Two unearned runs were enough Friday night in Frisco’s 2-1 victory over Northwest Arkansas at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
The winning run for the RoughRiders came in the top of the ninth on Jake Skole’s sacrifice fly that scored Trever Adams, who initially reached on an error by Naturals first baseman Jered Schlehuber with one out. After a double by Ryan Rul and an intentional walk to Chris Grayson, Skole lofted a fly ball off Malcom Culver (0-1) that left fielder Whit Merrifield caught in foul territory but was deep enough to score Adams with the game winner.
The Naturals had a chance in the bottom of the ninth, putting runners on first and second with one out, but Francisco Mendoza got Juan Graterol to ground into a double play to end the game.
“You get to a point at high-level, Double-A baseball, you expect guys to do it the right way,” Naturals Manager Vance Wilson said. “The work is good, but can you mentally focus, mentally put pressure on yourself make plays? We just haven’t done that.
“We had our chances, but we couldn’t get the big hit.”
Frisco scored its first run in the bottom of the second inning off Naturals starter Sam Selman, who was making his Class AA debut. Selman walked the bases loaded before striking out Skole and Pat Cantwell. Selman dropped Luis Sardinas’ pop-up, which allowed Adams to score and gave the RoughRiders a 1-0lead.
Northwest Arkansas tied the score in the bottom of the third when Schlehuber drew a bases-loaded walk with one out to force in Lane Adams. Mark Threlkeld grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Selman, who joined the Naturals after Sugar Ray Marimon was called up to Class AAA Omaha, allowed 2 hits and struck out 4 in 5 innings but issued 4 walks.
Frisco’s Jimmy Reyes (1-1) pitched a perfect eighth for the victory.
Today’s game NORTHWEST ARKANSAS VS. FRISCO WHEN 6:05 p.m.
WHERE Arvest Ballpark, Springdale RADIO KQSM-FM 92.1 in Northwest Arkansas WEBSITE nwanaturals.com PITCHERS Naturals: Gregory Billo (RHP, 0-0, 3.00 ERA). RoughRiders: Alec Asher (RHP, 0-1, 5.79).
TICKETS $12 super premium, $10 premium, $8 reserved, $7 grass berm.
NATURALS WEEK AHEAD TODAY vs Frisco, 6:05 p.m.
SUNDAY vs Midland, 2:05 p.m.
MONDAY vs Midland, 7:05 p.m.
TUESDAY vs Midland, 7:05 p.m.
WEDNESDAY at Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
THURSDAY at Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
FRIDAY at Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
FRIDAY’S GAMES Frisco 2, NW Arkansas 1 Arkansas 2, Midland 1 Springfield 8, San Antonio 4 Tulsa at Corpus Christi, 8:10 p.m.
TODAY’S GAMES All times Central Frisco at NW Arkansas, 6:05 p.m.
Midland at Arkansas, 6:10 p.m.
Springfield at San Antonio, 7:05 p.m.
Tulsa at Corpus Christi, 7:10 p.m.
Sports, Pages 25 on 04/12/2014