• Box score
• Mario Lisson's player page • Audio: Lisson has a career night • See a Northwest Arkansas game • Dress like a real Natural Northwest Arkansas' Mario Lisson hadn't gotten more than one hit in a game since July 10. He made up for lost time Monday night. Lisson went deep twice, tripled and drove in a career-high six runs as the Naturals topped the Springfield Cardinals, 10-4, at Arvest Ballpark. Lisson gave his team an early lead with his second grand slam of the season in the second inning. The 24-year-old shortstop hit a solo homer in the fifth, his 11th, and delivered a run-scoring triple in the seventh to cap his night. It was his first multi-hit game since he had two hits on July 10 against the Cardinals. The six RBIs surpassed his previous high of five, which he accomplished twice, most recently on May 1 this season against Springfield. It was his first multi-homer game since going yard twice and plating five runs for the Burlington Bees on Aug. 7, 2006 against the Dayton Dragons. The Venezuela native signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He hadn't played above Class A until last season, when he hit .285 with eight homers, 27 doubles, 23 stolen bases and 61 RBIs for the Class A Advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League. He was named a Midseason and a Postseason Carolina League All-Star. Juan Richardson went 4-for-4 with a two-run homer, his 10th, and three runs scored and Kila Ka'aihue had two hits and scored twice for the Naturals (23-14), who won their fourth straight overall and their fifth straight over Springfield. They have also won 13 of their last 14 games at home. Naturals starter Daniel Cortes (6-4) allowed three runs on four hits while striking out four and walking two over six innings to win his second straight start. Cardinals starter Jess Todd (3-5) gave up eight runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out six over five innings to lose his second straight. Allen Craig went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his 19th, and James Rapoport added a two-run shot for Springfield (19-18), which lost its fourth straight. Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs. |
