SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas finally figured out Luke Weaver.
The Naturals jumped on Weaver and Springfield for two runs in the first inning and went on to a 6-1 victory Wednesday night in front of 3,780 fans at Arvest Ballpark.
Weaver (4-2) shut down the Naturals to the tune of one run over eight innings on June 16, and the rest of the Texas League hasn't fared much better. The right-hander came into Wednesday's game with 4-1 record and a 0.83 ERA, including a streak of 19 consecutive innings without an earned run.
The Naturals (11-8, 40-49) snapped that streak quickly and maintained a hold on at least a piece of first place in the Texas League North Division.
The first three batters reached base against Weaver in the bottom of the first. Terrance Gore and Corey Toups singled. Frank Schwindel then doubled into the left-center field gap for a 2-0 Northwest Arkansas lead.
Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said his team has made strides lately at the plate and that showed up against Weaver, who is rated as the No. 4 prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization by Baseball America.
"The one thing we got on his fastball early," Wilson said. "His last start, he threw like 80 percent fastballs. He was gonna come at us. I thought he did a nice job after the first couple innings of going to his off-speed. The kid's a good pitcher. I thought our offense did a great job.
"Gore's been really good. Toups has been really good. We're that type of team. We've got to get on and run the bases. We've got to be aggressive. Especially when those two guys are going, like any lineup when the top two guys get on base and are able to run around. Frankie's been incredible the last month, too."
Springfield got a solo home run by Luke Voit, his 13th of the season, to pull within 2-1. But Northwest Arkansas added two in the fifth on RBI singles by Toups and Ryan O'Hearn and two more in the sixth on Carlos Garcia's two-run homer for a 6-1 lead.
That was plenty for Eric Skoglund, who improved to 6-6 and won his second consecutive start. The left-hander allowed a run on two hits over seven innings. He struck out six, walked one and hit a batter.
Wilson said Skoglund also has made big strides.
"He's been working so hard, especially on his curve ball," Wilson said. "The bite on his curve ball is as good as we have on our staff. He's such a competitor. His problem when he gets in trouble is his emotions. Sometimes it snowballs on him. Now, tonight he gives up a solo home run, but he calms down. He's really good."
Short Hops
• Voit extended his hitting streak to 10 games, going 2 for 3, including the solo home run in the fourth for Springfield (8-10, 49-39).
• Toups also extended his hitting streak to 10 games, going 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
On Deck: The Naturals continue their series against Springfield. They will send Jake Junis (8-4 2.95 ERA) to the mound. The Cardinals will counter with Trey Nielsen, a right-hander (6-6 3.49 ERA).
Today's Promotion: The Naturals will honor and recognize cancer survivors from Northwest Arkansas at the game. ... It's also Buck Night as mozzarella sticks, peanuts and small Coke fountain drinks are $1. It also features 16-ounce draft beers for $2 at certain locations.
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On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 07/14/2016