SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas' offense has heated up to match a solid pitching staff from the start as the Naturals return home leading the Texas League North Division.
The Naturals struggled to score runs early, which led to a 4-8 start. However, the offense has clicked lately to match what's been a strong starting rotation. The two working together helped propel the Naturals a 10-2 streak before Thursday's 9-1 loss at Springfield.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
On The Air: KYNG-AM 1590
Series Schedule
Today: vs. Arkansas, 6:35 p.m.
Sunday: vs. Arkansas, 5:35 p.m.
Monday: vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday: vs. Arkansas, 11:05 a.m.
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
Friday: vs. Tulsa, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Tulsa, 6:05 p.m.
Sunday: vs. Tulsa, 2:05 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
Today: Scout groups can purchase discounted tickets and camp out on the Arvest Ballpark outfield grass overnight. … Happy hour beverage specials are available from 4:35-5:35 p.m. at the Bullpen Craft Beer Bar prior to the game. … Post-game fireworks.
Sunday: Kids 12-and-under eat free and all kids can run the bases following the game.
Monday: Hot dogs are $1 and Ozarks Electric customers can purchase $5 dugout premium tickets.
Tuesday: School Kids’ Day.
Wednesday: Off.
Thursday: It’s Buck Night and Thirsty Thursday as mozzarella sticks and 12-ounce Coke products are $1, while peanuts and 16-ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts will be $2.
Friday:Post-game fireworks.
Saturday: The first 1,000 kids receive a Strike-themed jersey. … Happy hour beverage specials are available from 4:35-5:35 p.m. at the Bullpen Craft Beer Bar prior to the game. … Post-game fireworks.
Sunday: Kids 12-and-under eat free, while all kids can run the bases following the game. There will also be post-game fireworks.
Ticket Packages
• Home plate/Super Premium: $14
• Dugout Super Premium: $13
• Dugout Premium: $11
• Reserved: $9
• Grass Berm: $8
- Individual tickets $1 off when purchased in advance of game day.
Online
Northwest Arkansas begins an eight-game homestand with a four-game series against Arkansas, which is now the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Travelers spent the past 16 years as a Los Angeles Angels affiliate.
"There's no question the starting pitching has been the anchor of what's been going on for us," Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said. "Not only have the starters pitched well, they've saved our bullpen that's had some struggles in some areas."
The numbers bear that out as four Naturals starters rank among the top eight in the league in ERA led by right-hander Miguel Almonte (1-0 1.85 ERA), who is third. However, he was called up to the Kansas City Royals on Friday when starter Ian Kennedy was placed on the disabled list.
But Northwest Arkansas also has a pair of the hottest bats in the league, too. Frank Schwindel is among the league leaders in batting average (.371) and RBIs (21), while 20-year-old Samir Duenez leads the league with 25 RBIs in 24 games.
Wilson said Schwindel has become a more complete hitter, while Duenez, the third youngest player in the Texas League, has just continued to do what carried to three different levels of the minor leagues last year.
"The biggest thing for Frank is he's realized you can hit 20 home runs at a level, but when you throw away at-bats no one takes you seriously," Wilson said. "Samir, that kid can just hit. He gets a little over aggressive at times, but he has a real knack for RBIs. Frank's a little more veteran, too, to protect him."
Wilson said new hitting coach Leon Roberts, who spent 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, has already had a significant impact on the group just 25 games into the season.
"He's the first old-school hitting coach they've had," Wilson said. "This is my fourth Double-A team and I didn't know what our identity would be. We're gonna be tough outs. We've faced some good arms and battled all of them. We're gonna be built on pitching and defense, but the nice thing is I think we're going to have clutch hitting that we've lacked in the past."
Sports on 05/06/2017