'Riders top Cards, 5-2, before 6,335 fans on 4th of July

Springfield, MO - The Frisco RoughRiders topped the Springfield Cardinals, 5-2, before 6,335 fans on the 4th of July at Hammons Field.

The RoughRiders (9-4, 33-50) opened the early lead in the top of the third inning against RHP Mike O'Reilly (L, 2-3). With one away, 2B Luis La O doubled himself on before scoring on an RBI single from 2B Luis Mendez. Former Cardinal and current Frisco LF Eliezer Álvarez then skied a two-run home run to right field, opening the lead to 3-0.

The Cardinals (2-11, 35-48) started chipping away in the bottom of the third against RHP Ariel Jurado (W, 3-3). Leading off the inning, CF Blake Drake swatted a solo shot to left-center field, his fourth home run of the year, shaving the Cardinals deficit to 3-1.

Frisco got the run back in the top of the fifth inning. With two on and one away, RF Preston Beck lined an RBI double to plate SS Michael De Leon and stretch it back to a three-run lead, 4-1.

The RoughRiders added to the lead with their fifth run in the sixth inning against RHP Austin Sexton. After a two-out walk extended the inning, 3B Luis Mendez capitalized with an RBI double to right field, making it a 5-1 Frisco advantage.

After Jurado had rattled off 16 straight outs from the third through the first out in the eighth, 3B Evan Mendoza doubled himself on to spark the Springfield bats. Drake followed with an RBI single through the middle, bringing in Mendoza to bring the Cardinals within three runs. Jurado, though, induced an inning-ending double play next, closing the eighth with a 5-2 lead.

Frisco RHP Reed Garrett (S, 8) took over for the bottom of the ninth and worked around a leadoff double by 2B Ramón Urías to post a scoreless final frame and close the 5-2 RoughRiders win.
Two more Independence Day Fireworks Shows, Replica Red Batting Practice Jerseys, Mike & Tate Matheny Bobbleheads and much more this week
Springfield continues to celebrate Independence Day with a huge homestand through Monday, July 9, featuring:

-Thursday, July 5, 7:10pm - Great Southern Bank Replica Red Batting Practice Jersey Giveaway (2,000), Freedom Week Fireworks with Pure American Country Songs, Klement's $1 Bratwurst Night and Pregame On-Field Happy Hour. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Friday, July 6, 7:10pm - Freedom Week Fireworks with American Love Songs and Foodie Friday Theme Ticket featuring All-You-Can-Eat Street Tacos and Chips and Salsa. Gates open at 6:10pm.

-Saturday, July 7, 6:10pm - Hiland Dairy Mike & Tate Matheny STL/MSU Dual Bobblehead Giveaway (2,000) and Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Sunday, July 8, 6:10pm - Grandparents Day with Pregame On-Field Photos from 5:10 - 5:40pm, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with free pregame ice cream for kids and Kids Run the Bases. Gates open at 5:10pm.

-Monday, July 9, 6:30pm - Monday Night Baseball vs. Midland RockHounds. Gates open at 5:30pm.

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 for the full 2018 Promotional Schedule and to order your tickets right now.