The Springfield Cardinals rallied for six runs in the sixth inning, taking the rubber game of the three-game series, knocking off the Midland RockHounds by a final score of 8-6.  Rick Ankiel’s two-run single highlighted the big inning, as the Cardinals have now won three of their last four games.  

After some huge offensive displays in the first two games of the series, game three looked more like a pitcher’s duel.  The Cards broke a scoreless tie in the fourth, as Papo Bolivar reached on a fielder’s choice, bringing home Tyler Minges who opened the inning with an infield single. 

The RockHounds took the lead in the fifth against Cards starter Jordan Pals.  With two outs and the bases full, Midland’s Brian Stavisky hit a line drive into left field.  Papo Bolivar sprinted in and appeared to make the running catch.  However, Bolivar could not maintain control, as the ball popped out of his glove, allowing two unearned runs to score. 

The Cards tied the game in the bottom of the fifth, rallying for a run with two outs.  Shaun Boyd reached on an error and then advanced to third on a double by Rick Ankiel.  Tyler Minges then ripped a single to left field, scoring Boyd to make it 2-2.  On the play, Rick Ankiel was thrown out at the plate by left fielder Jason Perry, keeping the game tied.

In the sixth, the RockHounds finally chased Jordan Pals.  Kevin Melillo opened the inning with a single, then after stealing second base, scored on a single by Jeremy Brown, making it 3-2.  Brown later scored from third on a sac fly from Steve Stanley, making it a two-run Midland lead at 4-2.

The Cards answered though in the bottom of the sixth, scoring six runs to take the lead for good at 8-4.  After Papo Bolivar’s RBI single made it a one-run game, Dan Moylan walked to force in the tying run at 4-4.  Shaun Boyd had the go-ahead hit, a single to left, scoring Bolivar for a 5-4 lead.  Rick Ankiel ripped a two-run single to right field off reliever Shawn Kohn (4-3), scoring Brendan Ryan and Dan Moylan for a 7-4 lead.  Tyler Minges followed with a sac fly, capping the inning by scoring Shaun Boyd for an 8-4 lead.

The RockHounds scored two unearned runs in the eighth, then applied pressure to closer Cory Doyne in the ninth.  With the Cards in front 8-6, Jeremy Brown earned a one-out walk, bringing the tying run to the plate.  Vasili Spanos struck out, but Mark Kiger then lined a single to left-center field, chasing Brown to third.  A wild pitch from Doyne moved Kiger into scoring position, but with two outs, Steve Stanley grounded out to Brendan Ryan to end the game.  For Doyne, he now leads the Cards with 13 saves on the year.

Andy Cavazos (1-2) pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn his first win in a Springfield uniform. 

The Cards win their third series this season over the first place RockHounds, taking two of three in the series.  The Redbirds are now just 5.5 games back of Arkansas in the East.  Springfield will look to keep the momentum going on the home stand, sending Randy Leek (11-6) to the mound on Sunday evening as they open a new series with Frisco.  The RoughRiders will counter with Rangers prospect Thomas Diamond (4-2).  Game time on Sunday night will be 6:10pm.  On Sunday night, Hardee’s presents Ned Reynolds Bobblehead Doll Giveaway night, as 2,500 fans will receive a bobblehead doll featuring KY3 Sports Director Ned Reynolds.  Game time is 6:10pm and gates open at 5:10pm.  Come see former SMS Bear Jason Hart and his Frisco RoughRiders in game one of the four-game set.  Tickets are still available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at www.springfieldcardinals.com.