CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Jesus Baez hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the fifth inning to lead the Cardinals to a 3-2 win over the Corpus Christi Hooks on Tuesday night at Whataburger Field.
The home run, Baez's 22nd of the season at Double-A, pulled Springfield back from a one-run deficit and set up Tanner Franklin for the win.
Franklin pitched six innings and tied a career-high with nine strikeouts. Chen-Wei Lin struck out six over the final three innings to pick up the save.
Josiah Ragsdale hit a lead-off home run on the first pitch of the game to get the scoring started.
W: Franklin (2-0)
L: Guedez (1-4)
S: Lin (2)
NOTES:
• The Cardinals magic number to clinch the second half North Division title is six.
• Baez totaled four hits in the game, finishing 4-for-5 with three singles and the home run.
UP NEXT:
• Springfield (39-19, 70-56) at Corpus Christi (27-31, 58-69)
• RHP Eagen vs. RHP Hertzler
• Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6:35 p.m. CT at Whataburger Field
• Classic Rock 106.7 | springfieldcardinals.com | Bally Sports Live | MLB.tv