Northwest Arkansas Naturals Beat Arkansas Travelers 2-1 in Pitching Duel

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – Springdale, AR- Juan Richardson’s go-ahead home run and a perfect pitching performance in relief by Gilbert de la Vara lifted the Naturals to a 2-1 victory over their in-state rival Arkansas Travelers Monday night in front of a crowd 4,365 at Arvest Ballpark. 

Northwest Arkansas (13-10, 44-49), down 1-0 in third tied things up.  After Cody Clark flied out, Jose Duarte then doubled to center.  Marc Maddox grounded out to advance Duarte to third.  Mario Lisson singled, knocking in Maddox.  In the sixth, Juan Richardson hit his second home run in as many nights, a shot to left field to give the Naturals the 2-1 lead.    

North Little Rock (7-16, 43-49), got on the board early in the third inning, when Cody Fuller lead off the inning hitting his fourth home run of the year, as they grabbed the 1-0 lead. 

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On the hill for the Naturals’ was right-hander Chris Nicoll who was making his first Texas League start of the season, picking up a no decision.  Nicoll tossed four innings, yielding only one run on five hits, while punching out four batters and didn’t allow a walk.  Gilbert de la Vara (1-0) picked up his first victory as a Natural this season.  He threw four perfect innings, fanning one batter.  Chris Hayes picked up his team leading six save, tossing a scoreless ninth.  

Travs’ starter Amalio Diaz (0-1) made his first Texas League start this season and was the tough luck loser.  He pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking two batters. 

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