SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas returns to Arvest Ballpark tonight in search of its first win in more than a week.
The Naturals (3-9) lost six straight on their recent Texas road trip to Frisco and Midland. It was a mixed bag on the Texas triple as the Naturals were outscored 19-5 in the three games at Frisco, but it was a different story in Midland. Northwest Arkansas dropped three one-run games to the RockHounds, leading by big margins in two of the games.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
ON THE AIR KQSM-FM 92.
ONLINE www.nwanaturals.com
Series Schedule
TODAY vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
FRIDAY vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY vs. Tulsa, 6:05 p.m.
SUNDAY vs. Tulsa, 2:05 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
TODAY The first 1,500 fans receive a deck of cards. … Peanuts and mozzarella sticks are only $1 on Buck Nights. … Small Coke fountain drinks are $1 and 16-ounce Miller drafts are $2 on Thirsty Thursday.
FRIDAY First responders throughout Northwest Arkansas will be honored for their dedication and they will receive 25 percent off items in the Naturals team store. … There will also be a postgame fireworks show.
SATURDAY The first 2,000 fans will receive an Arvest Ballpark calendar. … In addition, fans can get half price deals at The Bullpen on a variety of adult beverages from 4:35-5:35 p.m. before the game.
SUNDAY It’s Bark in the Park as dogs will be admitted free to the ballpark. … All kids 12 and younger eat free as they receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips and soda and they can run the bases following the game.
Ticket Packages
• Super Premium A: $12
• Premium: $10
• Reserved: $8
• Grass Berm: $7
• Super Premium Family: $12
• Premium Family: $10
Naturals manager Vance Wilson said the bullpen has not been all bad, but relievers let leads of 7-2 and 4-0 get away on two different days.
"We didn't play well in Frisco, but Midland was a different story," Wilson said. "Three one-run losses, the bullpen let us down. We've got some guys down there doing some really good things and some struggling, not too much in between.
"It's kind of typical, for whatever reason, we don't play well on that road trip in Texas. But we did some good things, stole some bases, got some big hits."
Hunter Dozier, a former first-round draft pick, is off to a strong start, after struggling a year ago. He ranks 10th in the Texas League in batting average with .316 and second with four home runs. But he's not alone: Raul Mondesi and Bubba Starling are among a group tied for third in the league with three homers. Mauricio Ramos is also fifth in the league with nine RBIs.
"Dozier's been outstanding," Wilson said. "Mondesi has been good, too, but he cooled off the last couple days. They off-speeded him to death. Ramos is another who's hit the ball well with not much to show for it. He's lined out a bunch in the first couple weeks."
Tulsa comes in 4-8, a game ahead of the Naturals in the North Division. Both of today's starters are looking for their first win of the season. Felipe Gonzalez is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA, while Naturals right-hander Christian Binford is 0-2 with a 13.00 ERA.
Sports on 04/21/2016