Govern Homers in 7-4 Loss Friday

Jimmy Govern homered for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (13-11, 42-51) in a 7-4 loss on Friday night to the Arkansas Travelers (14-10, 59-34) at Dickey-Stephens Park. The two teams continue their six-game series on Saturday with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch.

Naturals starter William Fleming picked up where Thursday's starter Chandler Champlain left off, mowing down Arkansas hitters through the first two innings to allow the offense to score in the third, giving him a 1-0 lead.

The Travs fought back in the bottom of the inning with two of their own but Fleming got out of the jam and completed 5.0 innings, allowing just the two runs on five hits without walking a batter.

In the sixth inning, NWA took the lead. Dillan Shrum was on base when Govern went deep to left, giving the Naturals a 4-2 advantage to turn over to the bullpen.

The Travs broke through in the bottom of the inning, though, scoring five runs to take a 7-4 lead. The Naturals offense couldn't overcome the deficit, going on to lose by the same score.

Fleming struck out three over his 5.0 innings in a no-decision. T.J. Sikkema (2-4) allowed four runs on two hits and a walk over 0.1 innings of work, taking the loss and blown save. Yefri Del Rosario tossed 1.2 innings while allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts. Jacob Wallace threw the eighth without allowing a run, letting up a hit with a strikeout.

The series continues in Little Rock on Saturday night with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch. LHP Drew Parrish takes the mound for the Naturals.

Fans can catch all the action with the “Voice of the Naturals”, Shawn Murnin, on the MiLB First Pitch app or at www.nwanaturals.com all season long.