MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -The Springfield Cardinals got another strong performance from starting pitcher Ryan Kulik, ending a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Frisco RoughRiders on Friday night at Hammons Field.

Kulik, coming off eight shut-out innings in Tulsa in his last start, carved through the RoughRiders’ offense for seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, in picking up his second straight win.

Kulik got some support from Tony Cruz, who cracked his fifth homer of the year in the bottom of the second inning, giving Springfield a 1-0 advantage over Frisco starter Blake Beavan (0-2).

In the fifth, the Cards tacked on another run, taking a 2-0 lead. Antone DeJesus walked with one out, then moved to third on a ground-rule double by Nick Derba. Jim Rapoport followed with a sac fly, plating DeJesus for the two-run lead.

Kulik (3-5) exited after seven, turning it over to Eduardo Sanchez, who allowed back-to-back hits to open the eighth. With one out and runners at second and third, Sanchez retired Mitch Moreland on a ground ball to second base. On the play though, Renny Osuna scored to make it a 2-1 game.

Tyler Norrick came out of the bullpen to face Justin Smoak, but walked the Frisco hitter to bring Tim Smith to the plate. Smith grounded out to end the inning, preserving the one-run Springfield lead.

Francisco Samuel worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, securing his 19^th save of the year.

With the victory, Springfield is now 4-4 in the second half and 42-36 overall. Brian Broderick (0-4) looks for his first win at the Double-A level on Saturday night, taking on Frisco right-hander Omar Poveda (6-3) at 7:10pm.

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