Ryan Helsley dominates Drillers in 2-1 win

Tulsa, OK - Pitching in front of family and friends from nearby Cookson, OK, RHP Ryan Helsley matched a career-high with 7.2 innings to lead the Springfield Cardinals to the 2-1 win against the Tulsa Drillers before 6,124 fans at ONEOK Field on Wednesday afternoon. The start of the game was delayed by an hour and 26 minutes due to thunderstorms in the area.

After Helsley (W, 3-2) retired his first nine batters in order, the Cardinals (20-18) powered in front in the top of the fourth against RHP Logan Bawcom (L, 0-1) with back-to-back solo home runs from LF Randy Arozarena and CF Lane Thomas, opening the 2-0 lead.

The Drillers (20-18) plated an unearned run on an error in the bottom of the fourth to get on the board, but that was all Helsley would allow through his 7.2 innings, surrendering just two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Tulsa threatened in the bottom of the eighth when, with SS Mike Ahmed at second base and two down, RF Luke Raley singled to center field off of RHP Hector Mendoza (S, 4). Ahmed tried to score from second on the play, but CF Lane Thomas unloaded a strike to the plate, throwing out the runner and ending the inning with Springfield still leading, 2-1.

Mendoza (S, 4) came back out for the bottom of the ninth and navigated through a scoreless final frame, closing the 2-1 win for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals go for the series split in the finale from Tulsa on Thursday at 7:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyotes Sports Café Pregame Show.
Bark in the Park, Fans-on-Field Fireworks, Busch Stadium Exclusives Giveaways, Foodie Friday, On-Field Happy Hour and MORE coming in May!
The Cardinals return home on Friday, May 18, beginning a jam-packed schedule of promos, giveaways and theme nights for the second half of May!

Don't miss any of the upcoming fun, including:


GIVEAWAYS

- Saturday, May 19, 6:10 pm: Foundation Credit Union Red Cardinals Shirt Giveaway (2,000 fans)

- Sunday, May 20, 4:10 pm: Busch Stadium Exclusive St. Louis Cardinals Pet Treat Jar Giveaway (2,000 fans)

- Thursday, May 31, 7:10 pm: Busch Stadium Exclusive St. Louis Cardinals Replica 1968 National League Championship Ring (2,000 fans)


THEME NIGHTS

- Friday, May 18, 7:10 pm: Fans-on-Field Fireworks Featuring Time Machine Songs / Foodie Friday featuring All-You-Can-Eat Springfield Cashew Chicken

- Sunday, May 20, 4:10 pm: Purina Bark in the Park, where you can bring your Very Good Pup to the ballpark!

- Thursday, May 31, 7:10 pm: Pre-Game On-Field Happy Hour featuring stadium drink specials


FAN FAVORITES

- Sunday, May 20, 4:10 pm: Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday / Kids Run the Bases

- Tuesday, May 29, 6:30 pm: Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day

- Thursday, May 31, 7:10 pm: Klement's $1 Bratwurst Night

For information about organizing a Group Outing, becoming a Season Ticket Holder, booking a Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.
Click to book your 2018 Cardinals Baseball Experience!