Champlain Dazzles in 4-3 Loss Wednesday

The reigning Texas League Pitcher of the Week, Chandler Champlain, tossed another gem on Wednesday, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (14-14, 43-54) took a walk-off loss to the Springfield Cardinals (16-13), 4-3, on Wednesday night. The two teams continue their series on Thursday with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch.

The Naturals provided an early run in support of Champlain, with Tyler Tolbert doubling, stealing third, and scoring when Peyton Wilson grounded out to second. New Cardinal Thomas Saggese homered in the bottom of the frame to tie the game.

Dillan Shrum homered in the top of the second inning, his second in as many days, to give NWA a 2-1 lead. Jake Means doubled in the fourth, giving Northwest Arkansas a 3-1 edge.

Champlain gave up another homer in the bottom of the fifth but powered through a Naturals season-best eight innings, holding the Cardinals to two runs on six hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.

In the bottom of the ninth with a 3-1 lead, the Cardinals staged a comeback. John McMillon, who hadn't allowed an earned run in 11 outings, took the mound and struck out the first hitter he faced. After a walk to Pedro Pages (who was pinch-ran for by Errol Robinson), Noah Mendlinger doubled to left, scoring Robinson to tie the game.

Jacob Buchberger walked and scored the game-winning run when Arquimedes Gamboa drove a ground-rule double to right-center, setting back the Naturals in a 4-3 heartbreaking loss.

Chamberlain ended up with a no-decision. McMillon (3-1) took his first lost and blown save since joining NWA after one-third of an inning, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout.

The two teams continue their series on Thursday with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch. The Naturals send RHP William Fleming (1-0, 1.59) to the mound.