TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Fall in Wild Springfield Finale

Published on May 4, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGFIELD, MO - Despite Paulo Orlando's 4-for-4 night, and a four run ninth inning rally, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals found themselves on the short end of Friday evening's ballgame, as they fell to the Springfield Cardinals 14-9.

Orlando got his first hit for the Naturals (13-15) in the first inning, as he doubled off starter, and eventual winning pitcher, Trevor Rosenthal (2-3). The Naturals were unable to score, and Springfield (11-17) was able to take the lead in the bottom of the inning, as with runners on first and second, Chris Swauger singled to center field, allowing Oscar Taveras to score.

Down 1-0, the Naturals came back in the third to take their first and only lead of the night. After Yem Prades walked, and Orlando singled him to third, Johnny Whittleman hit a two-run single, putting Northwest Arkansas up 2-1.

The bottom of the third proved to be rough for Naturals starter Chris Dwyer (1-4), as he allowed four runs. With a runner on third and two outs, Kyle Conley hit an RBI single, allowing Kolten Wong to score. After another walk, Jake Schaffer hit a three run home run to put Springfield up 5-1.

Dwyer's fortunes were not much better in the fourth, as he was charged with five more runs. After a leadoff walk, Jose Garcia hit a two run home run. After loading the bases, in part due to a throwing error by Whittleman, Michael Mariot came in to try and get out of the jam. After striking out the first batter he faced, a ground out brought home the third run of the inning. With two outs and two runners still on, Shaffer blasted his second home run in as many innings, giving Springfield a commanding 11-2 lead. Mariot was charged with the final run of the inning.

The Cardinals offense settled down in the later innings. After allowing the first two runners to reach base in the fifth, Mariot was replaced by Buddy Baumann, who was perfect in two innings of relief.

Northwest Arkansas attempted to get back into the game in the seventh, as they scored three runs. Prades and Orlando hit back-to-back singles, and Wil Myers tripled them home, extending his 11 game hitting streak in the process. Whittleman then singled home Myers, but the Naturals still trailed 11-5.

To add insult to injury, Springfield got their three runs back in the eighth. With runners on second and third and nobody out, Bryan Paukovits threw a wild pitch, allowing Jermaine Curtis to score. Then, Conley singled home Taveras, but was thrown out trying to stretch the single into a double. A fielding error by Mario Lisson and two singles later, Nick Derba hit a sacrifice fly, keeping Springfield up 14-5.

The Naturals had a little magic left, but it was too little too late. After Prades singled for his third hit of the night, Orlando doubled him to third. Myers then grounded out, allowing Prades to score. Whittleman followed up with an RBI single, for his fourth RBI of the night. After Lisson reached on a fielding error, Carlo Testa drove home the two runners, but that was as close as the Naturals could get, as they fell to the Cardinals 14-9.

The Naturals return home Saturday for game one of their eight game homestand, as they welcome the Tulsa Drillers for the first time this season. Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 4.18) takes the hill for the Naturals, while the Drillers send Parker Frazier (1-2, 2.40) to the mound. First pitch is set for 7:00 PM and the game can be heard on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket or seen via MiLB.tv.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Texas League Stories from May 4, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central