SPRINGDALE -- Even Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said his team was in need of a day off during the Naturals' last homestand.
The Naturals (16-28) finally got one on Monday, after playing 26 consecutive days. It's the first of three consecutive Monday off days in August as Northwest Arkansas plays the final 26 games of the regular season.
"They're tired right now," Wilson said following the Naturals' 9-8 win over Arkansas on Aug. 1. "It's a grind and they're just trying to get to that next off day."
Northwest Arkansas sits in last place in the Texas League North Division, after winning the first-half division title. But the Naturals have still played well at Arvest Ballpark with an 11-10 record, despite the dismal second half. They are also trying to put a horrendous month of July behind them in which they went 9-21 and averaged less than three runs per game.
First baseman Samir Duenez looks to have done that, going 11-for-25 (.440) with three home runs and seven RBIs already in August. He hit .197 with just two homers in 28 games in July. Catcher Nick Dini hasn't had a prolonged dry spell since coming up and leads the team with a .348 batting average in 47 games.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
On The Air: KYNG-AM 1590, KQSM FM-92.1
Series Schedule
Today: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.
Thursday: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.
Friday: vs. Frisco, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Frisco, 6:05 p.m.
Sunday: vs. Frisco, 2:05 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
Today: It’s Two for Tuesday where dugout premium tickets $5 for Arvest customers and two-for-one specials on kids’ zone wristands, game programs and other items. In addition, brats are $1 and groups of 20 or more may purchase first and third base reserved tickets for $5 each in advance.
Wednesday: Groups of 20 or more may purchase first and third base reserved tickets for $5 each in advance.
Thursday: It’s Buck Night as mozzarellasticks and 12-ounce Coke drinks are $1, while bags of peanuts and 16-pounce Pbst Blue Ribbon drafts are $2 each at specific locations.
Friday: It’s Faith and Family Night with a pre-game concert by Christian recording artist Micah Tylers beginning at 6 p.m.. There will also be post-game fireworks.
Saturday: The fist 2,000 fans receive an Arvest Ballpark replica. In addition, adjusts may enjoy happy hour at the Craft Beer Bar from 4:35-5:35 p.m. prior to the game.
Sunday: It’s Bark in the Park as all dogs will be admitted free as long as they are accompanied by a paid ticket for the owner. Kids 12-and-under eat free and all kids may run the bases following the game.
Ticket Packages
• Home plate/Super Premium: $14
• Dugout Super Premium: $13
• Dugout Premium: $11
• Reserved: $9
• Grass Berm: $8
Online
Starting pitcher Josh Staumont (1-2 6.04 ERA) was better in his last starting, allowing just two runs over five and two-thirds innings and walking only two. Control has been an issue this season for the right-hander, who came into the season rated as the top prospect in the Kansas City Royals farm system by Baseball America. He was demoted from Triple-A Omaha and has walked 17 in 22 and one-third innings, which covers five starts.
Staumont will start tonight for the Naturals when they open a six-game homestand against Midland, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Northwest Arkansas has won four of six games against the two-time defending Texas League champions.
Sports on 08/08/2017