TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Drillers Rally Late, Beat Naturals in Extras

May 22, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Tulsa Drillers (19-23) took advantage of some defensive miscues to rally for four runs in the ninth to tie the game at 4-4 before adding a game-winning two-run home run off the bat of Cody Bellinger in the eleventh to beat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (20-22) by the score 6-4 on Sunday afternoon at Arvest Ballpark.

Trailing 4-0 entering the ninth the Tulsa Drillers used five singles, including a bunt single and another infield single, and two defensive miscues by the Northwest Arkansas defense to plate four runs. The biggest play of the frame came when Tulsa had one out and runners at first and second when Naturals reliever LHP Tim Hill (0-1, 7.36 ERA) induced a would be game-ending double play ball off the bat of Kyle Farmer to third base but the throw by 2B Orlando Calixte while making the turn at second got away from him as it sailed over the head of 1B Ryan O'Hearn bringing in the tying run.

The game remained tied entering the eleventh before Jacob Scavuzzo singled with one out setting up the game-winning two-run home run from Bellinger. RHP Ralston Cash (S, 1) then came on in the bottom half to seal the 6-4 win for Tulsa.

Early in the game, the Northwest Arkansas combination of RHP Alec Mills and C Zane Evans looked to be too much for Tulsa to overcome. Mills made his return to the Naturals' starting rotation on Sunday after making his Major League debut for the Kansas City Royals on May 18 against the Boston Red Sox. The 24-year-old right-hander didn't have his best stuff but still fired 6.0 scoreless innings allowing only two hits and striking out five. Zane Evans provided all the offense in the early going as the former Georgia Tech star lifted a 0-0 pitch from RHP Frankie Montas in the second for a solo home run. Evans would come through again in the bottom of the fourth as he lined a 3-2 pitch over the wall in left for a two run home run and an early 3-0 lead. Ramon Torres would complete the offense with a solo home run in the eighth.

The Naturals will conclude their four (4) game series against the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers) tomorrow morning - Monday, May 23 - with first pitch scheduled for 11:05 a.m. at Arvest Ballpark for the final SWEPCO School Kids Day of the 2016 season. RHP Trevor Oaks (3-1, 3.52 ERA) takes the mound for Tulsa while Northwest Arkansas will counter with LHP Matt Strahm (2-3, 2.49 ERA) for tomorrow's series finale against the Drillers. You can catch the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for Naturals baseball on KQSM 92.1 The Ticket at 10:45 a.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading to first pitch at 11:05 a.m. from Arvest Ballpark.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the Season Nine of Naturals Baseball, tickets, groups, promotions, roster, season standings, player statistics, and updates on Naturals alumni in the Major Leagues.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics



Texas League Stories from May 22, 2016


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