NATURALS OUSTED IN EXTRAS BY MISSIONS
SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Naturals (22-25, 47-70) evened the score in the ninth at three apiece to send the series opener to extras but Diego Goris belted a two-run homer in the 14th propelling the San Antonio Missions (22-26, 58-60) to a 6-3 win.
Each side put up zeroes on the scoreboard from the fifth-through-eighth inning as San Antonio held a 3-2 advantage heading into the ninth. But, the Naturals saved some heroics for that inning forcing extras. Orlando Calixte singled to start the rally and Juan Graterol smacked his third hit of the night. Angel Franco then bunted the pair over to second and third which led to Calixte scoring the game tying run on a wild pitch by RHP R.J. Alvarez.
Prior to the late scoring, Northwest Arkansas and San Antonio exchanged runs during the second inning. Alex Dickerson jumped on a 2-2 pitch for his first homer to pull the Missions ahead early. But, Ethan Chapman's patience at the plate paid off during the home half of the inning as he drew a two-out walk forcing home Angel Franco from third. Chapman has six RBI during his last five games.
The Missions jumped out in front again with two runs in the third capped by a double off the bat of Yeison Asencio. But, it was once again Graterol being a huge spark in the Naturals' offense in the fourth. Friday night's first baseman had at least two hits for the third consecutive contest and his second hit of three went for two bases for his third double in as many games. Mark Threlkeld picked him a couple of batters later with an RBI-single to close the scoring gap 3-2.
RHP Angel Baez entered the game in the seventh inning after starter Tim Melville's departure. Baez tossed three scoreless innings and was very efficient in the process. He faced the minimum, nine batters, and only threw 12 pitches over the first two innings of his outing, he gave up one hit. Melville went six innings allowing three runs while walking one and striking out seven, his highest strikeout total in a game since fanning 10 hitters against the Arkansas Travelers on May 13.
LHP Noel Arguelles threw three scoreless innings while RHP Ali Williams (5-3) was tagged with the loss allowing three runs, two earned, in the 14th. RHP Michael Dimock (2-6) earned the win and LHP Frank Garces picked up his eighth save of the season.
The Naturals and Missions will do it again tomorrow, Saturday, August 9 at 6:05 p.m. with the Big Country Bash Post-Game Concert with recording artist Canaan Smith featuring a Louisville Slugger Wiffle Bat Giveaway presented by Great Day Farms. The 2014 Northwest Arkansas team-leader in wins, RHP Andy Ferguson (9-9, 3.10) will go up against RHP Joe Wieland making a Major League rehab start with San Antonio for the San Diego Padres.
You can catch all live play-by-play action for the game with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for the Naturals 92.1 the Ticket for a 5:50p.m. Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch from Arvest Ballpark.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
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