Springfield didn't take long to get on the scoreboard, with an Oscar Tavares' RBI single in the bottom of the first inning. Tavares would add a run in the bottom of the second with a bases-loaded infield single with two outs. He then added one more with a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. Tavares would finish 4-for-5 with three RBIs, increasing his Texas League-best average.
Springfield would tack on four more runs in the bottom of the fourth. The two out rally started when Jamie Romak singled in a run. Chris Swauger followed up with a three run home run to right field. Swauger finished the game 3-for-4.
Cardinals' starter Trevor Rosenthal (8-6) got the win, pitching six scoreless innings of four-hit ball. He walked one and struck out four.
Jorge Rondon pitched the bottom of the seventh in relief and gave up just one hit. He got in trouble when consecutive Cardinal infield errors loaded the bases for the Naturals. Rondon responded by turning Alex McClure's grounder up the middle into a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning. Justin Wright threw a perfect eighth for the Cardinals. Michael Blazek closed out the game, pitching a one-hit ninth and walking one.
Seven of Springfield's nine batters had at least one hit, and eight reached base during the game. Overall, Springfield had fifteen hits.
The Cardinals will continue their series with NW Arkansas Naturals Friday. Springfield will send Richard Castillo to the mound against Michael Mariot.
