Travs mount comeback with eight-run 8th

North Little Rock, AR - Trailing 5-1, The Arkansas Travelers scored eight runs in the eighth inning to come from behind and defeat the Springfield Cardinals 9-5 on Thursday night at Dickey-Stephens Park.

Arkansas utilized two errors, two bases loaded walks, and six hits in the frame to take the lead.

DH Jabari Henry produced a two-run single to cut the deficit to 5-4 and SS David Fletcher lined a two-run double down the left field line to make it 9-5 Arkansas.

The eight-run inning was the second largest output in one frame for the Travs this season. Arkansas plated nine runs in the first inning at Midland back on April 16. Each of the first nine Travs in the order reached base to begin the game and scored.

After LHP Jose Molina allowed four runs and lasted only two innings, RHP Eric Alonzo was fantastic to preserve the deficit. Alonzo worked four no-hit innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

LHP Kevin Grendell (W, 2-1) surrendered a leadoff homerun to CF Harrison Bader in the seventh, but retired each of the next six in a row with two strikeouts.

RHP Eduardo Paredes finished the game with a scoreless ninth.

Seven different Travs scored at least one run and seven produced one RBI.

Arkansas finished 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

RHP JC Sulbaran was fantastic in the loss for Springfield. The veteran worked seven innings and allowed a run on three hits with three walks and nine strikeouts. The nine strikeouts was Sulbaran's most since 2012 when we was with the AA-Pensacola Blue Wahoos (CIN).

With the win and a Northwest Arkansas Naturals loss, the Travelers moved back into sole possession of first place by one game in the North division with four to play.

The Travelers and Cardinals will conclude the five-game series on Friday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. First pitch for "Pyro in the Park" in scheduled for 7:10 p.m.