Kouzmanoff Slams Drillers
August 2, 2012 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
TULSA, OK- Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a grand slam as the Naturals defeated the Tulsa Drillers 6-3 on Thursday night at ONEOK Field. The Naturals took two out of three from the Drillers in Tulsa.
The Tulsa Drillers jumped out to an early lead against the Naturals getting an RBI double from Nolan Arenado in the bottom of the first inning that made it 1-0. The double was number 25 on the season for the Drillers third baseman.
The Naturals answered in a big way in the top half of the third inning. Rey Navarro and Alex McClure singled, and Paulo Orlando worked a walk to load the bases. Kouzmanoff followed by blasting his first home run of the season, a grand slam, that put the Naturals in front 4-1.
Ben Paulsen cut into the lead with a sacrifice fly for the Drillers in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Drillers made it just a one run game in the bottom of the eighth, getting a home run from Jimmy Cesario that made it 4-3.
The Naturals' offense took advantage of a Drillers error and a wild pitch to tack on two more runs in the top of the ninth inning making it 6-3.
Michael Mariot (5-3) picked up the win for the Naturals going seven innings and allowing seven hits and two runs, while walking one and fanning four. Jhoulys Chacin (0-1) took the loss going four innings allowing five hits and four runs for the Drillers. Ryan Dennick worked around a Tim Torres walk in the ninth inning to earn his fourth save of the season.
The Naturals will head to North Little Rock to open up a four-game series against the Travelers on Friday night at 7:05 PM. The Naturals will send left-hander Mike Montgomery (2-2, 5.84) against the Travelers right-hander AJ Schugel (5-7, 2.85). The game can be heard on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket.
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