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TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Offense Erupts in 16-2 Win over Midland

April 10, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark - Searching for their first win of the young season, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (1-3) got the bats going early and often as they cranked out 17 hits, 10 for extra bases, and belted six home runs in the lopsided 16-2 victory over the Midland RockHounds (2-2) on Sunday afternoon at Arvest Ballpark. The middle of the batting order provided the thump as the 2-6 hitters in the Naturals batting order would explode for 13 hits, three doubles, six home runs, and 15 RBI.

The rematch between the two representatives in the 2015 Texas League Championship Series entered the third inning scoreless but the game would quickly turn in the Naturals favor. Northwest Arkansas would impose some two-out offense against Midland's Joel Seddon (0-1) in the bottom half of the frame as Raul Mondesi started the rally with a single to right field to move Frank Schwindel, whom had singled earlier in the inning to third. The bases were loaded after Bubba Starling was hit by a pitch and then Schwindel would score on a bases loaded walk by Hunter Dozier. Orlando Calixte would connect on his second double of the game with a line drive down the left field line to clear the bases to put the Naturals in front 4-0. Mauricio Ramos would then trade spots with Calixte as he lined a double to the wall in right center for a quick 5-0 lead.

Midland would get a run back in the fourth courtesy of an RBI single by Viosergy Rosa; however, the Naturals would answer right back with another five spot in the bottom half with some more two-out offense. Ramon Torres sparked the two-out rally with a double and would come around to score on Mondesi's RBI single. The Naturals 3-4 hitters would then show off their power as Starling and Dozier would go back-to-back off two different Midland pitchers for a commanding 9-1 lead. The relentless offense would load the bases again in the inning and stretch the lead to 10-1 behind an RBI single by Schwindel.

The Naturals kept the pedal down in the fifth and built a 12-1 lead on a Mondesi solo home run to left, his second home run in as many games, and a Dozier blast deep into the batter's eye in centerfield for his second home run in as many at bats. Midland would go on to add a run in the sixth but Starling would add his second two-run blast in the sixth while Ramos would get into the mix with a two-run home run of his own in the bottom of the eighth to set the final at 16-2.

The six home runs by Northwest Arkansas is the most in a game since the 2013 season while the 10 extra base hits are the most since the Naturals had 11 extra base hits in a game during the 2010 Texas League Championship season.

Northwest Arkansas will continue their series against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Oakland A's) tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. for Ozarks Electric Cooperative Monday Night Lights. Ozarks Electric Cooperative Monday Night Lights features $1 Hot Dogs courtesy of Tyson Foods and fans can partake in Indigo Sky Casino Baseball Bingo for a chance to win prizes.

You can catch all the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for Naturals baseball on KQSM 92.1 The Ticket at 6:50 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the Season Nine of Naturals Baseball, tickets, groups, promotions, roster, season standings, player statistics, and updates on Naturals alumni.

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.

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Texas League Stories from April 10, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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