TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals and Missions Game Suspended

Published on July 3, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- A stellar crowd of 6,871 came Arvest Ballpark on Independence Eve in hearty anticipation of a Naturals win, a performance by the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and spectacular fireworks afterwards. Mother Nature had different ideas entirely.

The Naturals and Missions game was suspended at around 10:00 after a long delay, one that began over an hour earlier when severe weather in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark caused the field lights at Arvest Ballpark to go out momentarily. That was immediately followed by a deluge of strong thunderstorms and lightening. Though the storm broke for a while, more rain ensued which ultimately suspended the game. This also came after a shorter rain delay earlier in the evening delayed the action for approximately 20 minutes.

The game did not get off to a great start for Naturals starter Julio Pimentel, who spotted the Missions a three-spot in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Gabe Lopez singled and then Drew Macias singled. After Craig Cooper lined out to center, Kyle Blanks, the Missions' big slugging first baseman sent the ball far over the left center field wall for his ninth homer of the season.

Northwest Arkansas would answer back after the first delay, however. In the bottom half of the third, Marc Maddox doubled in Adam Donachie, who had walked, and then Jose Duarte scored a second run on a sacrifice fly by Mario Lisson to cut the Missions lead to 3-2.

San Antonio put up another run in the next frame when Pimentel walked Mike Baxter and then hit Seth Johnston, who ultimately had to depart the game. Josh Alley's singled followed which scored Baxter. But the Naturals got two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Ovandy Suero hit a rare home run, just his third in his past two seasons, to drive in Ed Lucas and give the Naturals their first lead of the night at 5-4.

San Antonio would get a run in the top sixth on a home run by Missions catcher Jose Lobaton, which knotted the game up at five. Pimentel finished six innings, allowing nine hits and five runs. He fanned one batter and walked two. Chris Nicoll relieved and struck out the side in the top of the seventh, working around two singles.

Stephen Faris started for San Antonio and was lifted after 3 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits and four runs, walked two and struck out two. Mike Ekstrom relieved and allowed the home run to Suero, and Paul Abraham pitched a scoreless sixth.

These two teams will resume their suspended game Friday at 5:05 PM. Gates will open at 4:30. Fans with tickets from Thursday's game may come with their ticket and watch the remainder of the game but need a separate ticket for Friday night's regularly scheduled game, which is still scheduled at 7:00 PM and will be played to a full nine innings. The performance of the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the accompanying fireworks show will be rescheduled for a later date, and more information will be released regarding that date in the coming days. The Naturals will ensure that all fans who came for the symphony tonight will receive full value on their special event ticket. Call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com for further details.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from July 3, 2008


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