TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Trounce Cardinals Saturday

Published on May 10, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals were in their 12th game of the season against the Springfield Cardinals but had not won nor lost a series against them yet. That changed Saturday. The Naturals cashed in on some costly errors and combined it with a season high 19 hits to give them a 10-2 victory in front of a crowd of 5,546 at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals (19-17) got on the board first, when Juan Richardson hit a two-run shot to right, scoring Angel Sanchez, who singled earlier. The Naturals were able to break open the game in the bottom of the third inning as a result of costly errors made by the Springfield Cardinals. Jose Duarte started the inning off by reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Isaias Garcia. Angel Sanchez hit a sacrifice bunt, but reached on a error by Cardinals' first baseman Steven Hill, putting runners at first and third. Geraldo Valetin hit an RBI sacrifice fly, scoring Duarte. Juan Richardson followed with a single and Mario Lisson walked to load the bases. Ed Lucas hit an RBI groundout to give the Naturals a 5-0 lead. The Naturals scored five more times, putting the game out of reach. Brian McFall's hit his sixth home run in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Naturals continued to pour it on.

The benefactor of it all for the Naturals was right-hander Carlos Rosa (4-2), who allowed just one unearned run and picked up the victory. He tossed six strong innings, walked one and struck out four, lowering his Texas League leading ERA to 1.20.

Springfield (17-19) scored their two runs on the night in the sixth and seventh innings. Jonathan Jay hit an RBI groundout to put the Cardinals on the board. Steve Hill, called up earlier Saturday from the Palm Beach Cardinals, the Cardinals Advanced-A Florida State League affiliate, hit his first Texas League home run in the seventh.

Adam Ottavino (0-4) picked up the loss for Springfield. He allowed five runs (two of which were earned) and six hits in 2 1/3 innings.

The Naturals have an off day Sunday and will begin an eight-game road trip starting with four games in Tulsa against the Drillers beginning Monday, followed by a return to North Little Rock, where they will face the Arkansas Travelers for four games. The Naturals will return home on May 21st to begin a six game home stand. For tickets call (479) 927-4900 or visit our website at nwanaturals.com where you can buy your tickets online and print them right from home.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from May 10, 2008


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