Naturals Rally Past Drillers
Published on June 15, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers started quickly Monday night, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals finished stronger. The Drillers took an early three-run lead, but the Naturals used a big five-run fifth inning to post a 6-5 win over the Drillers at Springdale's Arvest Park. The result leaves Tulsa two games behind first-place Springfield in the Texas League's North Division standings. Northwest Arkansas moved to within one game of the Cardinals with only eight games remaining in the first half of the season.
The Drillers took their early lead thanks to a three-run first inning. Daniel Mayora singled and Mike McKenry walked. The runners were at first and third with two outs when Michael Paulk singled, plating Mayora with the game's first run. Ryan Harvey followed with a two-run double to give the Drillers a 3-0 lead.
Brandon Durden blanked the Naturals through the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. With two outs, Ed Lucas walked and scored on a double by Cody Strait.
Northwest Arkansas took the lead with its big fifth inning which started with a leadoff double by Chris McConnell. After a sacrifice bunt, consecutive doubles by Kurt Mertins and Jordan Parraz tied the game. Corey Smith followed with a single, but Durden got the second out of the inning when Brian McFall flied out. With runners at first and third, Ed Lucas delivered the biggest hit of the game when he homered over the left field wall. It was only the second home run of the season for Lucas and gave the Naturals a 6-3 lead.
Everett Teaford making his Double A debut made sure the lead held. After allowing the three runs in the first inning, Teaford blanked the Drillers over the next six innings.
A ninth-inning rally from the Drillers against Greg Holland came up short. Cole Garner singled to start the ninth, and Danny Sandoval doubled to put runners at second and third with no outs. A pair of ground outs plated both runners, but Holland struck out Jeff Kindel to end the game.
Garner's ninth inning single capped a perfect 4-4 night for the Tulsa outfielder.
Texas League Stories from June 15, 2009
- Kiely Dazzles in Double-A Debut - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards struggle in loss - Springfield Cardinals
- New Naturals' lefty wins Double-A debut - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Naturals Rally Past Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Missions Sixth Straight Win Pulls Them into First-Place Tie - San Antonio Missions
- Kiely promoted to Arkansas, starts Monday - Arkansas Travelers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
