Drake’s homer leads Springfield to win over Northwest Arkansas

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Blake Drake hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, leading the Springfield Cardinals to a 9-7 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Monday.

NW Arkansas had a runner on first in the top of the ninth, but Donnie Dewees flew out to end the game.

The home run by Drake scored Stefan Trosclair and was the game’s last scoring play.

Ian McKinney (2-0) got the win with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief while Yunior Marte (1-2) took the loss in the Texas League game.

Corey Toups homered and doubled, scoring a couple of runs while also driving home two for the Naturals.

ARKANSAS 7, TULSA 6

TULSA, Okla. — Logan Taylor hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, leading the Arkansas Travelers to a win over the Tulsa Drillers.

Matt Festa allowed a run, but struck DJ Peters out with a runner on first to end the game for his sixth save of the season.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals homestand

At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale ON THE AIR KYNG-AM 1590

Series Schedule TODAY vs. Frisco, 7:05 p.m. WEDNESDAY vs. Frisco,

7:05 p.m. THURSDAY vs. Frisco, 7:05 p.m. FRIDAY vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m. SATURDAY vs. Midland,

6:05 p.m. SUNDAY vs. Midland, 6:35 p.m.

This Week’s Promotions TODAY Arvest Bank customers can enjoy $5 dugout premium tickets. They must show proof of being an Arvest customer at the box office. Brats are also $1. WEDNESDAY Test your trivia skills on the videoboard throughout the game on What’s It? Wednesday for a chance to win prizes. THURSDAY Thirsty Thursday features $1 small Coke fountain drinks and mozzarella sticks as well as $2 peanuts and 16-ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon.

FRIDAY There will be post-game fireworks.

SATURDAY The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Naturals Dri-fit T-shirt. Fans can also take advantage of happy hour at the Bullpen Craft Beer Bar from 4:35-5:35 before the game.

SUNDAY Kids 12 and younger will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, animal crackers, Swedish Fish and small soda. All kids can also run the bases at Arvest Ballpark following the game. In addition, there will be post-game fireworks.

SHORT HOPS Northwest Arkansas (21-23) returns to Arvest Ballpark for a six-game homestand against Frisco and Midland beginning tonight, after falling 9-7 at Springfield on Monday. … The Naturals return home redhot in May, having won 14 of 21 games this month. … Northwest Arkansas is average 5.5 runs per game, more than a run per game better than its season average of 4.4 that is ranked next to last in the Texas League. … Infielder Nicky Lopez has cooled lately (5 of 22) but is still eighth in the league with a .316 batting average. … Reliever Franco Terrero has been lights out lately, allowing just two earned runs in his last nine appearances (14 2/3 innings) with 18 strikeouts.

Ticket Packages

Home plate/Super Premium: $14

Dugout Super Premium: $13

Dugout Premium: $11

Reserved: $9

Grass Berm: $8 * Individual tickets $1 off when purchased in advance of game day. ONLINE www.nwanaturals.com

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