SPRINGDALE -- The return of Mike Moustakas gave Northwest Arkansas' offense a boost Wednesday, but it still wasn't enough.
The Kansas City Royals' third baseman had two hits as he began a rehabilitation assignment, but Arkansas' use of a hit-and-run play allowed the Travelers to claim a 2-1 victory over the Naturals at Arvest Ballpark.
Northwest Arkansas (18-20) manufactured eight hits less than 24 hours after being no-hit for the first time in franchise history but failed to capitalize on them against five Arkansas pitchers.
"Obviously, on offense we're struggling a little bit," Naturals manager Vance Wilson said. "We had tough conditions and the wind blowing in, but the guys battled.
"Last night was tough. Being no-hit is tough on your pride as an offensive team, but we battled back. It was a good game."
The Travelers (15-24) had only six hits against Northwest Arkansas starter Matt Strahm (2-3) and reliever Eric Stout, but two of those hits helped set up the winning run. Angel Rosa led off the fifth inning with a single and raced to third when Anthony Phillips executed the hit-and-run to perfection, hitting a single to right and taking second on the throw to third.
One out later, Cal Towey hit a grounder to second, which allowed Rosa to break the 1-1 tie and put Arkansas ahead to stay.
"We don't predominantly string a lot of hits together," Arkansas manager Mark Parent said. "So we have to make things happen, such as a stolen base. When you have a left-hander that is good at holding runners close, we try to hit and run. Just so happens we had the right guys get up there and do it."
Moustakas, Northwest Arkansas' designated hitter, saw his first action since being put on the Royals' disabled list earlier this month with a fracture in his thumb. The 2010 Texas League's player of the year accounted for the Naturals' only run when his third-inning single scored Ramon Torres, who belted a double to center field.
He also had a fifth-inning single and finished the game 2 for 4. Moustakas is expected to play again today at third base before rejoining the Royals during a weekend series in Chicago.
"It's pretty cool to come back here and relive some experiences," he said. "It was nice to get back on the field and play. It felt good to get some hits and was able to test it. It was good.
"I was just trying to take a normal at-bat and the normal approach I usually have when I step into the box. Once I get between those lines, everything else is forgotten. I forget about how my thumb is. I just go out and play ball."
SHORT HOPS
• In addition to Moustakas' arrival to Northwest Arkansas, the Royals announced some roster moves before Wednesday's game. Naturals right-hander Alec Mills was recalled as the team's 26th player for its Wednesday doubleheader against Boston, and pitcher Mike Minor's rehab assignment was moved to Triple-A Omaha.
• Wilson said he removed Terrance Gore before the fourth inning started because he was unhappy with the outfielder's play. "I have a certain expectation of what a Royals player is," Wilson said. "When you don't play that way -- you don't hustle or play hard -- you're not going to play. We ran into some issues like that. Our guys know what is expected of them, so it was that."
• The announced crowd of 7,616 -- boosted by a number of school children in attendance -- is the largest crowd for Arvest Ballpark this season.
On Deck: The instate rivals will conclude their four-game series with a 7:05 p.m. start today. Northwest Arkansas will send right-hander Jake Junis (3-2, 3.52) to the mound, while Arkansas will counter with righty Blayne Weller (1-5, 3.92).
Today's Promotion: It's Buck Night on Thirsty Thursday, where fans can purchase small drinks for $1, as well as a number of items from the concession stands.
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 05/19/2016