The Springfield Cardinals needed an extra inning, but pulled out a big 8-6 victory on Sunday afternoon in the opening game of a double-header against the Wichita Wranglers.  The second game of the double-header was later rained out. 

Rick Ankiel went 4-4 with four RBIs, including his seventh homer since returning from the Midwest League, pacing the Cards 18-hit attack in game one.

With double-headers scheduled for just seven innings, Wichita tied the game at 6-6 in their final at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning.  A Springfield error attributed to two unearned runs against Josh Kinney.  Wichita's Mike Aviles drove home the tying run with a sac fly to the wall in left field.

The Cardinals opened the eighth inning with a single from Brendan Ryan against Wichita's Wes Wilkerson (0-4).  Shaun Boyd followed with a sacrifice that was mis-handled by first baseman Josh Pressley, allowing runners to reach first and second with no outs.  With one out and Aaron Herr at the plate, Ryan and Boyd pulled off a double-steal.  On the play, catcher Matt Tupman's throw skipped away from third baseman Brett Groves.  Brendan Ryan ended up scoring on the play, giving the Cards a 7-6 lead.  Herr followed with an RBI single, scoring Boyd for an 8-6 lead.

Kinney (5-2) and Cavazos would combine to work a scoreless eighth, with Cavazos getting John Draper to pop up with a man aboard, ending the game.  For Cavazos, the save is his first with the Cards. 

Springfield got to Wichita starter Kyle Middleton with some early offense.  Rick Ankiel's RBI double brought in Shaun Boyd for a 1-0 lead just two batters into the game.  In the second, the Cards scored three times, taking a 4-0 lead.  Ty Parker collected his first hit and RBI with the Cards, an RBI sinle that scored Brad Cresse, making it 2-0.  Ankiel capped the inning with another double, driving home Parker and Brendan Ryan for the 4-0 advantage. 

The Wranglers got three back in the second against Cards starter Jordan Pals, cutting the Cards lead to 4-3. 

Ankiel homered with two outs in the fourth, making it 5-3.  In the fifth, Springfield made it 6-3 on another RBI double, this time by Tyler Parker. 

Cory Aldridge homered against Jordan Pals in the sixth, making it 6-4.  Pals worked six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, but received a no-decision. 

The Cardinals match their highest winning streak of the season with their fourth straight.  Springfield improves to 30-32 after the win in the first game of the double-header.  The Cards are now five games behind Arkansas in the East Division. 

Game two of the double-header was cancelled after a 90-minute rain delay.  The game was tied at 4-4 with the Cards batting in the top of the second at the time of the delay.  The game will be made up as part of a double-header on Monday beginning at 5pm.  Randy Leek (13-7) is scheduled to pitch on Monday against Wichita's Mike Stodolka (4-10).

The Cardinals return home on Wednesday, August 31st for Drury University Night.  2,500 fans will receive a red foam noodle on Wednesday night featuring both the Drury Panthers and Springfield Cardinals logos.  Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com.