Class AA Northwest Arkansas scores seven in ninth

The Royals weren’t the only team that rallied late with a big offensive output.

Trailing 4-2, Class AA Northwest Arkansas scored seven runs in the ninth inning and beat Springfield 9-7.

Whit Merrifield and Edinson Rincon opened the inning with consecutive singles and both moved up a base on a balk.

RBI singles by Parker Morin and Angel Franco tied the game. Justin Trapp’s bunt led to a force out, that got Parker Morin at third base. Lane Adams’ double brought home Franco and Trapp.

After a flyout, Jared Schlehuber singled home Lane Adams. Mark Threlkeld capped the outburst with a two-run home run.

Every Naturals player had at least one hit, including two from Trapp, Merrifield, Franco and Jorge Bonifacio each two. Franco also hit a two-run homer.

Malcom Culver pitched a scoreless eighth inning and got the win, although he gave up three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Left-hander Noel Arguelles gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in three innings. He struck out one.

**Matt Tenuta allowed eight runs (six earned) on 11 hits over five innings as Class A Lexington lost 8-4 to Lakewood in a six-inning game. Rain stopped the game after the BlueClaws scored a run in the top of the seventh.

Center fielder Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado had two hits, including a double for the Legends.

This story was originally published April 30, 2014 at 9:43 AM with the headline "Class AA Northwest Arkansas scores seven in ninth."