The Springfield Cardinals ended the first half of their first season with a record of 35-35 by losing 5-4 in 12 innings to Tulsa in 12 innings on Sunday.
Springfield had a 4-1 lead in the seventh inning with Drillers’ catcher Tino Sanchez drove in the game-winning run in extra innings with a bases-loaded ground ball to score Ryan Spillborghs from third base. Springfield reliever Anthony Ferrari, who helped the Drillers’ cause with a wild pitch in the inning, was charged with the loss.
The Cardinals had a 4-1 lead in the seventh until Jeff Salazar blasted a three-run homer off Randy Leek.
Springfield finished the first half of the season tied for second place in the East Division for the Texas League, eight games out of first. The All-Star game will be at Frisco, Texas on Tuesday. Cardinals third baseman Travis Hanson, outfielder Tyler Minges, catcher Robinson Cancel and pitcher Randy Leek will represent Springfield in the game.
