Ferguson makes most of Dickey-Stephens start

Andy Ferguson's second professional game less than an hour from his hometown wasn't played under the most ideal conditions.

The 22-year-old Benton native was slated to start for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Sunday against the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park, his second start there since moving to Class AA last year. But Sunday's rain delayed the beginning of the game almost two hours, then there was a 27-minute delay in the seventh inning.

In between, though, Ferguson controlled all three of his pitches to put together his best start of the season in the Naturals' 6-0 victory. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was postponed until 5:10 today.

"The rain sucked, but you kind of deal with it," Ferguson said. "I've pitched in it before, you kind of learn how to do it."

The mentality was no surprise to Northwest Arkansas Manager Vance Wilson, who said Ferguson's laid-back attitude made him the best choice for the Naturals on Sunday. He showed that over six shutout innings in front of about 40 friends and family members. He held the struggling Travs to 5 hits, walked 2 and struck out 6 to lower his ERA to a season-low 3.99.

It was quite a bit better than his last start in North Little Rock, when he gave up 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings of an 8-3 loss on July 30.

There's quite a bit different about Ferguson this season compared to last. First, he's settled into the Naturals' starting rotation, his preferred spot and one that provides him a bit of clarity on what is expected from him. Last season, his first at Class AA after being drafted in the 18th round out of Arkansas State in 2011, he made 34 appearances, but only 13 were starts, while going 3-5 with a 5.16 ERA.

His role was the same to start this season. His first appearance was a start in a doubleheader, then he came out of the bullpen before sliding into the rotation on April 17. He's been there ever since, while slowly growing comfortable facing Class AA hitters.

"More mistakes get hit [at Class AA], hitters have a little better approach," Ferguson said.

His most recent start before Sunday came in a victory at Corpus Christi, when held the Hooks to 1 run on 3 hits in 7 innings while striking out 8 to tie a season-high.

"We've found a spot for him and he's earned it," Wilson said. "He's in the rotation, and he's doing all he's asked and he's taking advantage of it."

Wilson said Ferguson's ability to improve his slider and cut fastball to go along with a fastball was a necessity for him to succeed as a starter. Ferguson's long-term role with the parent club Kansas City Royals has yet to be pegged, but Wilson said if he throws those three pitches for strikes, and if his fastball can get to 94 miles per hour, he can stay in the Naturals' rotation as long as needed.

Ferguson said improving his slider is what has made the biggest difference recently. He's always thrown it, but improvements have been made while working with pitching coach Jim Brower.

"I've developed that a lot," Ferguson said. "I can throw it better for strikes, whether in even counts or behind in counts."

Ferguson is hesitant to say the last two starts signals a complete corner turned, but he's happy with his progress and maintains a goal of receiving a promotion to Class AAA at some point this season.

"I'm getting a little more consistent," he said. "Things are going in a good direction. It's up to me now to keep pressing and keep getting better."

Sports on 06/09/2014

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