SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas looks to pick up where it left off prior to the All-Star break with a recent offensive surge as the Naturals host Midland tonight.
The Naturals averaged more than six runs per game, winning four of six before the break. They are tied for first in the North Division.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
Series Schedule
Today: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.
Friday: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Midland, 6:35 p.m.
Sunday: vs. Frisco, 6:35 p.m.
Monday: vs. Frisco, 6:35 p.m.
Tuesday: vs. Frisco, 5:35 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
Today: It’s Buck Night as mozzarella sticks, peanuts and small Cokes are all $1.
Friday: Post-game fireworks.
Saturday: Post-game fireworks.
Sunday: Post-game fireworks.
Monday: Post-game fireworks.
Tuesday: Arvest customers can purchase $5 premium tickets, while several two-for-one deals will also be available such as programs and kid zone wristbands. It’s also $1 brat night and groups of 20 or more may purchase $4 reserve tickets if done in advance.
Ticket Packages
• Super Premium A: $12
• Premium: $10
• Reserved: $8
• Grass Berm: $7
• Super Premium Family: $12
• Premium Family: $10
Online
However, they have struggled offensively over the past month or so, after several run producers were promoted to Triple-A Omaha and finished last in the division in the first half. But they could get top prospect Raul Mondesi back next week, after serving a 50-game suspension for a banned substance. Mondesi will be eligible to return Monday.
Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said losing players like Hunter Dozier, Orlando Calixte and Ramon Torres to Triple-A, along with Mondesi forced others into more primary roles.
"No question. We're a different type team than when we first started," Wilson said. "I think a lot of guys have been thrust into into roles and playing time that they're not used to, especially at this level. We hit with runners in scoring position like we're in trouble, which is kind a hope attitude. You should be able to visualize what you're able to do."
Bubba Starling, rated the No. 3 prospect in the Kansas City Royals system by Baseball America, is one that's struggling mightily. The former first round draft pick is hitting just .186 in 60 games with 77 strikeouts.
But first baseman/designated hitter Frank Schwindel is one who has been red-hot lately. He was named the Texas League Player of the Week for last week and leads the Naturals with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs.
Third baseman Mauricio Ramos and first baseman/OF Ryan O'Hearn have also been strong at the plate. Ramos is hitting .294 for the season, including a robust .366 over his last 10 games.
O'Hearn was promoted from Class A-advanced Wilmington after just 22 games and started off well in Double-A, but then slumped. However, he's bounced back nicely, hitting .295 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs in 52 games, Wilson said.
"He's done well," Wilson said. "Kid like that comes up, hitter of the year in our organization last year. All of a sudden, they make adjustments to you. But he's laid off that low pitch, which he was swinging at early and he's getting in better hitters counts."
Sports on 06/30/2016