SPRINGDALE — Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas were evenly matched offensively, but the Naturals were unable to capitalize on Sunday and dropped the final game of the four-game homestand 8-2.
Tulsa compiled nine hits and Northwest Arkansas had eight in front of this year’s largest attendance of 6,275 in Arvest Ballpark.
The Naturals (5-11) had an opportunity to gain some momentum and the lead in the first inning, but failed to score with the bases loaded.
Tulsa (8-8) came back in the second inning and collected three runs with two outs.
Christhian Adames singled to center to score two runs, and finished the day with two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.
Northwest Arkansas got one run back in the bottom of the inning, with Whit Merrifield singling and advancing to third on a wild pitch and a steal, and scoring on a shallow fly ball from Juan Graterol.
The Lingo
“We had hits, but we didn’t get any key hits. We didn’t take advantage of the chances we had, and they did.”
— Brian Poldberg
Northwest Arkansas manager
Short Hops
Naturals starting pitcher Noel Arguelles retired the first three Drillers in order, but allowed five runs — all earned — on six hits. He was taken out in the fourth inning, and finished with four walks and three strikeouts. He threw 83 pitches, 53 for strikes.
Santiago Garrido entered the game in the fourth inning and came out in the seventh. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out four batters. He threw 53 pitches, 33 for strikes.
It was Rey Navarro’s second straight two-hit game and fifth multi-hit game of the season.
Extra Bases: Tulsa starter Dan Houston pitched four innings and allowed one run on five hits. … Northwest Arkansas’ four pitchers compiled eight strikeouts. … Angel Franco had no hits in the game, but remains the fifth-leading batter in the Texas League with his .353 average.
Royals Pipeline: Former Naturals pitcher Will Smith got called up to the Kansas City Royals for the team’s doubleheader on Sunday in Boston.
On Deck: The Naturals will head out on the road to face the Springfield Cardinals at 7:09 p.m. today in the first of the four-game series.
On the Air: KQSM- 92.1 FM
On the Web: nwanaturals.com.