TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Nats bats come alive in win

Published on June 23, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- The Naturals bats awoke in a big way, as they put up eight runs against their in-state rival Arkansas Travelers and earned a split of the four-game series by taking Monday's game by the count of 8-1 in front of 4,467 fans at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals (2-4, 35-41) were down 1-0 to the Travs as they headed to the third. Jose Duarte got aboard on a leadoff walk. Irving Falu then followed with a single, advancing Duarte to second. Geraldo Valentin then laid down a sacrifice bunt to put runners in scoring position at second and third. Kila Kaaihue singled, scoring Duarte to tie things up. Kaahiue then stole second and Marc Maddox hit a 2-run single to give the Naturals the lead 3-1. Mario Lisson who was the star of the night, going 4-for-4 on the night, knocked in his first of two RBI on the night, doubling in Maddox. The Naturals put up a three spot in the fifth, when Kaahiue hit his team-leading 17th home run of the season. Cody Clark also chipped in with a 2-run double to give the Naturals a 7-1 lead. Mario Lisson completed his perfect night with his sixth home run, a solo shot to left to the game way out of reach.

North Little Rock (2-4, 38-38) scored early in the first, when Ben Johnson hit an RBI double to give them an early lead at 1-0.

On the mound for the Naturals was right-hander Dan Cortes who picked up a no decision. He threw four innings, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out five and walking three batters. Chris Nicoll (1-1) picked up his first Texas League victory for the Naturals, tossing the final 3 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, while allowing only one hit and fanning two batters.

Arkansas' starter Brok Butcher (4-4) suffered the defeat. He lasted five innings giving up seven runs on twelve hits, while striking out three and walking two batters.

The Naturals will take the next two days off for the Texas League All-Star Game that will be played on Wednesday night in Springfield. The Naturals will send six all-stars to the game. They will begin a six-game Texas roadtrip, beginning Thursday night with three games against San Antonio and finish up with a three game weekend series. The Naturals will return home on July 3rd where they will host these same Arkansas Travelers for a four game Fourth of July weekend series. For tickets call (479) 927-4900 or visit our website at nwanaturals.com where you can buy your tickets online and print them right from home.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from June 23, 2008


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