Threlkeld's Walk-Off Home Run Blasts Naturals Past Springfield
April 22, 2014 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- A 3-2 pitch appeared on a tee for Naturals' first baseman Mark Threlkeld as he blasted it for a moonshot over the left-field wall for a walk-off home run against the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday night at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals even the four-game series at one game each.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Kansas City Royals prospect Lane Adams smacked the first pitch he saw into the Springfield bullpen for the game-tying home run. Northwest Arkansas (5-13) would take their first lead of the night on Ethan Chapman's sacrifice fly in the seventh; but Springfield would tie the contest at two after a solo blast by Jonathan Rodriguez in the top of the eight.
This set the stage for Threlkeld's dramatics. After right-hander Ronnie Shaban (0-1, 17.36) recorded two quick outs in the bottom of the ninth, the 6-foo-1 first baseman worked a full count and unloaded on a 3-2 pitch to send the Naturals the victory.
Both Adams and Threlkeld finished the night with two hits a piece while each drove in a run.
Start RHP Tim Melville (0-0, 2.50) worked five innings of one run, five hit baseball and struck out five in a no-decision effort. The Northwest Arkansas bullpen worked in-and-out of trouble all night with RHP Angel Baez and RHP Malcom Culver each placing runners in scoring position before striking out the side.
The Naturals pitching staff recorded a season-high 15 strike outs with Melville, Baez and Culver each recording five each.
The two clubs will lace up against on Wednesday, April 23 for an 11:05 a.m. first pitch. LHP Sam Selman (0-1, 2.79) will square off against RHP Sam Gaviglio (1-2, 6.14) in game three.
Join the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on 92.1 the Ticket for a 10:50 a.m. Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to the first pitch.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
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