TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Come up Short in North Little Rock

Published on May 6, 2018 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Naturals had opportunities throughout the entire game and the ninth inning was no different. With the bases loaded and two-outs, Northwest Arkansas came up short in a 3-2 loss to the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon at Dickey-Stephens Park.

Right-hander, Scott Blewett (1-3, 4.40) took the mound for his sixth start of the season and worked a strong 5.1 innings of three-run baseball. The 22-year old nearly worked around a lead-off single in the second inning in a scoreless game; but a fielding error prolonged the inning, allowing two unearned runs to score, giving the Travelers a 2-0 lead.

Northwest Arkansas (10-19) sliced the deficit in half in the ensuing top half of the third with Erick Mejia delivering a two-out single to rightfield, plating Jecksson Flores from third base.

The Travelers added a third run on Blewett and the Naturals in the fourth on a sacrifice fly; but the Naturals' starter allowed just two more hits the remainder of his start. Blewett finished 5.1 innings, allowed three runs - one earned - on nine hits with a walk a strikeout. The start marked the third straight outing Blewett has worked into the sixth inning or longer and fourth time this season.

The Naturals scored in the seventh inning against former Natural, Matt Tenuta on a balk play to cut the Travelers lead to 3-2; but could not manufacture any more offense the remainder of the game.

The top of the order - Donnie Dewees, Mejia and Nicky Lopez - finished combined 7-for-14 with a run batted in. Dewees finished with three hits and is now 7-for-11 in the series while Mejia and Lopez each tallied two. Lopez has recorded four straight games with multiple hits.

Northwest Arkansas looks to the third game of the series on Monday, May 7 as left-hander, Emilio Ogando (2-2, 6.00) takes the mound opposite of Arkansas starter, Nathan Bannister (2-1, 6.20).

Join the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, with a 6:50 p.m. pregame show leading up to first pitch to the 7:10 on 92.1-FM the Ticket and the Naturals Radio Network.

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 May 6, 2018


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