Naturals Pound Drillers, Take Over First
August 29, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
In game one Saturday night of an important three-game series that will go a long ways toward determining the second-half champion of the North Division, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals made a huge statement. The Naturals completely dominated the Tulsa Drillers at Arvest Ballpark and coasted to a 13-2 victory. The win moved Northwest Arkanas into sole possession of first place, one game in front of Tulsa with only nine games remaining in the regular season.
The victory was a complete team effort for the Naturals as all nine starters had hit safely after only five innings. The Drillers' defensive problems continued as three Tulsa errors in the second inning helped Northwest Arkansas get its big night started.
The Naturals took advantage of the three miscues from the Drillers to score two unearned runs in the second.
In the bottom of the third, Tulsa starting pitcher Brandon Durden seemed on his way to an easy inning after getting two quick outs. But with the bases empty, the next five batters hit safely and eventually scored to give the Naturals a 7-0 lead.
Ed Lucas started the rally with a solo home run, and Marc Maddox completed the onslaught with a three-run homer off of Durden.
Northwest Arkansas added three runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth.
Tulsa's first run came in the fifth inning as Rex Rundgren doubled and scored on a base hit by Darin Holcomb.
The Drillers added a second run in the eighth when Jeff Kindel walked and scored on a single by Daniel Carte.
Durden (7-3) suffered the loss, allowing 10 hits and 12 runs (10 ER) in only 4 1/3 innings. Blake Johnson evened his record at 8-8 with the win.
Lucas led a 17-hit effort from the Naturals with a perfect 3-3 night. His homer was his ninth of the year.
Rundgren and Brad Corley each collected two doubles for the Drillers.
Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas will play the second game of their three-game series Sunday afternoon. Chaz Roe (7-3, 3.27 ERA) will make the start for the Drillers against Everett Teaford (3-7, 5.91 ERA) of the Naturals with first pitch scheduled for 2:30PM in Springdale.
Texas League Stories from August 29, 2009
- Travs & Redbirds Split Saturday Double Dip - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards and Travs Split on Saturday - Springfield Cardinals
- Naturals thrash Drillers Saturday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Naturals Pound Drillers, Take Over First - Tulsa Drillers
- Frisco Squeaks By Midland - Frisco RoughRiders
- Missions score five in ninth, still fall to Frisco - San Antonio Missions
- Series Preview: Drillers and Naturals tied in first - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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