MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -Despite coming back from an early five-run deficit, the Springfield Cardinals saw their six-game winning streak come to an end, falling to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals by a score of 12-6 on Monday night in Springdale, Arkansas.

 

Northwest Arkansas, last in the league in team average, posted season-best numbers against Cards' pitching, with 12 runs and 14 hits.

 

Cards’ starter Ryan Kulik, making his Double-A debut, was rocked for six runs in the first innings , as Northwest Arkansas grabbed an early 6-1 advantage.

 

But like Springfield has done many time already this year, the offense rallied, scoring the game’s next five runs. Daryl Jones and Brett Wallace walked back-to-back to open the third inning. One out later, Jones scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-2. Daniel Descalso followed by ripping his first of two triples on Monday, scoring Wallace to make it 6-3. Descalso was knocked in thanks to an RBI groundout from Tony Cruz, making it a two-run game at 6-4.

 

After Naturals’ starter Anthony Lerew left after five innings, the Cards got to reliever and eventual winner Gilbert de la Vara (1-0) in the sixth. With two outs, Jones picked up an RBI single to right field, scoring Antonio DeJesus to make it 6-5. Wallace followed with an infield hit to score Donovan Solano, tying the game at 6-6.

 

The tie would be short-lived though, as Eddie Degerman (0-1) allowed the first two hitters he faced in the sixth to reach safely. Elvis Hernandez came out of the Springfield bullpen and allowed two straight run-scoring hits, then three additional runs, as the Naturals broke it open with a five-run inning, for an 11-6 lead.

 

Hernandez gave up a long home run in the seventh to Cody Strait, capping the scoring at 12-6.

 

With the loss, the Redbirds (11-6) are now three games up in the North Division. Brandon Dickson (1-0) takes on Naturals’ right-hander Blake Johnson (0-2) on Tuesday night at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas. Game time is scheduled for 6:35pm.

 

The Cards will return to Hammons Field after their eight game road trip, taking on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday, May 5^th, in the opening game of a four-game home stand. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at springfieldcardinals.com. Escape to Hammons Field....Go Cards!

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