Navarro, Eibner Lead Naturals to Victory
Published on April 18, 2013 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, Ark - Rey Navarro's squeeze bunt in the seventh inning proved to be the winning hit for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals as they earned a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Drillers on Thursday. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Naturals and a three-game winning streak for Tulsa.
Alex McClure led off with a single to extend his hitting streak to six games. McClure stole second base and advanced to third on an error by Drillers second baseman Kent Matthes that also allowed Orlando Calixte to reach safely. Navarro followed Calixte with a squeeze bunt single that allowed McClure to score.
Brett Eibner led off the bottom of the first for the Naturals with a home run to left-center field. The home run was Eibner's second of the season and first at Arvest Ballpark. Eibner added a pair of singles as he went three-for-four on the night and also made an impressive catch to rob Angelys Nina of a hit in the first inning. With two outs in the sixth inning, Manny Pina doubled to left field off of Drillers reliever Joe Gardner. Angel Franco, who entered the game with the Texas League's top batting average at .429, hit his third double of the season to score Pina and give the Naturals a 2-1 lead.
Tulsa tied the game in the second inning on Roling's third home run of 2013. In the ninth inning, Kyle Parker reached on a one-out walk, advanced to second on a fielder's choice and scored on an error by McClure. Tulsa had the winning run at the plate with two outs, but Edwin Carl got Cristhian Adames to fly out to left field to end the game
Sugar Ray Marimon earns his first win of 2013 and fourth at Double-A. Marimon gave up one run on five hits with three strikeouts in six innings. Brooks Pounders gave up two hits and struck out four batters with one walk in 2.1 innings. Carl recorded the final two outs to earn his second save of the season. Jared Gardner is charged with the loss. Gardner gave up two runs on four hits in 2.1 innings
Yordano Ventura will start tomorrow's game for the Naturals. Ventura is 1-0 witha 1.80 ERA in two starts. Tulsa will send Tim Gustafson to the mound. Gustafson is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Texas League Stories from April 18, 2013
- Drillers Drop Road Trip Opener - Tulsa Drillers
- Navarro, Eibner Lead Naturals to Victory - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards and Travs Rained out in Arkansas - Springfield Cardinals
- Travs and Birds Postponed Thursday - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers Home for Eight Games April 22-29 - Tulsa Drillers
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