SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas is tied for the lead in the Texas League North.
Frank Schwindel hit a bases-loaded single with one out in the 11th inning to give the Naturals a 5-4 win over Tulsa on Wednesday before a crowd of 2,947 at Arvest Ballpark. Northwest Arkansas moved into a tie with Arkansas after the Travelers split a doubleheader with Springfield on Wednesday.
Tulsa loaded the bases in the 10th but did not score after Aroni Nina struck out Tyler Ogle to end the inning. Northwest Arkansas loaded the bases in the 11th after two singles and an intentional walk. Schwindel then hit the first pitch past a drawn-in infield over shortstop to end the game.
Schwindel and Samir Duenz each had three hits while No. 9 hitter Humberto Arteaga added doubles and two RBI to lead the Naturals (33-32).
Northwest Arkansas was helped by a triple play in the seventh inning that started when Schwindel caught a popup on a sacrifice bunt attempt.The triple play was the second in franchise history and the first for the Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals completed their first triple play while winning 1-0 on a no-hitter at Arkansas in 2011.
Alfredo Escalera put Northwest Arkansas ahead with an RBI single in the sixth after both teams scored three runs on four hits in the third inning.
Northwest Arkansas would've fallen behind earlier if not for the play of Mauricio Ramos at third base. Tulsa loaded the bases in the first inning before pitcher Josh Staumont was rescued when Ramos started an inning-ending double play. Two more Drillers reached in the second when Ramos made the play of the game with a backhanded stab of a hard grounder behind third base and a strong throw to first.
SHORT HOPS
• Pitchers Eric Skoglund and Jake Junis from Northwest Arkansas were named Wednesday to the Texas League postseason All-Star team.
• Skoglund (6-10, 3.55 ERA) leads the Texas League with 149 2/3 innings pitched and is tied for the lead with 126 strikeouts. Junis was promoted to Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 8 after he went 9-7 with 117 strikeouts in 119 innings with the Naturals.
• Northwest Arkansas completed a rare triple play in the seventh inning after consecutive Tulsa batters reached base. The sequence began when first baseman Frank Schwindel caught a bunt attempt by Tim Locastro to the right of the pitcher's mound. Schwindle then threw to second baseman Corey Toups covering first and Toups threw to second to catch another runner off base.
• Northwest Arkansas starter Josh Staumont overcame early trouble to pitch six innings for the Naturals. He allowed six hits and three runs with eight strikeouts and two walks.
ON DECK: The series continues at 7:05 p.m. tonight with right-hander Ashton Goudeau (5-12, 5.18 ERA) going for the Naturals against right-hander Andrew Sopko (1-2, 5.76 ERA) for for the Drillers.
TODAY'S PROMOTIONS: Thirsty Thursday with draft beer for $2 and Buck Night for $1 on select items from the concession stands.
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92-1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 09/01/2016