SPRINGDALE — Northwest Arkansas has smoothed out some of its bullpen woes, and the Naturals return home on a four-game winning streak.
Naturals manager Vance Wilson said big right-handers Kevin McCarthy and Andrew Edwards, along with lefty Estarlin Cordero have settled into their roles as late-inning guys.
The hard-throwing Mc-Carthy is tied for the Texas League lead with four saves, while the 6-foot-6 Edwards has a save and 0.69 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 13 innings.
“We’ve gotten the back of the bullpen ironed out a little bit,” Wilson said. “McCarthy and Edwards are throwing well. (Benino) Pruneda’s had a couple good outings.
“You look at our record, and we didn’t play well at all against Frisco, and that’s six of our losses. We’ve been walked off three times, and that’s where we’ve had some problems with the bullpen.”
Northwest Arkansas (11-12) turned the tables on its opponent Monday, rallying from a 3-2 deficit with seven runs in the top of the ninth to defeat Tulsa and finish 5-2 on the road trip.
Hunter Dozier continued his strong start with his seventh home run of the season Monday to tie for the Texas League lead. Dozier’s solo home run tied the game. He added an RBI-double later in the inning as the Naturals exploded for seven runs to turn a tight game into a blowout.
Wilson also praised the work of Frank Schwindel and Mauricio Ramos at the plate. Schwindel’s recent hot streak has him now among the top 10 in average in the league, along with Dozier. Ramos also has pushed his average up to .300.
“I think Frank has adjusted to the league, going the other way some, taking what they give him,” Wilson said. “But he’s hit four home runs, too. Ramos has gotten more comfortable over at third, and we’ve been able to get Dozier some time in left field.”
Starter Christian Binford failed to pick up his third consecutive win Monday but continued to pitch well. He allowed three runs on just four hits over seven innings. The 6-foot-6 right-hander retired the final 14 hitters he faced.
The Naturals open a fourgame homestand against North Division-leading Springfield tonight at 7:05. Right-hander Jake Junis (1-2 6.00 ERA) takes the hill against Andrew Morales (3-1 2.16 ERA).