TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Avoid Sweep

Published on April 18, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


San Antonio, TX - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals avoided a sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Missions Saturday night. While the two teams were neck and neck throughout the game the Naturals took the lead in the bottom of the fifth and never looked back.

The Naturals got the game going with a run in the top of the first. With two outs Clint Robinson sent the ball into left for a double. Robinson was then brought home when Ernesto Mejia singled into center field.

The Naturals increased their lead with another run in the top of the third. Chris McConnell led the inning off with a double to left. Derrick Robinson laid down what was supposed to be a sacrifice bunt, however a fielding error by the Missions gave the Naturals runners on the corners. Johnny Giavotella then hit into a ground out, but it was enough to score McConnell and push the Naturals lead to 2-0.

The Missions, down two, came roaring back in the bottom half of the third as they scored two runs. After Cedric Hunter and Sawyer Carroll were walked, Logan Forsythe doubled to center field, which brought both runners home and tied the game up at 2-2.

The Naturals retook the lead with by adding a run in the fifth and the sixth inning. Derrick Robinson singled to lead off the inning before Johnny Giavotella was walked. With two on and no one out Clint Robinson advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Ernesto Mejia then hit into a ground out, but it was enough to bring Robinson home as the Naturals took a one run advantage. Manny Pina stated the sixth inning for the Naturals by being hit by a pitch. Nick Van Stratten then laid down a sacrifice bunt before Paulo Orlando was also hit by a pitch. Later in the inning Derrick Robinson brought Pina home on a base hit to the pitcher.

Down two, the Missions needed to score in the bottom of the ninth to extend the game. Brad Chalk hit a one out single, and was able to advance to third on a Naturals throwing error. A base hit by Hunter brought Chalk home, which cut the lead to one. However, that would be the only run the Missions would score as the Naturals held on for the 4-3 victory.

Kelvin Villa (1-0) picked up the win for the Naturals. Villa pitched an inning and a third in relief of Eduardo Paulino. Paulino went three and two thirds in a no decision. He allowed two earned runs on five hits. Brandon Sisk (1) picked up his first save as a Natural as he closed out the final inning.

Wynn Pelzer (0-2) suffered the loss for the Missions. Pelzer struck out seven over five innings of work, and gave up three earned runs on six hits.

The Naturals will be headed to Corpus Christi for a three game set with the Hooks. Game time for Sunday is at 2:05 p.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state of the art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. You can purchase tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from April 18, 2010


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