It was a game that a lot of people thought the Cardinals might not win after losing nine of their last 14 games. The Cards made their statement early, however, as Daniel Descalso started things off in the first inning with an RBI single. Springfield never trailed in the game.

In the third inning, Mark Hamilton cranked a 2-run homer, the first time he'd gone deep since coming off the disabled list almost a month ago. Hamilton, who was called up to Class AAA Memphis on Saturday, was also a part of the only other Springfield playoff team back in 2007.

Starting pitcher Trey Hearne figured heavily in the outcome. Not only did he improve his record to 8-1, allowing just a single run over six innings, but he also clubbed the first inside-the-park home run in franchise history in the 6th inning to make it 5-1. That's right: a pitcher got the Cards' first-ever inside-the-park homer.

By the time Tyler Henley supplied the final scoring of the night with a 3-run homer in the eighth, the Cardinals had an overwhelming 10-2 victory, their second trip to the playoffs in their 5-year history and, since some of the players are younger than 21, a non-alcoholic champagne shower.

No one enjoyed it more than shortstop Pete Kozma, who had a number of family and friends on hand from his nearby hometown of Owasso, Okla.

Manager Pop Warner did not escape the drenching. He was called out of his office to take his second champagne shower in his tenure with Springfield, as he also skippered the 2007 playoff team.

For more reactions and highlights of the game, check out the accompanying video.