Series Preview: Missions Bring Potent Offense to Town
Published on June 29, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR - The San Antonio Missions last visited Arvest Ballpark on opening weekend, taking on the Naturals in a three-game series from Apr. 7-9. The two teams played three consecutive one-run games, with the Missions winning on opening night before the Naturals took the final two contests.
Since then, series losses have been few and far between for a San Antonio team that finished the first half at 49-21, nine games better than second-place Frisco in the South Division. Entering Wednesday's action, the Missions' mark of 53-23 (.697 winning percentage) was the best overall record for any full-season team in affiliated baseball. San Antonio tops all Texas League clubs in both team batting average (.280) and team ERA (3.49), though it has been the offense in particular that has spurred much of the team's success. Despite playing their home games in what is generally considered a pitcher's park, the Missions lead the league in doubles (175), home runs (97), on-base percentage (.371) and runs (456). San Antonio's roster also features several of the top prospects from their parent club, the San Diego Padres.
One of the key cogs in San Antonio's offensive machine has been third baseman James Darnell. Among the league leaders in hitting from the beginning of the season, Darnell leads his team in average (.337), doubles (24), homers (16) and RBI (67). Darnell has not done it alone, of course, as the Missions have gotten production from the top of the lineup to the bottom. Other contributors include Daniel Robertson (61 runs), Blake Tekotte (23 steals) Vince Belnome (18 doubles, 14 home runs) and Jaff Decker (.407 on-base percentage).
On the mound, Jorge Reyes has been a consistent presence in the rotation, posting a 3.46 ERA. His steadiness has helped the club withstand some streakiness from top prospect Casey Kelly (6-3, 4.48 ERA). In recent days, the Missions have also seen the return of right-hander Simon Castro, who has fanned 22 batters in 27 innings since a demotion from Triple-A. What also helps is the presence of Brad Brach at the back end of the bullpen. With a league-best 21 saves, Brach has struck out 60 batters while walking only five in 42 innings on the mound this season.
In a contrast to San Antonio's offensive production, the Naturals will look to restart their bats after a tough series in North Little Rock in which the Naturals were swept by the homestanding Travelers. The team was shut out in three of the four games, scoring just six runs over the course of the series. As the calendar turns to July, the Naturals hope to continue to get production from the middle of the order as they did in June. Since the beginning of this month - this last series included - Wil Myers (.292, 10 doubles), Anthony Seratelli (.302 AVG, .423 OBP, 24 RBI) and Tim Smith (.341, 5 HR, 26 RBI) have all produced on a consistent basis.
The series opens on Thursday night as left-hander Chris Dwyer (2-7, 5.43) will take the mound for the Naturals looking to build on his recent work. Dwyer has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last three starts, striking out a season-high nine batters the last time he pitched at Arvest Ballpark. Dwyer will oppose San Antonio's Juan Oramas (3-0, 2.08), who fired six scoreless innings his last time out.
Friday will see Zach Miner (1-3, 5.90) match up against Reyes (4-2, 3.46). Miner takes the hill in search of his first win since May 27, while Reyes made his first two starts of the season against the Naturals, going 1-0 in those contests.
The series concludes on Saturday night, as Will Smith (5-7, 4.52) opposes the Missions' Simon Castro (2-0, 3.00). Castro has not faced the Naturals since Apr. 16, 2010, when he earned a no-decision despite tossing six innings of one-hit, one-run ball.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
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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.
