TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Can't Protect Lead Friday

Published on July 4, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals got off to an early against the San Antonio Missions, but they couldn't hold on as the Missions came back to win with four unanswered runs to take the game by a 4-3 Friday night in front of a record crowd 7,884 at Arvest Ballpark.

Northwest Arkansas (5-9, 38-46) came out swinging early in the game. In the first inning with two outs, Mario Lisson hit his ninth home run of the season to give the Naturals an early 1-0 lead. The Naturals added two more runs in the third when Kila Kaaihue hit his league leading 19th home run of the season to put the Naturals up 3-0.

San Antonio (10-4, 49-35) rallied back in the fourth inning with four RBI doubles. Drew Macias was hit by a pitch to lead things off. Craig Cooper and Kyle Blanks hit back-to-back RBI doubles to bring the Missions within one. Mike Baxter then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Blanks to third. Scott Kazmar and Jose Lobaton then followed with their own back-to-back RBI doubles to give the Missions a 4-3 lead.

Manny Ayala (4-1) picked up the victory for the Missions. He tossed six innings, giving up three runs on seven hits, while striking out four batters and walking just one batter. Closer Greg Burke who had pitched earlier in the suspended game picked up his 14th save of the season.

Naturals' starter Rowdy Hardy (3-8) suffered the defeat. He went 5 and 1/3 innings yielding four runs on seven hits, while fanning six batters.

These two teams will wrap up their final regular series meeting this season by playing the final game of their three-game series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 6:00. Saturday will feature a special appearance by the Famous ‘San Diego' Chicken. For tickets 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 4, 2008


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