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CARDS WIN 6-0 BEHIND LEEK'S GEM!
Randy Leek’s second shutout of the season sent another sellout crowd
home happy, as the Springfield Cardinals polished off the Frisco
RoughRiders on Sunday night, winning by a final score of 6-0. Leek, who
blanked the RoughRiders back on May 29th in game one of a
seven-inning double-header, becomes the first Cardinal pitcher in
franchise history to spin a nine-inning complete-game shutout.
Frisco starter Thomas Diamond (4-3) matched Randy Leek pitch for pitch
through the first three innings, as neither man allowed a base-runner.
The Cards finally got to Diamond in the fourth, as Shaun Boyd walked to
open the inning, then moved to third on a single by Rick Ankiel. After
a walk to Tyler Minges loaded the bases, Travis Hanson was hit by a
pitch, forcing in Boyd from third for a 1-0 lead. With the bases still
loaded and no outs, Aaron Herr lined out to the second baseman Jace
Brewer. On the play, Brewer tried to get Travis Hanson at first base,
but threw wildly, allowing Ankiel to score from third, making it 2-0.
Springfield made it 4-0 in the fifth, scoring a pair of runs against
Diamond. Tyler Minges’ one-out single scored Brendan Ryan, making it
3-0. Travis Hanson’s sac fly scored Shaun Boyd, who reached on a
fielder’s choice, making it a 4-0 advantage for the Cardinals.
Diamond (4-3) would be done after five, turning it over to Jesse
Chavez. The Cards scored a run in each of the next two innings, taking
a commanding 6-0 lead. Cody Haerther opened the sixth with his first of
two hits, later scoring from third on a wild pitch by Chavez, making it
5-0. In the seventh, Tyler Minges reached on an error by third baseman
Seth Taylor, and later scored on a Haerther single, rounding out the
scoring at 6-0.
That
would be plenty for Leek, who didn’t allow a base-runner until a one-out
single in the fourth. Leek walked Kevin Richardson to open the sixth,
but would go on to retire ten straight men, setting up 8,064 fans for
some ninth-inning drama. With one out, Cameron Caughlan singled to
center, only the third hit allowed by Leek on the night. After Joaquin
Arias lined out to right field for the second out, Vincent Sinisi
appeared to watch a 3-2 pitch go by for strike three. The pitch was
ruled a ball, allowing Sinisi to reach first base. Juan Senreiso would
end it though, lining out to Aaron Herr to give Leek his third
complete-game shutout of his professional career. Leek (12-6) is also
tied for the Texas League-lead in victories with 12.
Leek allowed just three
hits and three walks, striking out seven on the night. No RoughRider
ever reached third base on the night. The Cards (22-27) have now won
two straight games and four of their last five. Springfield is now just
five back of Arkansas in the East Division. Chris Lambert (2-4) will
take the hill in game two of the series, as the Cards host the Riders on
Monday night at Hammons Field. Frisco will counter with Nick Masset
(5-10). Game time on Monday night is 7:10pm. Gates open at 6:10pm.
Tickets are still available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at
www.springfieldcardinals.com.
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