TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Costly Tulsa Errors Pad Naturals Early Lead

July 23, 2008 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- The Naturals were able to hold on to their early lead as they used two costly errors by the Tulsa Drillers to taking game two of the series by the count of 4-3 Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 4,170 at Arvest Ballpark, many of whom waited out a rain delay that stretched nearly 90 minutes. With the win the Naturals have won three in a row and have a team-record ten game winning streak at home.

The Naturals (19-13, 52-50) got on the board early in the first. Kila Kaaihue hit his Texas League leading 25th home run, a two-run shot to left to give the Naturals the 2-0 lead. The Naturals added two more runs in the third. Ovandy Suero led off the inning with a bunt single. He then proceeded to steal his team leading 39th stolen base and then advanced to third on Tulsa's pitcher Alan Johnson's pickoff attempt throwing error. Marc Maddox then hit an RBI single, scoring Suero. Irving Falu then reached on a force attempt, and on Drillers second baseman Eric Young Jr. fielding error, Maddox advanced to third and Falu to second. Kaaihue then knocked in his third run on the night with a sacrifice fly, scoring Maddox.

The Drillers (16-16, 45-57) attempted a comeback of their own in the fifth. Jeff Kindel for the second consecutive night was the main offensive for Tulsa. With the bases loaded, Miller hit a bases clearing three-run double to bring the Drillers within one run.

On the mound for the Naturals was Dan Cortes (5-4), the Royals' second-best prospect according to Baseball America. He went the required five innings, yielding three runs on five hits, while striking out three batters and walking three. Gilbert de la Vara picked up his first save of the season as a Natural tossing a perfect ninth inning. The Naturals have now had 13 different pitchers earn saves for the club this season.

Tulsa's starting pitcher Alan Johnson suffered the defeat. He tossed six innings, giving up four runs (three of which were earned) on six hits, striking out three and allowing three walks.

The Naturals will play game final game of their three game series against these same Tulsa Drillers Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Thursday is Verizon Wireless Thirsty Thursday where Ten-ounce Miller High Life drafts and 12-ounce Pepsi fountain beverages will be offered for one buck. New and improved this week, the Naturals now offer dollar beers on BOTH SIDES of the ballpark, as well as wristband our adult guests prior to entering the ballpark, which reduce the lines significantly. ESPN Radio 1190 The Fan and 104.9 The X will be broadcasting live before the game offering prizes and cool promotions. For tickets call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com for further details.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics



Texas League Stories from July 23, 2008


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