TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Hernandez Trio of RBIs and Strong Pitching Gets Naturals 6-2 Win over Travelers

Published on June 9, 2018 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Elier Hernandez drove in three runs tonight and starter Emilio Ogando and company allowed just two runs as the Naturals take the series opener of a pivotal four-game set against the Arkansas Travelers, 6-2, on Saturday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The win now pulls the Naturals within a game of first place in the Texas League North Division.

Hernandez came through in the first inning with a run scoring infield single to plate Erick Mejia from third to give Northwest Arkansas (30-31) an early 1-0 advantage.

Arkansas retaliated the bottom of the second inning with a tying run; but that tie would not last long. Donnie Dewees ripped a two-out, full-count, two-run single into rightfield to break the tie for good and give the Naturals a 3-1 lead which the club would not relinquish.

Emilio Ogando (4-3, 5.84) worked his longest start since May 18 and picked up his first win since the same date with five innings of two-run baseball. The left-hander, scattered six hits and struck out five with six walks in the start. In his previous three starts, Ogando had failed to pitch past the fourth inning.

Northwest Arkansas used a three-run sixth inning to increase their advantage. After Nicky Lopez singled home the first run of the inning, Hernandez delivered against with a two-run single to put the game away.

Right-hander, Yunior Marte twirled three innings of one-hit relief and struck out six and newcomer, Gabe Speier, achieved the final out of the game in the 6-2 win.

The Naturals pounded out 15 hits on the night with Dewees leading the charge with a 3-for-6 evening and two runs batted in. Jecksson Flores extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-for-5 night while Nick Dini collected three hits in five at-bats.

The series continues tomorrow, Sunday, June 10 with a 2:10 first pitch from Dickey-Stephens Park.

Right-hander, Andres Machado (0-2, 5.118 ERA) will take the hill for the Naturals against right-hander, Williams Perez (0-0, 0.00) going opposite for the Travelers.

Join the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, for a 1:50 p.m. pregame show leading up to the 2:10 p.m. first pitch on AM-1590, the Ticket-2.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 season of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from June 9, 2018


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