TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Hold On To Beat Drillers

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


Springdale, AR- Coming off of a hard-earned split of their four-game road trip to Springfield, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals were looking to start their homestand off on a good note Saturday night. They did just that, defeating the Tulsa Drillers 7-5 in front of a crowd of 5,665 at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals got on the board first, when Kila Kaaihue knocked in Jose Duarte with a first-inning run with a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the third, Duarte singled and Angel Sanchez knocked him in with an RBI triple. Juan Richardson then doubled to left, scoring Sanchez to give the Naturals (13-16) a 3-0 lead. Duarte, who reached base four times on the night, singled in a run. The Naturals put up some insurance runs in the seventh when Kaaihue and Mario Lisson hit the first ever back-to-back home runs in Naturals history. The homers came off of Drillers reliever Jarrett Grube.

For the Drillers (11-18), Tony Blanco had a great night, going 3-for-4, with a double and two RBI. Duke Sardinha hit his first home run of the season bringing the Tulsa within one run at 4-3. They got two more runs in the eighth when Jeff Dragicevich hit a 2-run single to close the gap to 7-5, but that was as close as they would get.

Dusty Hughes (2-2), who was making his third start, picked up his first victory as a starter this season. He tossed a season-high five and two-third innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out two and walking three. Kyle Crist picked up his second save of the season tossing a scoreless ninth.

Xavier Cedeno (3-3) picked up the loss, tossing four and two-third innings, giving up four runs on eight hits, punching out two batters and walking four.

The Naturals and Drillers will play game two of the four-game series on Sunday at 4:00. Tomorrow is Family Sunday presented by Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products and Magic 107.9. Kids run the bases after the game! It's also our first BARK IN THE BALLPARK presented by Del Monte Pet Products; where you can bring your pet pooch for free with paid owner's admission. Del Monte Pet Products will also provide Man's Best Friend with a pre-game treat giveaway. 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 May 3, 2008


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