MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-SPRINGDALE, AR –A record crowd was on hand to witness the Tulsa Drillers 5-3 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. 8,998 piled into Arvest Ballpark on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. Samuel Deduno stymied the Naturals bats as he picked up his fourth win in a row. The Drillers executed two suicide squeezes against Naturals starter Anthony Lerew.

Samuel Deduno (5-1) allowed just two hits during his 7.0 innings of work. The Dominican Republic native gave up two runs and issued five walks on the afternoon. Deduno added six strikeouts to bring his season total to 38, which leads the Drillers pitching staff. Ryan Speier and Andrew Johnston allowed four hits while on their way to closing out the Naturals. Speier is down with Tulsa on a Major League rehab assignment from the Rockies. Johnston worked the ninth frame for his Texas League leading 12^th save.

Northwest Arkansas (19-19) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to a Brian McFall run scoring single. Mario Lisson was hit by a pitch before coming in on McFall’s 27^th run batted in of the season. Lisson and McFall would connect again during the ninth inning to cut into the Drillers lead. Lisson singled and then scored on McFall’s double. McFall now leads the Naturals with 28 RBI. The Naturals ninth inning rally would end during the next at bat when Cody Strait struck out.
ADVERTISEMENT

Tulsa (20-18) compiled 13 hits on the afternoon but their two sacrifice bunts were the highlight of their day. Rex Rundgren started the third frame with a triple over the head of center fielder Joe Dickerson. Rundgren would score on an Anthony Jackson single to tie the game at 1-1. Jackson would steal second base, his ninth steal of the season, and then advance to third on a misplayed ball by shortstop Marion Lisson. Cole Garner laid down a suicide squeeze scoring Jackson that put Tulsa on top 2-1. The Drillers would hold the lead for the remainder of the game.

During the fourth inning the Drillers once again applied their bunting practice into a game situation. After a Michael McKenry walk and a Daniel Mayora double the Drillers were once again threatening. Rex Rundgren put down the second suicide squeeze of the afternoon bringing in McKenry to give the Drillers a 3-1 lead. Tulsa would later add single runs during fifth and eighth inning. Anthony Jackson and Jeff Kindel provided the offensive spark for Tulsa. Jackson went 2-3 with one run and two RBI, while Kindle had a team high three this and brought in one run of his own.

Anthony Lerew (2-3) labored during his four innings of work. Lerew allowed six hits, three walks, and three earned runs during his brief appearance. Gilbert De La Vara and Chris Nicoll would both allow one run to score during their relief appearances.

The series finale will feature Matt Kniginyzky (1-3, 5.29) against lefty Keith Weiser (1-3, 4.99). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Thursday evening. After Thursday’s game, the Naturals will head south to face the Arkansas Travelers in a four game series.

Are You an Insider Yet?
SZ Insider. A look ahead into the big player feature, the big story, tips, rumors, and special opportunities for collectibles and memorabilia only available for our insiders. Free monthly to your e-mailbox. Click the link to subscribe to this FREE newsletter!