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TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals drop opening game in Tulsa

August 29, 2010 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Tulsa, OK- The Naturals took the lead early, but could not keep up with Tulsa, as the Drillers won the opening game of the series Saturday night, 8-4.

The Naturals (37-24, 79-52) took an early lead when they scored in the top of the first. Johnny Giavotella doubled to left field, and he later scored on a wild pitch.

Tulsa (35-26, 64-66) came right back in the bottom of the second, and took the lead. After Jason Van Kooten reached base on a walk, Radames Nazario singled to left. Matt Repec then sent a double to left field, and both Van Kooten and Nazario came into score giving Tulsa a 2-1 lead.

The Drillers extended their lead by scoring a run in the fourth inning, and two more in the fifth. Nazario once again hit a single to left, and that scored Van Kooten in the fourth inning. Warren Schaeffer led the fifth inning off with a double, and Anthony Jackson followed with a base hit to put runners on the corners. Jordan Pacheco then singled to center, and both Schaeffer and Jackson came into score. The runs put the Drillers up 5-1.

The Naturals tried to get back into the game in the sixth inning. Giavotella hit his second double of the game, and Chris McConnell came around to score.

With the deficit cut to three, the Naturals tried to rally in the seventh. A throwing error put Derrick Robinson on base, and it allowed Tim Smith who reached on a walk to score. Giavotella then sent his third hit of the night into center field, and that brought Robinson home. The runs made it a 5-4 game.

Tulsa did not give up as they put the game away. Pacheco singled to center, which brought Schaeffer and Jackson home once again. Repec brought Michael Mitchell home in the eighth inning with a base hit to left field. The run made it an 8-4 game, which is where it would stay.

Danny Duffy (4-2) had a rough night, and he suffered the loss. Duffy pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up five earned runs, and struck out four.

Aaron Cook (1-1) picked up the win for Tulsa. Cook pitched 5 2/3 innings, gave up two earned runs, and struck out six.

The series continues Sunday night, and game time is set for 6:05 p.m. You can listen to the action live on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket and online at 921 theticket.com.

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.

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Texas League Stories from August 29, 2010


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