TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals slow down Drillers offense

Published on May 10, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


TULSA, OK- Matt Kniginyzky turned in his best performance of the season as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals defeated the Tulsa Drillers 5-1 on Sunday afternoon. Kniginyzky paired up with John Bale and Gilbert De La Vara to limit the Drillers to six hits and one unearned run. Jordan Parraz and Jose Duarte each knocked in two runs as the Naturals defeated Tulsa for the first time in 2009.

Northwest Arkansas (14-15) scored the first five runs of the game thanks in part to their 13 hits. Jose Duarte would start the scoring in the first inning after taking a walk to begin the contest. Jordan Parraz brought in Duarte with his first double of the afternoon. Parraz would later add a double on his way to a team high three hits.

The Naturals would strike again in the fourth frame. Mario Lisson and Brian McFall got the rally started with back to back singles; Lisson would score after a Joe Dickerson sacrifice fly. Jose Duarte came up with two outs in the inning and singled to center, scoring McFall and Cody Strait, who had singled earlier.

Jordan Parraz recorded his first home run as a Natural to start the fifth inning. Northwest Arkansas would not score for the remainder of the game, but the early 5-0 lead was plenty for Matt Kniginyzky and company. All nine Naturals players recorded a hit.

Matt Kniginyzky (1-2) earned his first win as a Natural thanks to seven scoreless innings while striking out four and only walking one. Kniginyzky's seven inning outing is the longest by a Naturals starting pitcher this season. John Bale, who is with Northwest Arkansas on a major league rehabilitation assignment, allowed one unearned run during the eighth inning. Gilbert De La Vara completed a perfect ninth inning to secure the Naturals victory.

Keith Weiser (1-3) was knocked around during his five innings of work. He allowed nine hits and five earned runs before exiting the ballgame. Weiser struck out five and walked one during his appearance.

Tulsa (15-14) was lead by Daniel Mayora who had a team high three hits and brought in the lone Tulsa run.

Game three of a four game series will take place on Monday night. Right hander Blake Wood (1-1, 6.75 ERA) will face Esmil Rogers (0-1, 4.62 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from May 10, 2009


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