Cortes, Aldridge Handle Midland

Springdale, AR- Behind Dan Cortes' solid pitching performance and an offensive explosion, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals were able to take the rubber game of the three-game series from the Midland RockHounds (2-1) by the score of 9-1 Friday night in front of a crowd of 6,244 at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals (29-18, 62-55) got on the offensive early as they put up four runs in the second inning. After Juan Richardson led off the inning with a walk, Corey Aldridge came up and hit his fourth home run of the season to put the Naturals on the board 2-0. Mario Lisson then singled. During Ed Lucas plate appearance RockHounds pitcher Jason Windsor threw two consecutive wild pitches, advancing Lisson all the way to third. Lucas then walked and Ovandy Suero followed by laying down a bunt single, scoring Lisson. Jose Duarte singled to load the bases and Marc Maddox hit an RBI sacrifice fly to give the Naturals a 4-0 lead.

The Naturals put the game out of reach in the eighth as they tacked on four more runs. Jose Duarte hit his ninth home run, a solo shot to left. Juan Richardson chipped in with an RBI double of his own and Ed Lucas followed with a 2-run double to give the Naturals the 9-1 lead.

On the mound for the Naturals' was right hander Dan Cortes (8-4), who turned in a great pitching performance and extended his personal win streak to four consecutive decisions. He tossed six solid innings, giving up the only one run on six hits, while fanning eight batters and allowing a walk. Chris Nicoll pitched the final three frames for his second save, striking out seven hitters in the process against three hits allowed. Northwest Arkansas' pitching staff generated 15 of the 27 outs via the strikeout Friday night.

The RockHounds (28-19, 61-56) only run of the night came in the fourth when Tommy Everidge led off the inning hitting his 21st home run to center.

Windsor (2-1) took the loss for Midland, getting the hook after 1 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on four hits, while striking out two and walking two batters.

The Naturals will now welcome in the Frisco Roughriders for a three game weekend series staring on Saturday night. Texas Rangers starter Kevin Millwood, on a rehab assignment with the RoughRiders, is scheduled to start against the Naturals tomorrow. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. features a bonus performance by the popular traveling act Dancing Christopher, and the first 2,500 fans will receive a special Naturals Wiffle Ball and Bat set courtesy of CCF Brands and RingO's Chicken Rings. Power 105.7 will be on hand broadcasting live before the game outside the front gates. For tickets call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com for further details.