Naturals Continue Downward Slide

SPRINGDALE — Perhaps tonight’s temporary name change will help the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

That’s about all the team can wish for following a 5-0 defeat to Corpus Christi on Thursday before a crowd of 3,380 at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals (15-36) have lost nine of their last 10 games while sinking deeper into last place in the Texas League standings.

Northwest Arkansas will at least take the field with a different look tonight as the Thunder Chickens, a nickname that came in second place during fan voting when the franchise was named the Naturals. Northwest Arkansas emerged as 5-4 winners over Arkansas when the team played as the Thunder Chickens last season.

George Springer and Erik Castro each hit home runs for Corpus Christi (33-20), which led 4-0 after seven innings. It was the 16th home run for Springer, who leads the Texas League. Orlando Calixte had two of the three hits for the Naturals.

SHORT HOPS

w Fans who showed up early at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday were treated to a Taekwondo exhibition that featured high kicks, quick jabs and one-on-one battles. Unfortunately, that aggression didn’t transfer over to the Naturals, who managed only three hits while losing 5-0 to Corpus Christi.

w Northwest Arkansas didn’t get a hit off Jake Buchanan until the fourth inning when Calixte beat out an infield single to deep in the hole at shortstop. Calixte was then forced at second base on a ground ball by Rey Navarro.

w Some indecision by Northwest Arkansas led to two runs by Corpus Christi in the top of the third inning. Enrique Hernandez started a one-out rally on a bloop single that fell between shortstop Alex McClure, second baseman Rey Navarro and Brett Eibner, who charged in from center field to make a diving attempt at the ball. The Hooks then grabbed a 2-0 lead on a double by Jiovanni Mier and a single by Rene Garcia.

Extra Bases: Springer didn’t waste any time adding to his home run lead in the Texas League. Rene Garcia was still looking back at the umpire after being called out on strikes when Springer sent Jason Adam’s first pitch into the left-field bleachers in the sixth inning. … Carlo Testa was initially credited with an infield single in the second inning for the Naturals, but the hit was later changed to an error by Castro at first base. … Carlos Quevedo made his ninth relief appearance and starting four games for Corpus Christi. He pitched four innings after taking over for Buchanan, the Hooks’ starter.

Royals Pipeline: Kyle Smith pitched six strong innings during a 4-3 victory for Class A Wilmington over Carolina on Thursday night. Smith (4-1, 2.00 ERA) struck out seven and walked one for Wilmington, which improved to 27-26 on the season.

On Deck: San Antonio arrives in town tonight to begin a three-game series with the Naturals at 7 p.m. Left-hander Danny Duffy (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will continue his major-league rehab assignment for the Naturals against left-hander Jose De Paula (3-5, 3.60 ERA) for San Antonio.

Today’s Promotions: Thunder Chickens Friday Night Bash and postgame fireworks.

On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1

On The Web: www.naturals.com

Corpus Christi^002^001^110^— 5^8^1

NW Arkansas^000^000^000^—0^3^1

Buchanan, Quevedo (6) and Garcia; Adam, Carl (8), Keck (8) and Graterol. WP — Buchanan (6-0). LP — Adam (0-7). HR — Springer (16), Castro (5).

Upcoming Events