TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Three Run Eighth Propels Naturals to Second Straight Win

Published on April 11, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (2-3) used a three run eighth inning to propel past the Midland RockHounds (2-3) for a 5-3 victory on a chilly Monday night at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals' Mauricio Ramos provided the three runs with a game-winning bases clearing double that put Northwest Arkansas in front for good in the contest.

Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Naturals' 3-6 hitters sparked the offense against RockHounds' reliever RHP Jake Sanchez (0-1, 13.50). Bubba Starling and Hunter Dozier continued their recent hot hitting with back-to-back doubles to begin the frame. A walk by Orlando Calixte would load the bases to set the stage for Ramos. The Naturals' first baseman jumped on the first pitch he saw and roped a fastball down the left field line that cleared the bases for a three run double. The three RBI on the night gives him six RBI on the young season, which leads the team in that category.

The Naturals received yet another good start from a pitcher making his Double-A debut. This time it was Eric Skoglund as the young lefty went 4.2 innings giving up five hits, three runs (two earned), and struck out seven in his Naturals debut. The bullpen was strong as Andrew Edwards and Mark Peterson (1-0, 0.00) combined for 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

Midland got on the board first with a run in the initial frame. After two consecutive strikeouts by Skoglund to begin the game, the RockHounds got a baserunner due to a defensive miscue by the Naturals. The next batter walked and then Carson Blair delivered a two-out RBI single to score Ryon Healy to make it a 1-0 game. The Naturals would have an answer though in the bottom of the second behind some two out offense of their own. With Orlando Calixte on second, Cameron Gallagher would collect his first hit as a Natural in the form of a RBI double to the wall in right to tie the game up at 1-1.

The game would remain tied entering the fifth inning before Blair would provide the Hounds with another clutch hit as he drove a 3-2 pitch up the middle for a two-out, two-run single and a 3-1 advantage. Northwest Arkansas would pick up a run in the home half of the frame behind a RBI double by Raul Mondesi that would score Ramon Torres and cut the deficit to 3-2.

Northwest Arkansas will conclude their series and current homestand against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Oakland A's) tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. for the first Arvest Two for Tuesday with Johnsonville Buck-A-Brats of the season.

Midland will send RHP Chris Jenson (1-0, 1.50 ERA) to the bump while the Naturals will counter with RHP Alec Mills (0-1, 1.80). 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 AM 1590 - The Ticket 2 at 6:50 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from April 11, 2016


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