Drillers Hang On, Avoid Sweep
Published on June 21, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals failed to execute a fourth straigh come back win falling 5-4 to the Tulsa Drillers on Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark. The loss was the first for the Naturals in the second half of the season.
The Naturals (38-34) offense jumped out to a lead in the bottom of the first inning. Brian Fletcher reached on a fielder's choice, and later scored on a blast over the right field bullpen by Johnny Whittleman to make it 2-0. The home run was the thirteenth of the season for Whittleman, tying him with Wil Myers for the team lead.
The Drillers (41-31) regained the lead in the top of the sixth inning. Jose Gonzalez and Warren Schaeffer both were walked by Naturals' starter Justin Marks. After the walks, Josh Rutledge delivered a three-run home run to make it 3-2 in favor of the Drillers. The Drillers would tack on two more runs, one coming on a solo home run by Kiel Roling and the other on a wild pitch, making it 5-2.
Marks (3-4) went five and a third innings allowing six hits and five runs, while striking out four. All five runs Marks allowed came in the top of the sixth inning.
The Naturals picked up a run on a failed pick off throw by the Drillers catcher Gonzalez. His wild throw to third allowed Rey Navarro to score making it a 5-3 contest after six innings. Edwar Cabrera (8-4) went seven innings allowing five hits and three runs, only two of which were earned. The left-hander walked just one and struck out nine.
Josh Sullivan came on in relief for the Drillers and surrendered a lead-off single to Lorenzo Cain. Cain moved to second on a wild pitch, and later scored on a Navarro double that pulled the Naturals within one. Coty Woods came in the ninth for the Drillers and would not allow another Naturals comeback. He worked a perfect inning to earn save number 13 on the season.
The Naturals will open a four-game series with the Arkansas Travelers tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. Chris Dwyer (4-6, 5.84) will take the mound for the Naturals to against the Travelers Johnny Hellweg (2-6, 4.01). The game can be heard on News Talk 1030 KFAY.
Texas League Stories from June 21, 2012
- Springfield Salvages Series with 10-6 Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Slug Travs 10-6 - Springfield Cardinals
- Freiman's Walkoff Lifts Missions Over Hooks 5-3 - San Antonio Missions
- 'Riders Late Inning Comeback Falls Short - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cabrera Helps Drillers Snap Skid - Tulsa Drillers
- Drillers Hang On, Avoid Sweep - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Pimentel Added to South Division All-Star Team - Frisco RoughRiders
- Marimon Joins Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Olt & Profar Named to All-Star Futures Game - Frisco RoughRiders
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