DUENEZ HOMERS AGAIN AS NATURALS CLAIM OPENER
SPRINGDALE, Ark - Tied at 1-1, Samir Dueñez hit his 17th home run of the season as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (19-29/58-60) claimed the series opener over the Frisco RoughRiders (20-28/51-67) by a 2-1 final on Friday night at Arvest Ballpark. The victory in front of a crowd of 5,887
SPRINGDALE, Ark - Tied at 1-1,
Looking for one big swing of the bat, the Naturals had to look no further than their most consistent power threat all season long. Duenez, hitting cleanup tonight, stepped the plate in the sixth and launched a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right field for a go ahead solo home run. The homer proved to be the difference as the Naturals took a 2-1 advantage at the time and held it until the end. The 21-year old, sweet swinging lefty continues to lead the team with 17 home runs and 70 RBI on the season.
The Naturals fell behind after Frisco got on the board in the third courtesy of a solo home run off the bat of
The game was very evenly matched and for the most part a pitching duel throughout. Both teams relied on three pitchers during the course of the ballgame and each team was held to six hits, including a solo home run on both sides.
RHP
Frisco started LHP
After each starter exited, the battle of the bullpens ensued. LHP
Northwest Arkansas will continue their current 6-game homestand with Game 2 of this 3-game set against the Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A Texas Rangers) tomorrow night - Saturday, August 12 - at Arvest Ballpark. Saturday night features an Arvest Ballpark Replica Giveaway by Arvest Bank as well as a Bullpen Craft Beer Bar Happy Hour from 4:35 p.m. until 5:35 p.m. The Naturals send LHP
Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on Season 10 of Naturals baseball.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
-Naturals-