TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Comeback Naturals Strike Again Tuesday

Published on May 6, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- Jose Duarte had the decisive game-winning RBI in the bottom of the ninth, completing another dramatic come-from-behind victory to give the Northwest Arkansas Naturals a 5-4 victory and a sweep of the Tulsa Drillers on School Kids Day, in front of a spirited crowd of 6,178 at Arvest Ballpark. It was the second straight sweep the Naturals have had at home, covering eight straight victories.

The Naturals were down to their last three outs heading into the ninth, trailing the Drillers 4-2. Kila Kaaihue lead off the inning hitting a shot to left bringing the Naturals within one run. The increasingly popular Kaaihue has hit seven of his nine home runs this season in Springdale. Mario Lisson followed with a single and made it to second on a sacrifice bunt by Geraldo Valentin. Brian McFall walked and Irving Falu singled, driving in Lisson to tie the game. On the play McFall got hung up between second and third and was out after the rundown, but Falu smartly advanced into second base on the play. Pinch-hitting for catcher Cody Clark, Duarte hit a soft single to right, and Drillers RF Daniel Carte had no chance to get the speedy Falu, who slid into home as the Naturals dugout erupted.

Corey Wimberly's RBI single in the third got Tulsa (11-21) on the board first for the second straight game. In the fifth, Matt Miller hit a two-RBI single to put the Drillers on top 3-0. Carte's eighth inning sacrifice fly gave Tulsa their fourth run and a two-run cushion going into the ninth.

Clark, the Fayetteville resident and former Arkansas Razorback, put the Naturals (16-16) on the scoreboard when he hit his first home run at Arvest Ballpark in the sixth. In the seventh, McFall followed things up by hitting his fifth home run of the season to bring the Naturals within a run.

Julio Pimentel, coming in on a two-game winning streak, started for the Naturals. While he wasn't dominating as in his previous two outings, he tossed five innings, yielding three runs (two earned), while punching out five batters and issuing three walks. Kyle Crist (2-0) picked up the victory, tossing a scoreless ninth, giving up only one hit, while walking one batter.

Tulsa starter Brandon Hynick didn't factor in the decision, pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and seven hits, walking three and fanning six batters. Ryan Mattheus (0-2) blew the save and was tagged with the loss after giving up the three go-ahead runs in the bottom of ninth inning.

The Naturals now welcome in the Springfield Cardinals for a four-game series. Game one is set for Wednesday at 7:00. Razorback alum Jesse Todd will start for Springfield against Naturals southpaw Rowdy Hardy. Tomorrow is Half Price Group Night presented by KNWA and Hot Mix 101.9. Groups of 20 or more will receive half off the normal Reserved, or Subway Berm seat ticket when booking in advance ($4 for reserved, $3 for Subway Berm). For tickets call (479) 927-4900 or visit our website at nwanaturals.com where you can buy your tickets online and print them right from home.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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



Texas League Stories from May 6, 2008


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