SPRINGDALE--Another day, another come-from-behind victory for Northwest Arkansas.
A day after the Naturals scored four runs in the final two innings for a walk-off victory, they did it again Wednesday, scoring three runs in the final four innings to beat Frisco 7-6 in 10 innings in Texas League play in Arvest Ballpark.
The Naturals scored the game-winning run off the bat of Nicky Lopez in the bottom of the 10th inning. After Erick Mejia started the frame on second base under the new extra-innings rule, Lopez's deep double to right center scored Mejia, who advanced to third on a passed ball.
The Naturals started the comeback in the seventh inning. Trailing by two runs, Luis Villegas doubled, scored on a Jecksson Flores triple. They added another run in the ninth. Mejia opened the frame with an infield single, then scored on a deep fly by Alex Liddi.
Northwest Arkansas had a chance to win in the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded, and only one out, Villegas grounded into a 1-2-3 double play to end the threat.
Michael Mariot pitched the final two innings to earn the victory for Northwest Arkansas.
Short Hops:
• With two doubles Wednesday night, Northwest Arkansas' Elier Hernandez now has 13 on the season, which moves him into fourth place in the Texas League. His two RBI give him 24 on the season, which is top-20 in the Texas League.
• Naturals' starter Emilio Ogando lasted only four innings, which ties his second-shortest outing of the season. His shortest start came when he went 1 2/3 innings against Springfield on May 2. Ogando, who faced 23 batters in his four frames, carried a 4.98 earned run average into Wednesday's start.
• Frisco's Michael O'Neill lived up to the family name. The nephew of former Reds' and Yankees' slugger, Paul, O'Neill finished 4-for-6 with two home runs, a triple, three RBI and three runs scored.
On Deck: The Naturals return home today for game two of a five-game series with Frisco. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Andres Machado, and his 1.69 earned run average, will battle Frisco's Richelson Pena.
Today's Promotion: Thirsty Thursday. Farm Rich Mozzarella sticks and 12 ounce Coca-Cola fountain drinks for only $1, and bags of peanuts and 16 ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts for only $2.
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 05/24/2018