SPRINGDALE -- The return of Mike Moustakas gave the offense a boost Wednesday, but it still wasn't enough for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
The Kansas City Royals' third baseman had two hits to start a rehabilitation assignment, but a hit-and-run play allowed the Arkansas Travelers to claim a 2-1 victory over the Naturals in front of an announced crowd of 7,616 at Arvest Ballpark.
Northwest Arkansas (18-20) has 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. Tyler Carpenter (1-2) went 5 innings for the Travs, allowing 7 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 4. Four relievers combined to limit the Naturals to a single hit and walk over the final four innings.
"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 six hits against Northwest Arkansas starter Matt Strahm (2-3) and reliever Eric Stout, but two of those helped set up the winning run. Angel Rosa led off the fifth inning with a single and raced to third on Anthony Phillips' hit-and-run single to right.
One out later, Cal Towey hit an RBI groundout to second, which allowed Rosa score 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 left thumb. The 2010 Texas League 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.
Moustakas also had a fifth-inning single to finish 2 for 4. He is expected to play again today at third base before rejoining the Royals for a weekend series at Chicago against the White Sox.
"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."
Today’s game
Arkansas at NW Arkansas
WHEN 7:05 p.m.
WHERE Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
RADIO KARN-AM, 920, in central Arkansas; KYNG-AM, 1590, in Northwest Arkansas
WEBSITE travs.com, nwanaturals.com
PITCHERS Travelers: Blayne Weller (RHP, 1-5, 3.92); Naturals: Jake Junis (RHP, 3-2, 3.52)
TICKETS $12 super premium, $10 premium, $8 reserved, $7 grass berm.
Sports on 05/19/2016