Naturals 8, Cardinals 3
Peyton Wilson had two hits and drove in three runs Thursday as Northwest Arkansas struck early and claimed a victory over Springfield at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
The Naturals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first on Wilson's RBI single and Dillan Shrum's two-run double, then added three more runs in the second. Tyler Tolbert had an RBI triple and scored on a double by Diego Hernandez, then Jorge Bonifacio's single scored Hernandez and made it a 6-0 game.
That was enough for starter and former Central Arkansas standout Noah Cameron to pick up the win as the left-hander pitched five innings and allowed a bases-loaded triple in the fourth while striking out seven. Eric Cerantola pitched the final four innings for the save and allowed an RBI double by Thomas Saggese in the eighth.
Wilson also completed the Naturals' scoring with his two-run single in the eighth.
The win moves Northwest Arkansas one-half game behind Springfield for second place in the North Division standings and 3 1/2 games behind division leader Wichita.
The two teams resume their series at 7:05 p.m. today at Arvest Ballpark.