Wainwright continues scoreless work; Naturals edge Cards, 3-2

SPRINGDALE, Ar. -- RHP Adam Wainwright continue to baffle Texas League batters as he continued his Major League Rehab Assignment with Springfield, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals edged the Springfield Cardinals, 3-2, before 8,854 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Wednesday night.

The Cardinals (23-34, 56-71) jumped in front right away with a leadoff home run from 2B Andy Young to start the top of the first against RHP Jon Perrin. Young's ninth blast in Double-A provided the early 1-0 lead for Springfield.

Rehabbing St. Louis Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright kept the one-run lead intact through 3.0 scoreless frames, allowing just a pair of infield singles while striking out three. He used 44 pitches through his three frames, with 29 going for strikes.

RHP Casey Meisner took over for the bottom of the fourth, but the Naturals (28-29, 63-64) pounced into the lead with a pair of RBI doubles from LF Alex Liddi and RF Alfredo Escalera, seizing the 2-1 advantage.

The Cardinals battled it back even in the top of the sixth. 3B Evan Mendoza and C Andrew Knizner connected for consecutive singles, chasing RHP Jon Perrin from the mound. LHP Luis Lugo came in and dealt consecutive wild pitches, moving Mendoza to third with his first wild pitch and allowing Mendoza to score with his second one, tying the game at 2-2.

After the laborious fourth inning, Meisner dug in with nearly perfect work through his next three frames, keeping the game tied through his final inning in the seventh. Meisner finished with just the two runs allowed on two hits while walking a pair and striking out seven.

The Naturals, though, snatched a late lead against RHP Connor Jones (L, 5-5) in the bottom of the eighth. 1B Samir Dueñez led off with a double, before moving to third on a bunt single by 3B Kelvin Gutierrez. LF Alex Liddi then knocked into a double play, but it brought home Duenez for the go-ahead run and the 3-2 lead.

Base hits by RF Blake Drake and CF Chase Pinder got Cardinals at the corners in the top of the ninth, but RHP Andres Machado (S, 8) worked out of trouble to post a scoreless stanza and close the 3-2 win for the Naturals.
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 Thursday in Northwest Arkansas. 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.