TL Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Pratto Hits Double-A Leading 13th Homer in 4-3 Naturals Win 

Published on June 25, 2021 under Texas League (TL)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Behind a season-high five doubles from the batting order and Nick Pratto's Double-A-best 13th home run of the season, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals squeezed out a 4-3 win over the Arkansas Travelers at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday night for their second consecutive win in the series.

Six of the Naturals' eight hits were for extra bases, from Pratto's game-tying home run in the fourth inning, to doubles from Dennicher Carrasco, Dairon Banco, Freddy Fermin, Rudy Martin and MJ Melendez (MLB Pipeline's No. 13 Royals' prospect).

Carrasco and Blanco doubled back-to-back to open the third inning, plating the first run of the game for the Naturals after the team surrendered two runs early in the game.

Pratto (MLB Pipeline's No. 9 Royals' prospect) tied the contest with his fourth inning homer, then three straight hits, including a double from Martin, gave the Naturals a 4-2 lead in the fifth, capped by a sacrifice fly from Bobby Witt Jr. (MLB Pipeline's No. 7 prospect in baseball).

Austin Cox (MLB Pipeline's No. 10 Royals' prospect) struck out five across 4.2 innings, allowing just two runs in his fifth start of the season, but earning a no decision.

Collin Snider inherited a bases loaded jam with one out in the seventh and the Naturals' lead trimmed to one, but he induced a double play on two pitches to put a halt to the Arkansas rally, then he pitched a scoreless eighth as well, adding a strikeout.

Carlos Sanabria came on in the ninth and struck out two in a scoreless frame to earn his first save of the season.

As the Naturals took the lead with Nolan Watson in the game, he earned the win, his first of the season.

Now back at .500 with a 21-21 record, Northwest Arkansas will look to win three straight games Friday night at Arvest Ballpark, as the team will wear "Fauxback" uniforms for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch with the Travelers. Gates will open at 5:45pm for a Salvador Perez Bobblehead Giveaway and a Bullpen Party from 5:45pm until 6:45pm.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from June 25, 2021


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