Cardinals Minors June 12, 2012: Chris Edmondson Doubles, Homers, & Drives In 5 Runs; Nick Additon Strikes Out 11 Over 7 Scoreless Innings; Seth Maness Tosses A Complete Game

Memphis beat Nashville 2-0

Individual Highlights:
Ryan Jackson 1-for-3 with one walk, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Eugenio Velez 1-for-3 with one double, one walk, and one strikeout.
Mark Hamilton 0-for-1 with one run, three walks, and one strikeout.
Jamie Romak 1-for-4 with one double, two strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.
Pete Kozma 1-for-2 with one RBI and one walk.
Nick Additon started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed four hits, no runs, and struck 11 out for the winning decision (3-6). 0-for-2 at the plate. (p-s:98-64)(g/f:6-2)
Adam Reifer entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit and no runs for the hold (3). (p-s:18-11)(g/f:1-1)
Jess Todd entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the save (1). (p-s:18-12)(g/f:1-0)

Rough Outing:
Aaron Bates 0-for-3 with one strikeout, grounded into one double play, and assisted in one double play.

Former Cardinal:
Corey Patterson 1-for-4 with one double and two strikeouts.

Notes:
Zack Cox was activated from the disabled list and Mitch Canham was released.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site Post Game
Memphis Commercial Appeal Post Game
Nashville Sounds Official Site Post Game

Springfield beat Arkansas 4-1

Individual Highlights:
Greg Garcia 1-for-4 with one double and assisted in two double plays.
Oscar Taveras 1-for-3 with one double, one run, one intentional walk, and grounded into one double play.
Chris Swauger 2-for-3 with one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Jake Shaffer 2-for-3 with one two-out RBI, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Kyle Conley 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs, and one run.
Seth Maness started and pitched nine innings.  He allowed five hits, one earned run, one home run, and struck four out for the winning decision (3-0). (p-s:84-62)(g/f:17-2)

Rough Outing:
Xavier Scruggs 0-for-3 with one strikeout and assisted in two double plays.
Travis Tartamella 0-for-3 at the plate.
Breyvic Valera 0-for-3 at the plate.

Notes:
Vance Albitz was promoted from A-Advanced Palm Beach while Chris Corrigan was sent the other way.

Jermaine Curtis is day-to-day with a sore left foot.

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Springfield News-Leader Post Game
Arkansas Travelers Official Site Post Game

Palm Beach beat St. Lucie  7-6

Individual Highlights:
Starlin Rodriguez 2-for-4 with two doubles, one two-out  RBI, one run, one walk, and assisted in one double play.
Mike O'Neill 2-for-4 with one RBI, one run, and one walk.
Rainel Rosario 1-for-4 with one run, one walk, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Chris Edmondson 2-for-4 with one double, one home run, five RBIs (two w/two-outs), one run, and one strikeout.
Ildemaro Vargas 1-for-3 with one walk, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Jeremy Patton 1-for-3 with one run, one walk, grounded into one double play, and assisted in two double plays.
Ronny Gil 0-for-3 with two runs, one walk, one stolen base, and one fielding error.
Anthony Ferrara started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, five walks, committed one pickoff error, threw one wild pitch, and struck four out for the winning decision (4-4). (g/f:7-6)

Rough Outing:
Geoff Klein 0-for-4, one passed ball, and allowed one stolen base.
Iden Nazario entered in the eighth and pitched to seven batters.  He allowed two hits, three runs (two earned), three walks, and threw one wild pitch. (g/f:0-1)

Notes:
Logan Billbrough and Cody Stanley were both placed on the disabled list, Vance Albitz was promoted to Double-A Springfield, Daniel Bibona was reassigned to extended spring training, Adam Ehrlich was promoted from extended spring training, and Chris Corrigan was sent down from Springfield.

Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site Post Game
St. Lucie Mets Official Site Post Game

Kane County beat Quad Cities 7-5

Individual Highlights:
Matt Williams 2-for-5 with one run, one throwing error, and assisted in one double play.
Nick Martini 1-for-2 with two runs, three walks, one stolen base, one fielding error, and one outfield assist.
Colin Walsh 1-for-5 with one double, two two-out RBIs, and two strikeouts.
Tyler Rahmatulla 1-for-4 with one triple, one two-out RBI, one run, and one walk.
Juan Castillo 2-for-4 with one two-out RBI and one strikeout.

Rough Outing:
Roberto De La Cruz 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and assisted in three double plays.
Virgil Hill 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Sam Gaviglio started and pitched 7.2 innings.  He allowed 11 hits, six runs (five earned), two home runs, hit two batters, threw one wild pitch, and struck four out for the losing decision (3-5). (g/f:8-4)
Ricky Martinez entered in the eighth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed one hit, one unearned run, one walk, and threw one wild pitch. (g/f:3-2)(ir-s:1-1)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Quad-City Times Post Game

DSL: Indians beat Cardinals 3-0

Individual Highlights:
Jose Godoy 1-for-4 with one double and one strikeout.
Carlos Torres 0-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout.
Junior Agustin 0-for-1 with two walks, one strikeout, and two throwing errors.
Dewen Perez started and pitched five innings.  He allowed three hits, no runs, three walks, and struck one out. (g/f:5-4)

Rough Outing:
Robelys Reyes 0-for-4 with one ground into double play and one fielding error.
Leobaldo Pina 0-for-4 at the plate.
Eliezer Alvarez 0-for-4 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.

Cardinals Minors June 7, 2012: Eugenio Velez Doubles, Homers, & Drives In 4 Runs; Cedric Hunter Doubles & Knocks In 4 Runs; Kyle Conley Doubles & Collects 3 RBIs; Fernando Baez Struck Out 8 Over 4 Innings

Memphis beat Albuquerque 12-6

Individual Highlights:
Lou Montanez 2-for-5 with one run, one walk, one stolen base, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Ryan Jackson 1-for-4 with one double, one run, one sacrifice, one strikeout, grounded into one double play, and assisted in two double plays.
Jamie Romak 0-for-3 with one RBI, one run, one walk, one sac fly, and assisted in two double plays.
Mark Hamilton 1-for-5 with two runs.
Eugenio Velez 2-for-5 with one double, one home run, four RBIs (three w/two-outs), two runs, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Bryan Anderson 1-for-4 with one run and one walk.
Pete Kozma 2-for-4 with two runs, one walk, one throwing error, and assisted in two double plays.
Cedric Hunter 2-for-4 with one double, four RBIs (one w/two-outs), two runs, and one walk.
Aaron Bates 1-for-1 with one double and one RBI.
Garrett Wittels 1-for-1 with one triple and two two-out RBIs.
Jess Todd entered in the seventh and pitched to two batters.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out for the hold (2). (p-s:9-6)(ir-s:2-0)
Chuckie Fick entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs. (p-s:10-7)(g/f:1-2)

Rough Outing:
Nick Additon started and pitched 5.2 innings.  He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, two home runs, two walks, and struck three out for the winning decision (2-6).  0-for-2 with one sacrifice at the plate. (p-s:94-57)(g/f:9-1)

Former Cardinal:
Aaron Miles 0-for-3 with one walk, one strikeout, one throwing error, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.

Albuquerque Isotopes Official Site Post Game

Tulsa beat Springfield 6-4

Individual Highlights:
Kolten Wong 1-for-4 with one run and one walk.
Jermaine Curtis 2-for-5 with one double, one run, and one strikeout.
Kyle Conley 1-for-4 with one double, three RBIs, and one strikeout.
Jake Shaffer 2-for-4 with one home run, one RBI, and one run.
Greg Garcia 2-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Justin Wright entered in the sixth and pitched two innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck three out. (p-s:24-17)(g/f:1-1)
Jesse Simpson entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:15-9)(g/f:1-1)

Rough Outing:
Xavier Scruggs 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and one throwing error.
Seth Maness started and pitched four innings.  He allowed nine hits, four runs (three earned), one walk, and struck six out.  1-for-2 with one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:79-56)(g/f:6-1)
Chris Corrigan entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck two out for the losing decision (0-1). (p-s:21-15)(g/f:0-1)

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Tulsa Drillers Official Site Post Game

Palm Beach @ Dunedin was postponed due to rain

Dunedin Official Site Announcement

Kane County beat Quad Cities 4-1

Individual Highlights:
Anthony Garcia 0-for-2 with one run, one walk, one hit by pitch, and two outfield assists.
Roberto De La Cruz 2-for-4 with one two-out RBI and assisted in one double play.
Dail Villanueva started and pitched six innings.  He allowed eighth hits, two earned runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, and hit one batter for the losing decision (3-4). (g/f:9-5)
Ethan Cole entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck one out. (g/f:0-1)

Rough Outing:
Nick Martini 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Colin Walsh 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Casey Rasmus 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Ricky Martinez entered in the seventh and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, two earned runs, and struck one out. (g/f:1-0)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Kane County Chronicle Post Game

DSL: Cardinals beat Athletics 6-5

Individual Highlights:
Robelys Reyes 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs, one walk, and one stolen base.
Jose Pena 1-for-5 with one double and one strikeout.
Jose Godoy 1-for-4 with one run, one walk, one strikeout, one passed ball, picked one runner off, and allowed one stolen base.
George Araujo 2-for-4 with one triple, one two-out RBI, one run, one strikeout, and one outfield assist.
Domingo Sanchez 1-for-3 with one two-out RBI, one run, one walk, one stolen base, and two strikeouts.
Fernando Baez entered in the fifth and pitched four innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, and struck eight out for the winning decision (1-0). (g/f:2-1)(ir-s:3-2)
Ismael Brito entered in the seventh and pitched 2.2 innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck two out for the save (2). (g/f:2-0)(ir-s:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Eliezer Alvarez 0-for-4 at the plate.
Isaac Silva started and pitched one inning.  He allowed five hits, four runs (three earned), three walks, committed one pickoff error, and struck one out.
Luis De La Rosa entered in the sixth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, hit one batter, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out for the hold (1).

MLB Draft

Lee University coach spoke very highly of Cardinals' 29th selection Andy Hillis.

39th round selection Michael Aldrete never figured the Cardinals would draft him but plans to sign.

86th overall selection Carson Kelly is deciding between attending Oregon or signing with the Cardinals.

Villanova coach had positive things to say about 30th round selection Kyle Helisek.

Cardinals Minors May 30, 2012: Anthony Garcia Doubles, 2 Homers, & 6 RBIs; Kyle COnley Doubles, Homers Twice, & Knocks In 5 Runs; Nick Martini & Jonathan Rodriguez Each Homer & Drives in 3 Runs

Memphis beat Round Rock 4-3

Individual Highlights:

Lou Montanez 1-for-3 with two runs, one walk, and grounded into one double play.

Jaime Romak 1-for-3 with two RBIs (one w/two-outs), one sac fly, grounded into one double play, and assisted in two double plays.

Eugenio Velez 1-for-2 with one home run, one RBI, one run, and one strikeout.

Pete Kozma 2-for-4 with one double, one run, and assisted in two double plays.

Cedric Hunter 1-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout.

Bryan Anderson 1-for-1 with one RBI.

Joe Kelly started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed five hits, two runs (one earned), three walks, and struck two out. (p-s:102-62)(g/f:12-3)

Fernando Salas entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out for the winning decision (1-0). (p-s:14-9)(g/f:1-0)

Rough Outing:

Maikel Cleto entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, and struck one out.  (p-s:11-8)(g/f:2-0)

Notes:

Zack Cox left the game early after being hit in the helmet by a pitch.

Hometown newspaper Ventura County Star talks with Chuckie Fick on his debut.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site Post Game

Memphis Commercial Appeal Post Game

Round Rock Express Official Site Post Game

Statesman Post Game

Springfield beat San Antonio 10-5

Individual Highlights:
Kolten Wong 1-for-4 with one double, one run, one walk, and assisted in two double plays.
Jermaine Curtis 2-for-4 with one double, one run, and one hit by pitch.
Oscar Taveras 2-for-4 with one double, two RBIs, one run, one sac fly, and one strikeout.
Kyle Conley 3-for-4 with one double, two home runs, five RBIs (two/ two-outs), three runs, and one strikeout.
Greg Garcia 2-for-4 with one run, one fielding error, and assisted in two double plays.
Audry Perez 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs.
Adam Melker one walk and one run.
Tyler Lyons started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, two home runs, and struck seven out for the winning decision (4-4).  0-for-2 at the plate. (p-s:84-59)(g/f:9-1)
Eric Fornataro entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, one walk, and struck one out for the hold (8). (p-s:32-21)(g/f:3-0)

Rough Outing:
Deryk Hooker entered in the seventh and pitched two-thirds of an inning.  He allowed one hit, one earned run, one home run, and one walk for the hold (1). (p-s:13-7)(g/f:1-0)
Mike Blazek entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, one earned run, one walk, and struck two out. (p-s:23-14)(g/f:0-1)

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Springfield News-Leader: Cardinals Corner Post Game

Palm Beach beat St. Lucie 3-1

Individual Highlights:
Starlin Rodriguez 1-for-2 with one run, one walk, and one fielding error.
Jonathan Rodriguez 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs, one run, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Cody Stanley 1-for-3 with one double and two strikeouts.
Brad Watson started and pitched six innings.  He allowed one hit, one earned run, one home run, one walk, and struck four out. (g/f:3-0)
Aidan Lucas entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, one walk, and struck one out for the winning decision (1-0). (g/f:5-0)
Chase Reid entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck one out for the save (3). (g/f:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Ronny Gil 0-for-4 at the plate.
Nick Longmire 0-for-3 at the plate.
Geoff Klein 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site Post Game

Quad Cities beat Beloit 20-3

Individual Highlights:
Virgil Hill 3-for-5 with one double, three RBIs, four runs, and one walk.
Nick Martini 3-for-6 with one home run, three RBIs, two runs, and one strikeout.
Tyler Rahmatulla 2-for-4 with three RBIs (one w/two-outs), three runs, two walks, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Colin Walsh 1-for-5 with one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, and one strikeout.
Anthony Garcia 3-for-5 with one double, two home runs, six RBIs (two w/two-outs), three runs, and one strikeout.
David Medina 1-for-4 with one double, one RBI, two runs, one walk, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Casey Rasmus 1-for-4 with one run, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Matt Williams 3-for-5 with one double, two RBIs (one w/two-outs), two runs, and one fielding error.
Neal Pritchard 1-for-4 with two runs, one walk, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.
Sam Gaviglio started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed four hits, two runs (one earned), two walks, threw one wild pitch, and struck five out for the winning decision (3-3). (g/f:16-1)
Heath Wyatt entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, one walk, and struck one out. (g/f:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Willy Paulino entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, one earned run, two walks, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out. (g/f:0-1)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Quad-City Times Post Game

Cardinals Minors may 28, 2012 Results: David Medina Doubles, Triples, & Drives In Four Runs; Tyler Rahmatulla Doubles & Knocks In Three Runs; Richard Castillo Tosses Six & A Third Scoreless Innings

Iowa beat Memphis 8-2

Individual Highlights:
Eugenio Velez 1-for-4 with one double, one run, one walk, grounded into one double play, and assisted in one double play.
Ryan Jackson 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs and assisted in one double play.
Cedric Hunter 1-for-4 with one double.
Barret Browning entered in the sixth and pitched two innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out. (p-s:17-13)(g/f:3-0)

Rough Outing:
Jamie Romak 0-for-4 with one ground into double play and assisted in two double plays.
Mitch Canham 0-for-2 at the plate.
Brian Broderick started and pitched five innings.  He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, one home run, two walks, hit one batter, and struck two out for the losing decision (2-7).  1-for-1 at the plate. (p-s:89-55)(g/f:6-3)
Maikel Cleto entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, and struck two out. (p-s:22-13)(g/f:1-0)
Clay Zavada entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed five hits and four runs (three earned). (p-s:17-15)(g/f:2-1)

Notes:
The Memphis Flyer takes a look at how the Redbirds season has been going so far.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site Post Game
Memphis Commercial Appeal Post Game (Mark Hamilton talks about the newly-formed team)
Iowa Cubs Official Site Post Game

Springfield beat Corpus Christi 3-2

Individual Highlights:
Jose Garcia 2-for-4, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Greg Garcia 1-for-2 with one run, one walk, one hit by pitch, and assisted in one double play.
Jermaine Curtis 1-for-2 with one run, one walk, and one hit by pitch.
Kyle Conley 1-for-4 with one double, two RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Xavier Scruggs 2-for-4 with one RBI, two strikeouts, one caught stealing, and assisted in one double play.
Richard Castillo started and pitched 6.1 innings.  He allowed six hits, no runs, one walk, and struck two out for the winning decision (2-0).  0-for-3 with one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:81-52)(g/f:12-4)
Keith Butler entered in the eighth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and one walk for the save (10). (p-s:20-11)(g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)

Rough Outing:
Chris Swauger 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and grounded into one double play.
Adam Melker 0-for-4 with one strikeout and grounded into one double play.
Audry Perez 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Eric Fornataro entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out for the hold (7). (p-s:29-18)(g/f:1-0)(ir-s:2-0)

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Corpus Christi Hooks Official Site Post Game

Palm Beach Cardinals had day off

Quad Cities beat Cedar Rapids 16-6

Individual Highlights:
Matt Williams 2-for-5 with two runs, one walk, three strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Nick Martini 2-for-5 with two RBIs, three runs, one hit by pitch, one outfield assist, and assisted in one double play.
Tyler Rahmatulla 2-for-5 with one double, three RBIs (two w/two-outs), one run, one hit by pitch, and one fielding error.
Colin Walsh 1-for-2 with three RBIs (one w/two-outs), two runs, three walks, and one sac fly.
Anthony Garcia 1-for-5 with one double, one RBI, two runs, one hit by pitch, and two strikeouts.
Roberto De La Cruz 1-for-5 with one home run, two RBIs, one run, one strikeout, and assisted in two double plays.
David Medina 3-for-5 with one double, one triple, four RBIs (two w/two-outs), one run, and one outfield assist.
Juan Castillo 2-for-5 with one double, one RBI, two runs, and one strikeout.
Neal Pritchard 1-for-4 with two runs, one hit by pitch, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.

Rough Outing:
Jonathan Cornelius started and pitched 6.2 innings.  He allowed eight hits, four runs (three earned), one walk, hit one batter, threw two wild pitches, and struck four out for the winning decision (1-1). (g/f:9-4)
Bob Revesz entered in the seventh and pitched 2.1 innings.  He allowed five hits, two earned runs, hit one batter, and struck two out. (g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Cedar Rapids Kernels Official Site Post Game

Springfield Cardinals Report April 24-30, 2012

The Springfield Cardinals extended their losing streak from three games to a now ten consecutive games.  The Double-A Cardinals are 8-16 with a .333 PCT and are ten games out of first place in the Texas League North Division.  They are 5-5 at home and 3-11 on the road.

Recap April 24-30:

April 24 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Springfield sent Trevor Rosenthal to the hill to help end the losing streak carried over from the previous period.  Rosenthal pitched five scoreless innings as the Cardinals offense put the team in the lead.   Kolten Wong was hit by a pitch with one out in the first.  Wong stole second, Rainel Rosario grounded out, and Xavier Scruiggs doubled to drive in Wong.  Jake Shaffer singled to left field to knock in Scruggs and Kyle Conley followed with a single to right, making it Springfield 3-0.  Wong lead off the third with a solo homer run to right.  The Naturals finally got to Rosenthal in the sixth as Christian Colon doubled to left with one out.  Wil Myers singled to center to score Colon and John Whittleman walked.  Nick Derba threw the ball away on a pickoff attempt and then let a ball get away allowing both runners to get into scoring position and score one more run.  Springfield loaded up the bases in the seventh and Brendan Lafferty uncorked a wild pitch that scored Wong and Rosario.  Carlo Testa lead off the bottom of the seventh with a double off Eric Fornataro.  Yem Prades singled in Testa with one out and Colon knocked him in on a triple.  Myers doubled to score Colon and Myers then crossed the plate when Scruggs committed an error on a Whittleman hit.  Both bullpens shutdown their opponents for the next five frames and in the bottom of the 13th Testa struck again with a single to right.  Testa made his way around to third on outs and scored on a Colon single as NW Arkansas beat Springfield 7-6.

April 25 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Springfield once again took an early lead on NW Arkansas only to watch it go in the tank real quick.  The Cardinals held a 3-2 lead, with the help of a Oscar Taveras two-run shot, over the Naturals heading into the bottom of the fourth.  Kurt Mertins lead off the fourth with a double and Carlo Testa reached on a bunt.  Ryan Jenkins doubled to center to score Metrins and Rey Navarro singled to score Testa and Jenkins.  Wil Myers hit a two-run shot and Yem Prades also hit a two-run homer (driving in John Whittleman who walked) making the score 9-3 NW Arkansas.  Springfield added three runs spread out over the sixth, seventh, and eight innings which included aKyle Conley solo homer, Jake Shaffer single to drive in Jose Garcia, and another Conley homer.  Whittleman also hit a solo homer in the sixth and NW Arkansas held on to win 10-6 over Springfield.

April 26 Springfield Official Site Post Game: NW Arkansas came out of the gate swinging right away on Springfield starter Tyler Lyons.  Rey Navarrosingled to center, Christian Colon bunted to move him over, and Wil Myers flew out for the second out.  John Wittleman walked followed by a Mario Lissondouble to score Navarro and Wittleman.  Yem Prades drove in Lisson on a single to left making the score 3-0 the Naturals.  Myers lead off the third with a home run to put NW Arkansas up four runs.  Jose Garcia and Kolten Wong drove in Rainel Rosario and Nick Derba for two runs in the fifth.  The Naturals knocked Lyons out of the game in the sixth as Kurt Merkins and Ryan Jenkins hit back-to-back singles.  Jesse Simpson gave up a single to Navarro that scored Mertins making it 5-2 NW Arkansas.  Lisson doubled in Myers in the seventh and Oscar Taveras hit a solo homer in the eighth as the Naturals went on to beat the Cardinals 6-3.

April 27 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Joe Gardner opened the series for Tulsa vs. Springfield and only allowed five hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck five out over six innings.  Scott Gorgen drove in the Cardinals only run of the game in the second inning.  Following an Audry Perez single that moved Greg Garcia to third, Gorgen singled to center.  After that Springfield went silent for the game.  Ben Paulson lead off the bottom of the second with a home run and the Drillers didn't get to Gorgen until the sixth.  Paulson lead off with a double and Mike Zuanich was hit by a pitch with two-outs.  Angelys Nina sacrifice to right to score Paulson and Kyle Conley committed a throwing error to help advance Zuanich. Lars Davis walked and made it to second safetly as Zuanich stole third and Perez let a pitch get away.  Kiel Roling hit a ground rule double to plate two runs and he scored on a Josh Rutledge single to left.  Springfield bullpen held Tulsa from scoring for the final two innings but damage was done as the Drillers picked up the win 5-1.

April 28 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Tulsa got to top Springfield starter John Gast real quick in the second game of the series.  In the second, Kiel Roling singled to left and Kent Matthes followed with a home run.  In the fourth, Matthes drilled his second homer of the game to make it 3-0 Tulsa.  Edwar Cabrera started for Tulsa and pitched seven scoreless frames allowing just two hits, hit one batter, and struck seven out.  The Springfield offense finally put runs on the board in the eighth as Kolten Wong drove in Jake Shaffer and Kyle Conleyknocked in Wong.  Tulsa did not allow another run as they went on to beat Springfield 3-2.

April 29 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Trevor Rosenthal and Dan Houston both came ready to pitch in game three between Springfield and Tulsa.  Both pitched five scoreless frames to open the game.  The Cardinals got on the scoreboard first as Kyle Conley hit a two-out solo homer in the sixth.  Nolan Arenado was hit by a pitch to begin the bottom of the sixth.  With one out, Kent Matthes singled to center and Rosenthal uncorked a wild pitch to move both runners over.  Tim Torres walked and Rosenthal was pulled for Eric Fornataro. Lars Davis drove in Arenado on a single to left and Kiel Roling hit a two-out single to center to score Matthes and Torres.  Springfield managed just one more run in the eight on a Oscar Taveras homer and lost to Tulsa 3-2, again.

April 30 Springfield Official Site Post Game: Oscar Taveras doubled with two-out in the first inning and was knocked in by Kyle Conley to put Springfield out in front 1-0.  Mike Blazek pitched six scoreless innings only allowing two hits and two walks to keep the Cardinals out front.  Parker Frazier didn't pitch to bad either only allowing the one run in the first inning and going five innings.  Taveras drove in Audry Perez with two outs in the seventh as Springfield now held a 2-0 lead.  The game turned in the ninth as Jorge Rondon came on to close it out.  Rondon walked Kiel Roling, hit Kent Matthes, and coughed up a three-run shot to Mike Zuanich as the Cardinals went down for the third straight game 3-2.

Who's Hot:

Oscar Taveras has a six-game hitting streak to work on and collected four multi-hit and one multi-RBI games during this period.  The 19-year old left-handed hitter went 10-for-24 (.417) with two doubles, three home runs, five RBIs (four w/two-outs), four runs, three walks (one intentional), and two strikeouts.  He played six games in centerfield and one in right field.

Kyle Conley picked up three multi-hit, one multi-home run, one multi-RBI, and has a three-game hitting streak to work on.  The 24-year old right-handed hitter went 9-for-28 (.321) with one double, three home runs, six RBIs (four w/two-outs), three runs, two walks, ten strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.  He played three games in left field (one fielding error), three game in right field (one throwing error), and one as designated hitter.

Jake Shaffer had two multi-hit and one multi-RBI this past week.  The 24-year old left-handed hitter went 9-for-25 (.360) with two doubles, three RBIs (two w/two-outs), two runs, three walks (one intentional), one stolen base, and seven strikeouts.  He played four games in left field (one fielding error), two as designated hitter, and one as pinch hitter.

Kevin Thomas bounced back after be hit hard in the last report to make three scoreless appearances.  The 25-year old right-hander pitched on April 24, 26, and 28 for a total of three and two-thirds innings.  He allowed no hits, no runs, one walk, and struck one out.  The 2008 33rd  round (995th overall selection) had a combined pitch count of 49 with 30 registering for strikes, ground out-to-fly out ratio of 7-to-3, and kept both inherited runners on base.

Keith Butler, like Thomas, came through with three scoreless appearances for the Cardinals.  The 23-year old right-hander pitched on April 25, 29, and 30 for a total of four innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck two out and even picked up his third hold of the season.  The 2009 24th round (729th overall selection) had a combined 46 pitched with 28 as strikes and a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 7-to-1.

Who's Not:

Adam Melker started off the season on a good note and just went into a major slump in the past week.  The 24-year old left-handed hitter went 1-for-25 (.040) with one walk, three walks, and one caught stealing.  He played two games at first base (assisted in three double plays), one game in centerfield, and three games off the bench as a pinch hitter.

Nick Derba not only struggled at the plate but also behind it.  The 26-year old right-handed hitter went 1-for-12 (.083) with one run, one walk, and four strikeouts.  He played three games at catcher where he committed one pickoff and one fielding error, had one passed ball, and threw out one of three base runners.

Rainel Rosario will look to end a three-game hitless streak.  The 23-year old right-handed hitter went 1-for-18 (.056) with two runs, one walk, and 11 strikeouts.  He played four games in right field (two outfield assists) and two as a pinch hitter.

Tyler Lyons had his worst start of the season this past period.  The 24-year old pitched on April 26 allowing ten hits, five earned runs, one home run, two walks, and struck two out for the losing decision (0-3).  He had a pitch count of 87 with 56 for strikes and a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 9-to-4.

Jorge Rondon made two scoreless appearances but blew a save that could of ended the Springfield losing streak.  The 24-year old left-hander pitched on April 24 and 28 for a combined one and two-thirds innings where he allowed no hits, no runs, and struck one out.  Then on April 30, he gave up one hit, three earned runs, one home run, one walk, hit one batter, and struck one out for the blown save (1) and losing decision (0-1).  He made a total of 33 pitches with 20 going for strikes, ground out-to-fly out ratio of 5-to-3, and kept his only inherited runner on base.

Notes:

2008 13th round (395th overall selection) Mitch Harris was turned down on an early release from the Navy.

Jorge Rondon was dealing with some back soreness and Tommy Pham has season ending shoulder surgery according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Xavier Scruggs talks about the Springfield Cardinals losing streak in his latest blog post. 

2012 Texas League Stats:

The Springfield Cardinals are batting .247 (5th) with a .315 OBP (6th), .381 SLG (6th), and .696 OPS (6th).  They ranks second in strikeouts; third in triples, fourth in doubles and walks; fifth in hits; sixth in runs, home runs(tied), RBIs, and total bases; seventh in stolen bases and caught stealing (tied) in the eight-team division.

The Cardinals have a 4.44 ERA (6th) and 1.36 WHIP (5th).  They ranks tied for first in hit batters; second in losses; third in earned runs, walks, and holds (tied); fourth in hits allowed and home runs allowed; fifth in saves (tied) and runs allowed; tied for sixth in shutouts; seventh in wins and strikeouts in the eight-team division.

Oscar Taveras ranks fifth in AVG, first in hits, tied for third in doubles, tied for seventh in triples, second in home runs, first in RBIs, first in total bases, first in SLG, and first in OPS.
Kolten Wong ranks eighth in AVG, tied for third in runs, tied for third in triples, and seventh in OBP.
Greg Garcia ranks tied for seventh in triples and tied for eighth in walks.
Xavier Scruggs ranks second strikeouts.
Adam Melker ranks tied for fifth in caught stealing.
John Gast ranks sixth in ERA, tied for third in wins, tied for tenth in losses, third in innings pitched, tied for ninth in home runs allowed, tied for sixth in strikeouts, and fourth in WHIP.
Tyler Lyons ranks tied for first in losses.
Trevor Rosenthal ranks tied for first in losses and second in walks.
Mike Blazek ranks tied for tenth in losses, fourth in hits allowed, second in earned runs, tied for ninth in home runs allowed, tied for seventh in hit batters, and third in walks.
Sam Freeman ranks tied for tenth in losses, tied for first in holds, and eighth in game finishes.
Scott Gorgen ranks tied for tenth in losses and tied for third in hit batters.
Jorge Rondon ranks tied for sixth in saves, tied for seventh in hit batters, and tied for sixth in game finishes.
Scott Schneider is tied for seventh in hit batters.
Keith Butler ranks tied fifth in holds.

Up Next:

May 1-4: NW Arkansas
May 5-8: Arkansas