TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Tulsa Shocks Naturals in Game Two

Published on June 15, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Tulsa, OK - The Naturals had their chances, but they had victory swept out form under them Tuesday night in game two of a double-header. The Drillers took the second game 5-4 in eight innings.

The Naturals (38-25) were first on the board, as they scored tow runs in the to start the game. Johnny Giavotella hit a one out triple to reach base. Then with two outs, Clint Robinson jacked a two run home run over the right field wall. The shot was Robinson's ninth of the season, and it gave the Naturals the 2-0 lead.

The offense did not stop for the Naturals when they added another run in the top of the fourth. Clint Robinson once again came through, this time with a base hit to second base. Paulo Orlando then hit into what should have been a force out, but a throwing error by Tulsa advanced Robinson to third, and Orlando safe at first. Ernesto Mejia then hit into a double play, but it was enough to score Robinson to extend the Naturals lead to 3-0.

Tulsa (26-35) finally got on the board in the fourth inning. Bronson Sardinha singled with one out to reach base. After stealing second, Sardinha was bale to score off a base hit from Daniel Mayora.

The Drillers continued to fight, and pulled closer with a run in the bottom of the fifth. Anthony Jackson was walked with two outs to reach base. After stealing second, Jackson was able to come home on a base hit from Charles Blackmon. The run cut the Naturals' lead to just one at 3-2.

It looked as if the Naturals were going to shut down the Drillers in the last inning, but Tulsa had other plans. Matt Repic was walked, and Eider Torres came on to pinch run. After the next two batters struck out, Torres was able to steal second. That would prove to be huge, as Blackmon singled to right, and Torres came into score and tied the game at 3-3.

The Naturals rallied in the top of the eighth when they scored a run. Mike Moustakas drilled a solo home run to give the Naturals the lead. The shot was number 15 on the season for Moustakas.

Tulsa once again looked done for in the bottom of the eighth. With runners on the corners, and two outs, Warren Schaeffer singled to center to score Lars Davis. The run tied the game up at 4-4. Anthony Jackson was then walked, which loaded the bases. Heartbreak then ensued for the Naturals, as Blackmon was walked, and Torres was able to score the winning run.

Ben Swaggerty (2-3) suffered the loss for the Naturals. Swaggerty gave up the two runs in the eighth inning. Starter Eduardo Paulino went four and tow thirds in a no decision. Paulino gave up two earned runs, and struck out seven.

Andy Graham (3-2) picked up the win for Tulsa. Graham pitched the eighth inning, and was on the hook for the loss until Tulsa pulled out the victory.

The Naturals and Drillers will close out their series with a Wednesday day game. The action gets underway at 12:05 p.m., and you can listen live on 92.1 ESPN The Ticket. After tomorrow's game the Naturals will head back to Springdale for an eight game home stand starting Thursday night.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from June 15, 2010


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