Springfield Cardinals hold off San Antonio

August 09, 2012|Springfield Cardinals

San Antonio, TX- The Springfield Cardinals capitalized on San Antonio's mistakes to take a 9th inning lead and Keith Butler closed the door stranding the tying and winning runs in scoring position to tally his league leading 23rd save.

Matt Jackson made the start for San Antonio, just his second home start of the season, against Richard Castillo coming off a seven inning shutout performance in Little Rock.

Springfield began the scoring in the 2nd inning as Xavier Scruggs was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a one-out RBI double by Adam Melker to take a 1-0 lead.

In the 4th, the Missions tied the score as Dean Anna slugged a solo homer to right to make it a 1-1 game.

San Antonio threatened in the 5th against Castillo by getting a one out double and single to put runners on the corners, but the Cardinals' right hander got a poop up and a ground out to end the inning with score still tied 1-1.

Castillo finished his outing after six solid frames allowing just the one run on five hits with four strike outs.

The game remained tied into the 9th when the Cardinals took advantage of a misplay in left field that allowed lead-off hitter Adam Melker to reach second base. After a sacrifice bunt, pinch-hitter Ray Kruml delivered a sac-fly to score Melker to make it 2-1.

After Michael Blazek tossed two scoreless innings of relief, Keith Butler entered the game to try and pick up the safe. This was no easy save chance though as Butler walked Cody Decker and proceeded to throw to wild pitches putting the tying run at third with one out. After another walk was issued, Butler struck out Ali Solis and Jeudy Valdez to end the game with a 2-1 win to open the series.

The Cardinals will continue their three-game series with the San Antonio Missions Thursday night at 7:05pm. Springfield will have major league rehabber Jaime Garcia on the mound against Adys Portillo of the Missions.

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