SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — The Midland RockHounds defeated the Springfield Cardinals 7-1 on Wednesday evening at Hammons Field, riding a strong start from Corey Avant and a late offensive surge before a crowd of 4,266.

Avant delivered four dominant innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out five. His performance set the tone after Springfield scored its lone run in the second on a sacrifice fly.

The game remained tight until Midland broke through with two runs in the fifth. Colby Halter then provided crucial insurance with a two-run homer in the eighth, part of a three-RBI night. The RockHounds added two more in the ninth.

Winning pitcher A.J. Causey threw two scoreless innings in relief. Springfield’s Braden Davis took the loss, allowing two runs over five innings. Midland improved to 13-4, while Springfield fell to 6-11.