Naturals’ bats heating up ahead of homestand

SPRINGDALE — The Northwest Arkansas Naturals head home for a four-game series against Springfield tied for first place in the Texas League North Division early in the second half, after finishing last in the first half.

Naturals manager Vance Wilson said a big reason for that progress is how several players in their first year in Double-A have made good adjustments.

“What you find with a lot of guys it takes a half to catch up,” Wilson said. “We lost all those guys who had been in this league. You’re starting to see guys like Jack Lopez and even Frank Schwindel, who’s had a full year here now. It makes a difference.

“We throw that word development around, but there are so many specific things that means. It’s not just a talent thing. It’s experience of situations in a game.”

Schwindel struggled at the plate when he was called up to Northwest Arkansas last season. The first baseman/ designated hitter hit just.212 in 50 games, but that’s improved to .284 through 74 games this season. The 18thround draft pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft also has flashed some power, ranking among the top five in the league in home runs (15) and top 10 in RBIs (48).

“Frank scuffled a little, but now all of a sudden the guy’s true talent comes out,” Wilson said.”We’ve moved into the third spot in the batting order and he’s done a great job in some high-leverage situations.”

Infielder Corey Toups, who was called up from Class A advanced Wilmington in June, has gotten hot lately, hitting .366 in his last 10 games, and leads the team at .297 in 40 games.

But Wilson acknowledged the offense has really been key for a team that’s had solid pitching and defense. But now a lock-down closer may the final piece of the puzzle that’s needed.

The Naturals (10-8) suffered a tough loss in Frisco over the weekend. Northwest Arkansas took a 4-3 lead with a run in the top of the ninth only to see the RoughRiders walk off with the win on a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the inning.

“Our June is a great example of once the offense comes we’re a pretty solid team all the way around,” Wilson said. “We had a lot of blown saves in the first half, so we need that one guy to step up at the back end of the bullpen. That’s the last thing that needs to come around.”

Naturals Homestand

At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale

On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1

Series Schedule

Today: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m. Thursday: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m. Friday: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m. Saturday: vs. Springfield, 6:05 p.m.

This Week’s Promotions

Today: Groups of 20 or more can enjoy $4 reserved tickets if purchased in advance.

Thursday: Naturals wil honor and recognize cancer surivivors from the area. … It’s also Buck Night as mozzarella sticks and peanuts, along with small Coke fountain drinks are $1, while 16-ounce draft beers are $2 at specific locations. Friday: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be at the park and there will be post-game fireworks.

Saturday: The first 2,000 fans will receive a powder blue Nanturals Jersey for free. … There will also be happy hour from 4:35-5:35 p.m. with a variety of specials at the Bullpen Cafe prior to the game.

Ticket Packages

• Super Premium A: $12

• Premium: $10

• Reserved: $8

• Grass Berm: $7

• Super Premium Family: $12

• Premium Family: $10

Online

www.nwanaturals.com

Paul Boyd can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter@NWAPaulb.

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