TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

NW Arkansas Capitalizes on Frisco Errors in win

Published on April 1, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SURPRISE, AZ - Two errors contributed to a four-run third as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals beat the Frisco RoughRiders for the second consecutive day, this time by an 8-3 final. Frisco is the Texas Rangers' Double-A affiliate in the Texas League.

Just as they did Tuesday, the Naturals got on board first, in the first. Josh Johnson led off with a single and advanced to third on a single by Joe Dickerson. With one away, Cody Strait's groundout to short plated Johnson.

Frisco would get two runners across in the top of the third off of Anthony Lerew. Lerew came in for the second inning after Royals' left-hander John Bale started with a scoreless inning. Lerew ended up with the win, going five innings, allowing five hits and three runs while fanning three batters.

The Naturals were able to capitalize on Frisco's mistakes to take a third-inning lead they wouldn't relinquish. Ed Lucas led off with a triple and Johnson reached on an error by the RoughRiders shortstop. After Kurt Mertins grounded out to second, Joe Dickerson homered to bring in three runs. Strait then singled and advanced two bases on an error before coming home on a sacrifice to right by Jeff Howell.

The Naturals would get insurance runs in the fifth, eighth, and ninth. Lenny DiNardo, who pitched for Team Italy in the recent World Baseball Classic, held Frisco's bats at bay for the final three innings to earn the save. He allowed just two hits and struck out five.

The Naturals, whose Cactus League spring exhibition record now stands at 5-4-1, travel to Peoria Thursday for their final spring exhibition before breaking camp as they face the San Antonio Missions, the San Diego Padres' Double-A club.

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 home opener is Thursday, April 16th against the San Antonio Missions. 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 April 1, 2009


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