Rondon strikes out 10 as Cardinals top Naturals, 3-1

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Seven one-hit innings and 10 strikeouts by RHP Angel Rondon propelled the Springfield Cardinals (34-46) to a 3-1 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (35-42) on Sunday night at Hammons Field.

The win also secured a series victory for Springfield in the four-game series and continued the trend of the team's home successes as the Cardinals have now won three consecutive home series.

DECISIONS:
W: RHP Angel Rondon (3-0)
L: RHP Jackson Kowar (0-1)
S: RHP Roel Ramirez (1)

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:
- Saddled with a 3-1 lead in the ninth, Ramirez allowed a leadoff double to Naturals SS Adalberto Mondesi that was immediately followed by a tough-luck infield single by RF Nick Heath that advanced Mondesi to third. Heath quickly stole second, giving the Naturals runners on second and third without an out. With the home crowd behind him, Ramirez answered with back-to-back called strikeouts of CF Khalil Lee and 3B Emmanuel Rivera, and then got LF Anderson Miller swinging to end the game and strand both runners.

- Cardinals C José Godoy broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth with a solo home run (5) that landed on the roof of the team's indoor training facility and put Springfield ahead for good.

- The Naturals struck first in the fourth when Heath scampered home off a throwing error by Godoy following a strikeout. Then, in the bottom half, what was charged as a missed catch error by Castellano allowed Cardinals SS Jose Martinez to score and tie the game 1-1.

NOTABLES:
- Rondon was brilliant for Springfield, allowing one run (0 ER) on one hit and three walks over 7.0+ innings, striking out 10. Rondon is the third Cardinals pitcher this season to strikeout 10 batters in a game.

- After throwing 7.0 scoreless innings in his first Double-A start, Springfield got to Kowar just enough in his second outing at this level and forced the starter into 89 pitches in just 4.0 innings. The Royals No. 8 prospect allowed three runs (2 ER) on four hits and two walks, striking out eight.

WHAT'S ON DECK:
The Cardinals open the month of July by welcoming the Tulsa Drillers (LAD) to town for a three-game series that starts with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch on Monday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The annual Freedom Week celebration at Hammons Field kicks off on the 1st of July with Freedom Week Fireworks with the Ladies of American Country after the Cardinals host the Drillers.