Naturals spoil Cards early lead, win 8-7

Springdale, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (2-0) overcame an early 7-1 deficit to claim an 8-7 comeback win against the Springfield Cardinals (0-2) before 5,076 fans at Arvest Ballpark on Friday night.

DECISIONS:
W: RHP Grant Gavin (1-0)
L: RHP Connor Jones (0-1)
S: RHP Walker Sheller (1)

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:
-The Cardinals capitalized on a two-out error that extended the top of the third and led to a go-ahead two-run single from DH Johan Mieses and a grand slam from C Brian O'Keefe as Springfield swung into an early 6-0 lead.

-After the Naturals plated one in the bottom of the third, the Cards got the run back in the fifth with an RBI double by LF Conner Capel, his first Double-A RBI, for the 7-1 lead.

-The Naturals jumped right back into the game with a two-out, four-run rally in the bottom of the fifth that included a two-run triple from RF Khalil Lee, an RBI double by 2B Gabriel Cancel and an RBI single from 1B Samir Dueñez to make it 7-5.

-Northwest Arkansas tied it, 7-7, in the seventh with RBI singles from DH Samir Duenez and 3B Emmanuel Rivera.

With runners at the corners and no outs to start the eighth, SS Taylor Featherston brought in the go-ahead run with an RBI squeeze bunt for the 8-7 advantage.

NOTABLES:
-C Brian O'Keefe's 3rd-inning slam marked his third-career grand slam and first-ever Double-A home run.

-OF Johan Mieses joined Springfield today and provided the two-run single in the 3rd after going 3x5 with a double, a triple and an RBI in his Triple-A debut with Memphis on Thursday.

-LF Conner Capel went 2x3 with an RBI double, a single and a walk in just his second Double-A game.

-Also playing in his second Double-A game, 3B Elehuris Montero pelted a double to start the fifth for his first-career hit with Springfield, before adding a single in the seventh and finishing 2x5 with two runs.

-The Naturals 2-0 start to the season marks the first time in their 12-year history that they have won back-to-back games to open a campaign.

WHAT'S ON DECK:
-Game Three of the series is Saturday at Arvest Ballpark featuring Springfield LHP Evan Kruczynski (0-0, 0.00) vs. Naturals RHP Garson Garabito (0-0, 0.00).

-First Pitch is 6:05pm with the Harbell's Grill and Sports Bar Pregame Show at 5:50pm on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com.

OPENING DAY AT HAMMONS FIELD - THURSDAY, APRIL 11!
-Opening Day at Hammons Field is coming up quickly on Thursday, April 11 at 7:10pm (gates open at 6:10pm)

-Don't miss the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks Red Truck Parade, the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (3,500), Opening Day Fireworks and much, much more

-And the KY3 66 Degree Guarantee is back! If it is not at least 66 degrees at the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, April 11, all fans with a paid ticket to Thursday's game will receive a free ticket to another April, 2019 game, based on availability
Join us on Opening Day at Hammons Field on Thursday, April 11!