SPRINGDALE -- A seven-run first inning was too much to overcome for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday.
But they certainly came close.
The Naturals rallied from the 7-0 hole, but fell just short in a 9-8 loss to Springfield at Arvest Ballpark in Texas League baseball action.
The Cardinals (60-66) roughed up Naturals starter Tim Melville, scoring six runs on four hits as Melville lasted just two-thirds of an inning and left trailing 6-0.
The Naturals put together a 7-0 run by scoring three runs in the third inning, two in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie the game at 7-7.
Naturals reliever Brandon Finnegan (0-2) could not hold off the Cardinals, allowing a pair of runs in the sixth inning to take the loss. Finnegan gave up two earned runs in three hits.
Charlie Tilson led the Cardinals going 2-for-4 with a triple and 2 RBIs. Cody Stanley and Jonathan Rodriguez each collected two hits.
For the Naturals (51-75), Lane Adams was 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Brian Fletcher hit a pair of homers and drove in four runs. Juan Graterol, Mitch Maier and Parker Morin also homered for the Naturals.
The teams will resume their three-game home stand at 7:05 p.m. tonight.
Sports on 08/20/2014