The Springfield Cardinals were off to a consistent start, but that consistency took a 180-degree turn after the third inning in a 7-3 loss to San Antonio. Springfield was going for a sweep.
The Cardinals scored a run in each of the first three innings to take a 3-1 lead over the Missions. Matt Dryer doubled in Gabe Johnson in the first, Tyler Parker led off the second with a home run and Juan Richardson doubled in Rico Washington in the third.
That’s when the offense dried up for Springfield. They were held to just two hits after the third inning. Missions’ starter Travis Blackley (3-2) got the win in a five-inning performance.
The Cardinals had a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning when the wheels fell off for Springfield starter Jordan Pals. He failed to record a single out in the inning, allowing two singles, a double and a triple before being replaced by Kevin Ool. Pals (2-1) was charged with six runs off eleven hits. The Missions went on to score five runs in the inning to take a 7-3 lead.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals still have a one-game lead over Tulsa for first in the Texas League North.