Naturals take Friday night finale from Cardinals

SPRINGDALE, Ar. -- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals claimed the series finale with a 9-3 win against the Springfield Cardinals before 6,694 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Friday night.

The Cardinals (24-35, 57-72) came out swinging in the top of the second against LHP Foster Griffin (W, 10-12), starting the stanza with consecutive singles from LF Johan Mieses and 1B John Nogowski. After a walk from RF Blake Drake loaded the bases with no outs, Mieses darted home on a double play ball hit by C Jeremy Martinez, opening a 1-0 lead for Springfield.

The Naturals (29-30, 64-65) countered right away with three runs in the bottom of the second. After a walk from RF Anderson Miller started the frame, C Xavier Fernández launched an RBI triple to center field to tie the game. DH Kort Peterson then brought in Fernandez with a go-ahead RBI single, followed by a base hit from 2B Corey Toups. Two outs later, 1B Samir Dueñez added to the lead with an RBI double, making it a 3-1 advantage for the Naturals.

The Cardinals shaved the deficit with a run in the top of the third. With one away, SS Tommy Edman and 3B Evan Mendoza knocked back-to-back base hits, followed by an RBI single from 2B Andy Young that brought home Edman and cut the Naturals lead to 3-2.

The Naturals added to the lead with a solo home run from C Xavier Fernandez in the bottom of the fifth, opening the lead to 4-2.

Springfield again pulled back within a run in the top of the sixth, which RF Blake Drake started with his second double of the day. One out later, DH Victor Roache connected on an RBI double to right field, plating Drake and decreasing the Cardinals deficit to just 4-3.

Northwest Arkansas, though, blew it open with a two-run shot by 1B Samir Duenez in the bottom of the sixth before pouring in three more runs in the seventh. With two on and two away, CF Nick Heath ripped a two-run triple to left field, before scoring on an RBI single from SS Jecksson Flores to account for the eventual final score of 9-3.
Final Homestand features David Eckstein Bobbleheads, Three Fireworks Shows, Championship Steins, St. Louis Cardinals Ticket Vouchers and more Aug. 28 - Sept. 3
The Cardinals continue the final road trip of the season at 7:05pm on Saturday in Tulsa. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyotes Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

The Cardinals then return home for the final homestand of the 2018 Regular Season from Tuesday, August 28 - Monday, Sept. 3, featuring:

-Tuesday, August 28, 6:30pm - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Book Drive benefiting Springfield-Greene County Public Library and Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day. Gates open at 5:30pm.

-Wednesday, August 29, 6:30pm - Purina Woof Wednesday with all dogs welcome at the ballpark. Gates open at 5:30pm.

-Thursday, August 30, 7:10pm - St. Louis Cardinals 2019 Ticket for Two Voucher Giveaway (2,000), Klement's $1 Bratwurst Night and Pregame On-Field Happy Hour. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Friday, August 31, 7:10pm - Friday Fireworks with Modern Juke Box Hits. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Saturday, Sept. 1, 6:10pm - Budweiser St. Louis Cardinals 1982 World Championship Beer Stein Giveaway (2,000, 21+), Specialty Teal Jersey Auction to benefit GYNCA and Fans-On-Field Fireworks & Kids Dance Party. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Sunday, Sept. 2, 6:10pm - Aaron Sachs & Associates David Eckstein First Batter Bobblehead Giveaway (2,000), Fireworks with Fan Request Music, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday and Kids Run the Bases. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Monday, Sept. 3, 12:15pm - Fan Appreciation Day Free Voucher for 2019 Springfield Cardinals Game for all fans. Gates open at 11:15am.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.
Click here to order your tickets and view the full 2018 Promotional Schedule.