SPRINGDALE -- Springfield's power hitter came through in the clutch on Saturday.
Paul DeJong hit a home run in the 10th inning to break a tie and lead the Cardinals to a 3-1 victory over the Naturals before a crowd of 5,126 at Arvest Ball Park. Springfield scored two runs in 10th, including DeJong's 18th home run of the season.
Alfredo Escalera put Northwest Arkansas ahead 1-0 with a home run in the second inning before the Cardinals tied it on a passed ball in the seventh.
"Paul's been driving in big runs for us all year," said Springfield manager Dann Bilardello, who was ejected in the eighth inning for arguing balls and strikes. "Paul grounded out with the bases loaded earlier and maybe that was in the back of his mind. He got another chance and came through with the home run."
Springfield had a chance to take the lead in the ninth inning with one out and runners at first and third. But second baseman Corey Toups fielded a groundball and threw Andrew Sohn out at the plate on a close play.
Pitching was again at a premium after Josh Staumont struck out 10 in 52/3 innings for Northwest Arkansas in a 4-1 victory over Springfield on Friday. Left-hander Eric Skoglund threw six scoreless innings for the Naturals while Springfield starter Luke Weaver went seven innings and allowed one run on three hits.
Weaver, who pitched a career-high eight innings in a win over Northwest Arkansas on June 16, has held opponents to less than two runs in nine of his last 10 starts.
"With Weaver on the mound, you've got to put up some runs," Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said after the Natuals were held to three hits. "The kid is really good but, at times, we didn't compete very well offensively."
The Naturals (45-54) will attempt to win/sweep the series today before beginning a three-game series at Arkansas on Monday.
Center fielder Blake Drake likely saved a run for Springfield (52-47) with a standout play in the fourth inning. Drake raced back and time his jump perfectly near the 400-foot mark to take an extra-base hit away from Mauricio Ramos. Alfredo Escalera then hit a looping single to center field that would've prompted a play at the plate had Drake not caught Ramos' drive.
SHORT HOPS
• Springfield manager Dann Bilardello was ejected from the game for arguing balls and strikes in the eighth inning. Cardinals' infielder Jonathan Rodriguez was also ejected but Luis Cruz remained in the game despite throwing his bat after striking out in the eighth.
• Former Northwest Arkansas right-hander Andy Ferguson (Benton/Arkansas State) began his comeback Saturday after missing much of the season because of tendonitis. He was assigned to High-A Wilmington, where he allowed three runs in 2/3 innings in a loss to Myrtle Beach. Ferguson was 11-3 last season, including 4-0 at Northwest Arkansas before being promoted to Triple-A Omaha.
On Deck: The series continues at 2:05 p.m. today with right-hander Jake Junis (9-5, 3.03 ERA) going for the Naturals against right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon (6-5, 3.45 ERA) for the Cardinals.
Today's Promotion: Kids eat free and Naturals' cap giveaway for the first 1,000 fans.
On The Air: KQSM-FM, 92.1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 07/24/2016