SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals fell 4-0 to the Amarillo Sod Poodles on Tuesday. It was the first time Springfield was shutout at home since August 15 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. With the loss, game three of the Texas League Championship is set for 6:35 PM on Wednesday night with the winner to be crowned champion.
W: Brian Curley (2-0)
L: Yhoiker Fajardo (0-1)
NOTES:
- The Cardinals took their first loss of the 2026 postseason after winning three straight.
- 19-year-old Yhoiker Fajardo made his second postseason start, lasting 3.0 innings and surrendering four runs on three hits.
- Daniel Eagen pitched six shutout innings out of the bullpen, striking out seven batters without allowing a walk.
- The Cardinals tallied six hits in the game, only one of which went for extra bases (Jack Gurevitch double).
- Wednesday's game will be just the second winner-take-all championship game in franchise history. Springfield is 1-0 in those games, defeating the Midland RockHounds in 2025 13-1.
UP NEXT:
- Wednesday, September 23 at Tulsa Drillers, 6:35 PM, Game 3 of Texas League Championship
- LHP Liam Doyle (0-0, 2.45) vs RHP Mason Marriott (0-0, 0.00)
- Classic Rock 106.7, Bally Sports Live, SpringfieldCardinals.com