Northwest Arkansas Keeps Tulsa In Check

Tulsa dropped its fourth consecutive gave against the Northwest Arkansas 2-1 Saturday, giving up the Naturals a four-game series sweep in the process.

Yem Prades knocked a leadoff double for Northwest Arkansas in the top of the first and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Christian Colon. Sharlon Schoop knocked a fly ball single to left field, bringing Prades back and give NWA a 1-0 advantage.

Tulsa played small ball of its own in the bottom of the third to tie the game. Josh Rutledge hit a line drive single to left field and advanced to second on a balk in the next at-bat. Tim Torres followed with a single to left field to bring Rutledge home and tie the game.

However, that was the only run Tulsa scored in the contest.

Northwest Arkansas scored again in the top of the sixth. John Whittleman walked in the second at-bat of the inning, advanced to second on a single in the next at bat and scored on a ground ball single to center field, taking a 2-1 lead.

Noel Arguelles (2-3) was credited with a loss for the outing, giving up just one earned run on seven hits in a six-inning start for the Drillers. Corey Riordan (2-1) earned a loss for his work, allowing one earned run on five hits in two innings pitched.

The Drillers will head out on a four-game road trip in against the Springfield Cardinals, beginning at 7:08 p.m. Friday.