SPRINGDALE -- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will try to close their seventh season in the Texas League on a positive note against Arkansas at Arvest Ballpark.
The Naturals will host Arkansas for a three-game series beginning tonight to end the season. The Travelers have already sewed up the second-half North Division crown. It will be the second consecutive season the Naturals have failed to make the playoffs.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
Series Schedule
Today: vs. Arkansas, 6:05 p.m.
Sunday : vs. Arkansas, 6:05 p.m.
Monday: vs. Arkansas, 1:05 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
Today: Night of 1,000 Giveaways with many items to be given away throughout the night.
Sunday: Kids under 12 eat free, while kids may also run the bases following the game. … there will also be fireworks following the game.
Monday: Hot dogs will be $1, while Ozarks Electric customers may receive buy one, get one free reserved or premium tickets when purchased in person at Arvest Ballpark with proof of being an Ozark Electric customer. … It’s also Unused Ticket Day as all valid unused ticket from the 2014 season may be exchanged for a berm ticket to today’s game.
Ticket Packages
• Super Premium A: $12
• Premium: $10
• Reserved: $8
• Grass Berm: $7
• Super Premium Family: $12
• Premium Family: $10
Online
The Naturals (28-38 in the second half, 53-83 overall) have struggled lately, losing 13 of their last 16 heading into Thursday's game at Tulsa. The later innings have been an issue as opponents have outscored Northwest Arkansas 26-10 after the sixth inning. Six of those losses have come by one run and two others came in extra innings.
Naturals manager Vance Wilson said fitting into a role at the back end of a bullpen is something that takes time and isn't easy. An injury to closer Andrew Triggs hasn't helped either, Wilson said. Triggs leads the Texas League with 19 saves, but was put on the disabled list more than a week ago with a back problem.
"At the lower levels anyone can pitch in any role," Wilson said. "But you get here and if you don't have definite roles guys seem to struggle. It was kind of the perfect storm with certain guys getting hurt."
The Naturals roster has also endured several changes in the last couple of weeks.
Starting pitchers Christian Binford and Andy Ferguson were both called up to Triple-A to help with a possible playoff push for Omaha.
Ferguson and outfield Lane Adams were the only Naturals named to the Texas League Postseason All-Star team, which was released on Wednesday.
Adams and Jorge Bonifacio are both hitting well lately for the Naturals. He's hitting .395 (15-of-38) in his last 10 games.
Bonifacio, who is hitting .233 for the season, has shown some life lately after working with hitting coach Andre David and the Royals hitting coordinator, Wilson said.
"We did a little bit of an overhaul with his swing and he went on and had a five-hit game and a four-hit game," Wilsons aid. "That's good for his own mind to end the season well and give him great direction."
The starting pitchers for the final series with be left-hander Tripp Davis today, followed by right-hander Matthew Murray on Sunday and right-hander Luke Farrell on Monday. Farrell and Davis will both be making just their second Double-A starts since being called up from Wilmington.
Murray is 1-5 with a 3.89 ERA for the season, but has been outstanding since being inserted into the rotation. He is 1-2 with a sparkling 2.64 ERA in his last 10 games, which includes nine starts.
Sports on 08/30/2014