TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Dozier Does It Again as Naturals Win 3-2

Published on May 5, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Naturals infielder/outfielder Hunter Dozier is making a habit of late-game heroics for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. On Monday, Dozier hit a solo home run to tie the game in the top of the ninth in the 9-3 win at Tulsa. Tonight he was clutch again as he launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to send the Naturals (12-14) to a 3-2 win over the Texas League North Division leading Springfield Cardinals (15-12) on Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark.

Trailing 2-1 with six outs remaining in the game, Northwest Arkansas began their comeback. Orlando Calixte got the rally started with a line drive single to center off Cardinals reliever Corey Littrell. After retiring the next batter, Ryan O'Hearn, on a fly ball to center field and with Dozier stepping to the plate, Springfield would once again look to their bullpen. The Red Birds called upon Kurt Heyer (BS, 1) (L, 0-2) for the righty versus righty matchup. The move did not go as planned as the Naturals cleanup hitter launched a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left for a clutch two-run home run to give his team a 3-2 advantage. Kevin McCarthy (W, 2-0) worked a scoreless ninth to preserve the victory moving the Naturals a game closer in the division race.

Thursday night started out as a classic pitcher's duel between Alec Mills of the Naturals and Mike Mayers of the Cardinals but neither would factor into the decision. Both pitchers had their 'A' games early and kept the opposition scoreless for the first five innings. Springfield scored runs against Northwest Arkansas in both the sixth and seventh innings to give them a 2-0 lead. Mills gave up two runs on five hits and recorded nine strikeouts on the night, matching his season-high, in 7.0 innings of work while the Cardinals veteran starter went 7.0 innings giving up an unearned run while scattering six hits and striking out four.

Mauricio Ramos led the nine-hit attack for the Naturals by going 3-for-4 on the night and raising his batting average to .315 on the season. Meanwhile, Dozier has been a consistent force in the Northwest Arkansas lineup all season long. He is now tied for the Texas League lead in home runs with eight and his 21 RBI are good for third best in the circuit.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals series against the Double-A St. Louis Cardinals will conclude tomorrow night - Friday, May 6 - with the homestand finale. Tomorrow is Faith & Family Night Pre-Game Concert by WE ARE MESSENGERS with a Post-Game Fireworks Spectacular presented by Sam's Furniture and Media Partner KLRC. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., the concert will take place from 6:00 p.m. until approximately 6:45 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m., and a Fireworks Spectacular will conclude the night. In addition, the Royals 2015 World Series Trophy will be on display during the game.

Northwest Arkansas will send LHP Matt Strahm (1-1, 2.63 ERA) to the hill while the Cardinals will counter with RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (1-2, 3.55 ERA). You can catch all the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for the Naturals on AM 1590 - the Ticket-2 at 6:55 p.m. Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from May 5, 2016


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