TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Skoglund Dominant as Naturals Shut out Drillers

Published on May 21, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark. - For the second time this season and first since May 7 and May 8 against the Arkansas Travelers, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals pitching staff recorded back-to-back shutouts over an opponent. LHP Eric Skoglund (2-1, 4.26 ERA) dominated the Drillers as Northwest Arkansas (20-21) shutout Tulsa (18-23) by the score of 4-0 on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 6,074 at Arvest Ballpark. Tonight's shutout gives the Naturals four on the year.

Coming into Saturday night, Skoglund had given up four runs or more in each of his last three starts. That run though would not continue as the Sarasota, Florida native was dominant in his 6.0 innings of work as he allowed only two hits, no walks, and struck out four. The win improves him to 2-1 on the season and 2-0 in two starts against the Drillers.

With the game locked in a scoreless battle, the Northwest Arkansas offense broke through in the fourth. Ryan O'Hearn, Orlando Calixte, and Mauricio Ramos led off the inning with three consecutive singles to load the bases. Naturals' first baseman Frank Schwindel followed with a single of his own through the hole on the left side of the infield to drive in O'Hearn, which gave the Naturals an early 1-0 lead. The bases remained loaded for Carlos Garcia and the switch-hitting left fielder delivered as he smoked a 2-1 fastball into the gap in left center for a bases clearing triple and a commanding 4-0 lead. Garcia came into the game with three RBI on the year and matched his season total with one swing of the bat. The four run outburst was more than enough offense as the combination of Skoglund, Ashton Goudeau, and Eric Stout completed the shutout. Tulsa's Jeremy Kehrt (0-1, 6.00 ERA) took the loss in this first start for the Drillers in 2016.

The Naturals out-hit Tulsa by an 11-to-4 margin as seven out of the nine hitters in the lineup recorded hits. The 11 hits is the first time Northwest Arkansas reached double digits since a 7-2 win over the Springfield Cardinals on May 14.

Northwest Arkansas will continue their four (4) game series against the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers) tomorrow afternoon - Sunday, May 22 - with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at Arvest Ballpark. Sunday is a KIDS EAT FREE Family Sunday presented by Northwest Arkansas Tobacco and Drug FREE featuring Mercy Kids Run the Bases following the game. Tulsa will send RHP Trevor Oaks (3-1, 3.52 ERA) to the hill while the Naturals will counter with RHP Alec Mills (1-1, 2.36 ERA) fresh off his Major League debut with Kansas City on Wednesday, May 18. You can catch the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for Naturals baseball on KQSM 92.1 The Ticket at 1:45 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading to first pitch at 2:05 p.m. from Arvest Ballpark.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from May 21, 2016


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