Springfield, MO – Arkansas RHP Lindsey Caughel dealt a complete-game shutout to lead the Travelers to the 3-0 win against the Springfield Cardinals before 2,722 fans at Hammons Field on Wednesday night.
After a leadoff base hit by CF Oscar Mercado, who was subsequently caught stealing, in the bottom of the first inning, Caughel (W, 10-10) rattled off an impressive streak of 17 straight outs. He faced the minimium through his first 7.0 innings with only two hits allowed, ultimately finishing what he started with no runs on three hits and no walks through the full 9.0 innings.
Cardinals RHP Zac Gallen (L, 4-5) matched Caughel to start, retiring his first 11 batters in a row. After five scoreless innings from Gallen, the Travs (30-35, 62-73) broke through in the top of the sixth with a solo home run by CF Willie Argo for the 1-0 lead.
Arkansas then padded the lead in the top of the seventh. 1B Ryan Casteel led off with a single, followed by a double from C Tyler Marlette to put runners at second and third with no outs. RHP Rowan Wick took over on the mound, but 3B Seth Mejias-Brean grounded a two-run single through the middle, plating both runners and opening the lead to 3-0.
Caughel continued to keep the Cardinals (40-25, 75-60) at bay with scoreless work through the ninth, going the distance in the complete game as the Travelers prevailed, 3-0.
