TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Playoff-Bound Naturals Fall to Drillers

Published on August 31, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- Having already clinched a spot in the Texas League Playoffs, the Naturals took an opportunity to rest a couple of their regular players and Tulsa took advantage. The Drillers bats put up a big inning in the fourth and then their bullpen made sure the Naturals wouldn't come back as the Drillers got by the Naturals 9-5 Sunday in front of 5,354 at Arvest Ballpark.

With the game tied at three, the Drillers broke the game wide open in the fourth tacking on six runs. Eric Young Jr. doubled in a run, giving them the 4-3 lead. Later in the inning Chris Nelson hit a bases clearing triple. Jeff Kindel and Corey Wimberly capped off the scoring fest, each with RBI singles.

Tulsa (28-41, 57-82) got things started early in the first. Jeff Kindel knocked in a 2-run double and Justin Nelson then followed with an RBI single to give them the 3-0 lead.

The Naturals (42-27, 75-63) bounced back in the bottom half of the inning, tying things up. Ovandy Suero led the inning off with a double. Ed Lucas and Irving Falu hit back-to-back singles to load the bases. Juan Richardson then followed with an RBI single, knocking in Suero. With one out, Mario Lisson then hit a 2-run double to tie it up at three. In the fourth Cody Clark hit his fourth homerun of the season, a solo shot to left. They added one more run in the ninth with Cory Aldridge knocking in an RBI single.

Xavier Cedeno started for the Drillers and picked up a no decision. He tossed four innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits, striking out two and walking two. Tomas Santiago (4-8) came in relief and picked up the victory. He threw three shutout innings, allowing only one hit, striking out one and walking three batters.

Naturals' starter Rowdy Hardy (6-11) suffered the loss. He was rocked early on and then let things get out of hand in the fourth. He lasted 3 2/3 innings, giving up nine runs on 11 hits, while striking out three and allowing one walk.

The Naturals and Drillers face off again Monday afternoon at Arvest Ballpark in final game of the regular season. Spend your Labor Day with the Naturals as it's Ozarks Electric Day presented by Ozarks Electric Cooperative Corporation, Sam98, Y94, and the Morning News, and offers fans the chance to bring in their Ozarks Electric bill for $1 off of a Premium, Reserved, or Subway Berm ticket at the box office. Monday also means our last edition of the popular Morning News Baseball Bingo, where you can play along with the game action to win prizes from the Naturals and the Morning News! This Monday also will feature DOLLAR HOT DOGS provided by Tyson Foods! In addition, Monday is Season Ticket Holder Amnesty Day - season ticket holders with unused tickets from anytime during the 2008 season may bring them to the Box Office and exchange them for a Subway Berm or General Admission ticket to Monday's Daygame. As we wrap up our Fan Appreciation weekend, fans from Monday's game will also be extended the opportunity to bring their tickets back for a complimentary Subway Berm/General Admission ticket in April or May of 2009 (excluding Opening Night).Game time is 1 on Monday, and gates open at Noon.

The first home playoff game at Arvest Ballpark will be Friday, September 5th at 7:30 against our in-state rivals, the Arkansas Travelers. Tickets for tomorrow and for the Texas League Playoffs are available at nwanaturals.com or by calling (479) 927-4900.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from August 31, 2008


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