TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Missions Jump Out Early, Beat Naturals

Published on June 30, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, AR - The San Antonio Missions entered the game with the best record in minor league baseball, and looked the part as they used a five-run second to propel themselves over the Naturals by an 8-2 final Thursday at Arvest Ballpark.

Naturals' starter Chris Dwyer (2-8) got into trouble early, as he issued four walks and uncorked a pair of wild pitches during a short 1 2/3 inning outing, which didn't help the cause against San Antonio (5-2, 54-23), the league's best hitting club.

Blake Tekotte doubled to start the first and scored on a wild pitch after he moved up on a groundout. With two out, James Darnell worked a walk and then scored on a double by big league veteran Bobby Kielty, who served as San Antonio's DH.

That put the Missions up 2-0, but it didn't stay there long, as they got five in the second, all with two out in the frame. Back-to-back doubles by Anthony Contreras and Tekotte were followed by another wild pitch, a walk, and a hit batsman to load the bases. Dwyer then was charged with a balk to score Tekotte, putting San Antonio up 4-0. After Darnell drew another walk, up came Kielty, who cleared the bases with a double to put the Missions up 7-0. All seven runs were charged to Dwyer.

Meanwhile the Naturals (1-6, 36-38) were nearly shut down by Missions' starter Juan Oramas, who limited them to just three hits through the first five frames. Oramas (4-0) ended up going seven innings, allowing a pair of runs and fanning six.

Those runs came in the sixth, when Wil Myers hit a two-run single that brought in Nick Francis and Derrick Robinson and brought the Naturals to within 7-2. But San Antonio catcher Ali Solis picked Myers off first base for the final out of the frame, stopping further damage, and the Naturals only had one baserunner the remainder of the way.

Jaff Decker hit a solo shot off Henry Barrera to lead off the ninth inning to cap the scoring.

Friday will see Naturals' right-hander Zach Miner (1-3, 5.90) match up against San Antonio righty Jorge Reyes (4-2, 3.46). Miner takes the hill in search of his first win since May 27, while Reyes made his first two starts of the season against the Naturals, going 1-0 in those contests. Game time is 7 P.M. and the broadcast will be on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from June 30, 2011


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