SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals dropped a decisive game three of the Texas League Championship 6-4 to Amarillo Sod Poodles on Wednesday night. With the loss, the Sod Poodles became 2026 Texas League Champions.
W: Sawyer Hawks (1-0)
L: Nolan Sparks (0-1)
SV: Alfred Morillo (2)
NOTES:
- Liam Doyle made his second postseason start for Springfield. He fired five innings of one-run ball (unearned) while striking out six and walking two. He was in line for the victory after his five innings of work.
- Trailing 1-0, Rainiel Rodriguez hit his first postseason home run, a two-run blast 110 MPH off the bat to give Springfield the lead.
- Cade McGee gave the Cardinals a 3-1 lead with an RBI single later in the fourth inning.
- Amarillo would proceed to score five unanswered runs to grab a 6-3 lead by the eighth inning.
- The Cardinals loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh but failed to score. They ultimately went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
- The final run of the game came in the bottom of the ninth. Rodriguez came home on a wild pitch.
- This game was the final game the team will play as the Springfield Cardinals with the franchise set to rebrand before the 2027 season commences.
UP NEXT:
- Friday, April 2, 2027 vs Tulsa Drillers, 2027 Opening Day
- Classic Rock 106.7, Bally Sports Live, SpringfieldCardinals.com