Naturals escape with 4-2 win on Tuesday

SPRINGDALE, Ar. -- The Springfield Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs to threaten in the top of the ninth, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals escaped with a 4-2 win before 3,169 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Tuesday night.

The Naturals (8-16) came out swinging in the bottom of the first against RHP Conner Greene (L, 2-2). With two on and two down, RF Elier Hernandez lined an RBI single that brought home SS Nicky Lopez from second base, providing Northwest Arkansas the early 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals (13-10) evened it out in the top of the third against RHP Scott Blewett (W, 1-2). With one away, SS Tommy Edman worked one of his four walks on the game, tying a Springfield single game record for most free passes. One out later, CF Lane Thomas reached on an error that moved Edman to second base. C Andrew Knizner, the league leader with a .406 batting average, promptly laced a two-out RBI single to center field, scoring Edman and tying the game, 1-1.

The Naturals, though, responded with three runs in the bottom of the third. Another CF Donnie Dewees double keyed the rally and was followed by SS Nicky Lopez reaching on a fielder's choice that did not retire an out and a C Nick Dini single, loading the bases with no outs. 1B Samir Dueñez came through with a go-ahead two-run single, bringing home Dewees and Lopez while moving Dini to third. Dini then came home on a wild pitch, capping the three-run rally for a 4-1 Naturals lead.

The Cardinals refused to go down quietly, attempting a late rally in the top of the ninth against RHP Jake Newberry (S, 4). 2B Luke Dykstra and LF Thomas Spitz rocketed consecutive doubles to start the inning. With runner at second and third, Edman worked his fourth walk of the night to load the bases with no outs. However, Newberry dug in with a pop out and back-to-back strikeouts, getting out of the jam and closing the 4-2 win for Northwest Arkansas.
Super-Soft Cardinals Nation T-Shirts, Free Pregame Ice Cream for Kids, Kids Run the Bases and more this weekend
The Cardinals continue the road trip in NW Arkansas on Wednesday at 11:05am. Catch all the action live on KBFL 1060AM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

Springfield then returns home for a four-game series against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field from Saturday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 8. Don't miss any of the upcoming fun, including:

-Saturday, May 5, 6:10pm - Coca-Cola Super-Soft Cardinals Nation T-Shirt Giveaway (2,000), Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo and Baby's First Game with pregame photos on the field. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Sunday, May 6, 2:10pm - Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and Kids Run the Bases. Gates open at 1:10pm.

-Monday, May 7, 11:10am - Day Baseball vs. the Drillers and the Mercy Kids Educational Day Program. Gates open at 10:10am.

-Tuesday, May 8, 6:30pm - Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day. Gates open at 5:30pm.

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 for the full Promotional Schedule and to order your tickets right now.