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TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Work Overtime, Come up Short

April 23, 2008 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Springfield Cardinals played the first ever extra-inning game at Arvest Ballpark on Tuesday night in front of a paid crowd of 3,358. The Naturals couldn't pull off the come from behind victory, losing 7-4 in 14 innings.

The Cardinals (6-12) put the first run on the board in the first, when they hit three straight singles to load the bases. Jose Martinez grounded out to second baseman Marc Maddox, scoring Bryan Anderson to put the Cardinals up 1-0. The Naturals came right back in the bottom of the frame, when Juan Richardson doubled in Angel Sanchez to tie it up at one a piece.

Brandon Yarbrough got the lead back for the Cards with an RBI single in the fourth. Jose Martinez picked up his second RBI on the night, with an RBI single in the fifth to give the Cards a 3-1 lead.

With the Naturals (5-13) down 3-1 heading into the eighth, Jose Duarte drew a leadoff walk and then stole second with Richardson batting. Richardson then doubled in Duarte to bring the Naturals within one. Kila Kaaihue stepped up to the plate and knocked his team leading sixth home run of the season to put the Naturals up 4-3.

The Cards put a run up to tie it in the ninth, when Allen Craig grounded out to second baseman Marc Maddox, scoring Yarbrough to tie things up at 4-4.

In the 14th, the Cardinals managed to break the game wide open. A.J. Van Slyke led things of with a double to right. Luke Gossett broke the tie, with an RBI single, scoring Van Slyke. Yarbrough put the game away with a 2-run double with two out to give the Cards a 7-4 lead.

The Cards and Naturals combined for 30 hits in the history-making affair that wrapped up just shy of midnight, clocking in at four hours and 20 minutes, and got started 21 minutes late while crews prepped the field after intermittent showers and thunderstorms battered the area most of the day.

On the mound for the Cards was pitcher Clayton Mortensen, who didn't factor in the decision. He went seven innings, giving up one run on five hits, striking out four and walked a batter. Pitcher Nick Webber (1-1) picked up the victory, pitching a scoreless 13th.

Pitching for the Naturals was the southpaw Rowdy Hardy, who also didn't factor in the decision. He tossed a season-high six innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits, with two strike outs and a walk. Patrick Green picked up the loss, giving up the go-ahead runs in the 13th.

The Naturals will play game three of their four game series against these same Springfield Cardinals Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark. Wednesday is Half Price Group Night, where groups of 20 or more receive half off the normal reserved and Subway Berm ticket price when booking in advance ($4 for reserved, $3 for lawn). After their series with the Cardinals the Naturals will host a four-game weekend series against their in-state rival Arkansas Travelers. 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.

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