Lopez, Escalera push Naturals past Frisco

FRISCO, Texas — Jack Lopez doubled and singled twice, driving home two runs as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals beat the Frisco RoughRiders 5-1 on Tuesday.

Alfredo Escalera singled three times for NW Arkansas.

NW Arkansas started the scoring in the second inning when Luis Villegas hit a tworun single.

After NW Arkansas added a run in the fifth on a home run by Elier Hernandez, the RoughRiders cut into the deficit in the fifth inning when Jose Trevino scored on a ground out.

The Naturals added to their lead in the ninth when Lopez hit a two-run double.

NW Arkansas left-hander Foster Griffin (1-0) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing one run on five hits over six innings. Opposing starter Connor Sadzeck (3-3) took the loss in the Texas League game after giving up three runs and nine hits over five innings. Jake Newberry pitched 12/ scoreless 3 innings for his seventh save of the season.

Trevino doubled and singled twice for the RoughRiders.

Despite the loss, Frisco is 3-1 against NW Arkansas this season.

TRAVELERS 8, ROCKHOUNDS 5

Chuck Taylor had three hits and two RBI as the Arkansas Travelers defeated the Midland RockHounds 8-5 on Tuesday. Midland had runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth, but Tyler Marincov flew out to end the game. Arkansas started the scoring in the second inning when Taylor hit a two-run double and then scored on a single by Dario Pizzano.