Defensive Miscues Cost Naturals
Published on July 31, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR- Springfield managed only one hit but batted around during an eighth inning that saw them take full advantage of miscues by the Naturals defense as they came from behind for a 5-3 win Friday night.
Down by a run, Springfield seemed to face long odds as they began the eighth facing fireballing Naturals' reliever Juan Abreu, who worked out of a bases loaded jam and fanned six during an appearance against the Cardinals last weekend. Steven Hill walked to lead off the inning, and Tyler Henley followed, reaching base on an interference call against Naturals' catcher Jeff Howell. Pete Kozma followed and grounded into a fielder's choice, with the lead runner Hill out at third base.
Abreu seemed to put the Naturals in good position to get out of the frame when he got Tony Cruz to strikeout for the second out. But both runners were moving on the play, and Howell threw wide of the second base bag, allowing Henley to score. Kozma would advance to third on a wild pitch by Abreu (0-1) and then come in on a passed ball by Howell. Colt Sedbrook worked a walk and then stole second, and Antone DeJesus followed with a walk. Jim Rapoport singled up the middle for the Cardinals' first hit of the inning. That would score Sedbrook to put the Cards up 5-3. Federico Castaneda was then summoned and got Donovan Solano to fly out to center, but the damage had already been done. Springfield had taken the early lead in the second when Tony Cruz's RBI single plated Pete Kozma. The Naturals would then take the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Marc Maddox led off with a double and came in on a triple deep to left-center by Jose Duarte. Duarte came in on an RBI groundout by Jarrod Dyson to give Northwest Arkansas the 2-1 lead.
After the Cards tied it up again in the top of the sixth on a moonshot to left by Steven Hill, his 17th homer on the season, Naturals' right fielder David Lough would answer right back in the bottom of the frame with a homer of his own, his fifth in his short time with the Naturals. That gave Northwest Arkansas (21-13, 57-47) the 3-2 lead, but it wasn't enough to back starter Rowdy Hardy, who pitched seven strong innings, working around seven hits and the two earned runs. He fanned six and didn't walk anyone. Juan Abreu took the loss, allowing the three runs in the wild eighth inning. All were unearned.
Springfield's starter Ryan Kulik also received the no-decision, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing six hits and three earned runs. He walked two and fanned two. Fernando Salas (1-0), who fanned Kurt Mertins with two runners on in the seventh, received the victory for Springfield (15-18, 53-50).
With Tulsa losing to the Travelers, the Naturals remain in sole possession of first place with a one game lead. The series against Springfield continues Saturday night with another 7 P.M. evening start. Right-hander Scott Gorgen (1-3, 5.23) will toe the rubber for Springfield against Anthony Lerew (6-5, 4.71) for the Naturals.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.
Texas League Stories from July 31, 2009
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- Defensive Miscues Cost Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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- Series Preview: Struggling Cards depleted by recent moves - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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- Traveler Baseball Weekly Notebook - Arkansas Travelers
- Wipke to Salt Lake, Anton Placed on DL, Walker, Torres Called Up - Arkansas Travelers
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