FAN APPRECIATION DAY ON SUNDAY!
Randy Leek became the only pitcher in the Texas League to record 15 wins
on Saturday night as the Springfield Cardinals held on for an exciting
2-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers. The win is the fourth straight
for the Cards, ensuring them of at least a .500 season. With the
victory, the Cards improve their second half record to 35-34 and overall
to 70-69 with just one game remaining.
Travis Hanson’s two-run single in the sixth inning proved to be enough
against Travs starter Jered Weaver (3-3). The sixth inning opened with
Dan Moylan’s groundball being misplayed by first baseman Mike Eylward.
Brendan Ryan followed with a bunt, attempting to move Moylan to second
base. Third baseman David Matranga charged in to field Ryan’s bunt.
Matranga’s off-balance throw pulled Eylward off the bag, as Ryan was
credited with a base hit. A single by Cody Haerther loaded the bases,
setting up Hanson’s big hit. Hanson singled to left, plating Moylan and
Ryan for a 2-0 lead. For Hanson, the RBIs give him 97 on the year,
second in the Texas League.
Randy Leek pitched six shutout innings, but his first pitch in the
seventh went over the fence, as Mike Napoli launched a solo homer to
left. Napoli’s league-leading 30th homer made it 2-1.
Napoli has one more RBI than Hanson, a league-best 98. Leek finished
strong though, retiring the next three hitters to preserve the 2-1 lead.
Josh Kinney worked the eighth, getting around a pair of singles. With
runners at second and third and only one out, Kinney struck out Reggie
Willits for the second out of the inning. Howie Kendrick then grounded
out to Rayner Laya at second base, stranding the tying run at third
base.
Cory Doyne worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, earning his team-leading 19th
save in the process.
Leek (15-7) allowed just the one run on five hits over seven innings.
He also finished the season with 185.2, tops in the Texas League and
currently the most in all of Minor League Baseball.
The
Cardinals welcomed 8,433 fans on Saturday night, their 39th
sellout of the 2005 season. Tickets are still available for Sunday
afternoon’s Season Finale at Hammons Field. Chris Lambert (3-7) will
oppose Arkansas’ Daniel Davidson (12-4). Game time from Hammons Field
is 1:10pm and gates open at 12:10pm. Tickets are still available by
calling (417) 863-2143. Sunday afternoon is Fan Appreciation Day at the
ballpark, as everyone in attendance will receive a free Cardinals Gift
Cards, valid for a free outfield box seat ticket for the upcoming 2006
season. Gift Cards can be redeemed for any game next season with the
exception of Opening Day and the Season Finale. Tickets are still
available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at
www.springfieldcardinals.com.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BILL HARDY...OUR TRACKER BOAT WINNER FROM
FRIDAY NIGHT!
On Friday night, Bill Hardy was the lucky contestant to
win a free Tracker Boat thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boat
Centers. Bill entered at the Louie Display at Bass Pro Shops / Tracker
Boat Centers and was one of six contestants to have an opportunity to
win the Tracker Boat on Friday night at Hammons Field. Congratulations
again to Bill Hardy and thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boat
Centers!
