of walks but didn't gain the benefit of run support.

Springfield threatened with at least one runner in scoring position in the first, second, third and fourth innings but couldn't drive any home. The Cardinals didn't advance past first base in the game's final five innings.

Missions starter Lake Bachar (3-6) pitched six shutout innings with Miguel Diaz throwing three more to close out the game.

The Cardinals biggest threat came when Andy Young tripled to leadoff the fourth. Two batters later, Blake Drake walked to put runners on the corners. A hard-luck liner to first by Jose Martinez doubled off Drake at first to end the threat.

Hudson Potts put the Missions up 1-0 in the first with a home run to center. It was his first Double-A homer in just his fourth Double-A game.

The Missions extended their lead to 2-0 on a Josh Naylor single in the fifth that brought in Buddy Reed.

The 3-0 final was cemented when Michael Gettys took Hector Mendoza deep in the eighth.

Roel Ramirez struck out the side with a scoreless ninth inning of relief for Springfield.

UP NEXT

The Cardinals host the Missions again Wednesday night with first pitch set for 6:30pm and gates opening at 5:30pm.

Wednesday's game is a Purina Woof Wednesday with all the Very Good Baseball Loving Dogs invited out to the ballpark.