The Cardinals, whose backs are already against the wall, rallied from a 2-0 deficit on Sunday against Cincinnati, as an RBI triple by Daniel DeScalso in the 4th inning tied the game. But the Redbird bats went into hibernation for the remainder of the day, and the Reds pulled out a 3-2 win in the 10th inning on an RBI single byJuan Francisco.
Springfield, MO - The weather was stunning Sunday afternoon in the Ozarks and the Springfield Cardinals hoped to get back in the win column after a loss in the series opener.
The Cardinals used righty Scott Schneider on the hill making his final appearance of the season. Against him was Orangel Arenas who was an All-Star at the midway point of the season for the Travelers.
After a scoreless first inning, the Cardinals got on the scoreboard in the second inning plating three runs. Zack Cox started the inning by reaching on an error. A strikeout later, Springfield collected four straight hits including a two-run single Travis Tartamella before an RBI sacrifice fly by Ryan Jackson gave the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.
Schneider had not allowed a hit in his first four innings of work, but allowed three straight singles to start the 5th. Dwayne Bailey then grounded a ball to third that ate up Cox allowing a run to score and keeping the bases loaded. Springfield then got an out at the plate before Schneider hit Gabe Jacobo with a pitch bringing another run across and ending the right hander's afternoon.
Sam Freeman entered the game with the bases loaded in the 5th and allowed an RBI ground out, then walked Blake Gailen to re-load the bases. Chris Pettit followed with an RBI single, a wild pitch allowed another run to score and Alberto Rosario finished off the inning with an RBI single to put a cap on the six-run, five-hit frame with the Travs in front 6-3.
In the 7th, Nick Greenwood came out of the Cardinals bullpen and allowed a lead off double to Gabe Jacobo before Roberto Lopez doubled to drive in a run to make it a 7-3 game.
Arkansas would add three more runs in the 9th against Jeff Lyman as Blake Gailen hit a two-run homer and Chris Pettit added a solo shot to lead 10-3.
The Springfield offense fell silent after their three-run third amassing just two more hits for the rest of the game in their 10-3 loss to Arkansas.
In college football news, both coaches found something to be positive about after Saturday's season opener in Fayetteville in which 15th ranked Arkansas, as expected, overpowered lower-division Missouri State. Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino was obviously happy with his team's domination in which they outgained the Bears 466 yards to 163. Petrino lauded the Hog defense, and while some fans were concerned that Arkansas managed only 102 yards rushing, Petrino said that Missouri State's constant blitzing caused him to forsake the run for a lot of quick passes that were quite effective.
Missouri State head coach Terry Allen, who's team faces 3rd ranked Oregon in two weeks, was happy that his team came away without any major injuries. Allen said that the Bear defense looked stronger than past teams as the longest run they surrendered was 14 yards. He also pointed out that while the offense struggled, the circumstances were quite difficult considering that freshman quarterback Kierra Harris was taking his first college snaps as a starter after Trevor Wooden was suspended for one game for breaking team rules.
