Acosta Collects Career-High Four Hits in Naturals' Defeat

SPRINGDALE, AR – Angel Acosta had a career-high four hits and Coleman Picard spun four perfect innings in his Double-A debut, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (27-39, 56-77) fell 3-2 to the Tulsa Drillers (40-26, 86-49) on Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals continue their six-game set against the Drillers on Friday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM CT. Tomorrow’s game will be available locally on The Arkansas CW beginning at 7:00 PM CT.

Tulsa got on the board in the second inning, and the Naturals responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Spencer Nivens homered on a line drive to right on the first pitch of the frame to even the score at one apiece. The lefty connected on his ninth long ball of the season.

The Drillers took the lead back in the fifth with a pair of runs. Northwest Arkansas cut the deficit to 3-2 in the seventh on Acosta’s RBI double to plate Canyon Brown. Acosta collected a career-high four hits in as many trips to the plate.

Picard entered out of the bullpen in the sixth to make his Double-A debut, and he spun four perfect frames. The right-hander set down all 12 Drillers he faced and struck out five batters in his first game as a Natural. Acosta picked up his fourth hit of the evening to represent the tying run in the ninth, but NWA failed to score and fell 3-2.

The Naturals face the Drillers in the fourth game of the six-game series on Friday at 7:05 PM CT. Fans can enjoy pregame “Happy Hour” specials at the Bullpen Party and kids can run the bases after the game. Fans can get their tickets at NWANaturals.com for the remainder of the series.

As always, fans can follow along through the Naturals' TV broadcast, available with a subscription to MLB.tv or the MiLB App and for free through the Bally Live Sports App. Additionally, you can listen to the radio call with the "Voice of the Naturals", Shawn Murnin, all season long on the MiLB app and NWANaturals.com.