NATURALS CLAIM SERIES FINALE WITH CARDINALS BEHIND FIVE SCORELESS FROM BOWLAN

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals jumped out to an early lead in the first inning and starting pitcher Jon Bowlan threw 5.0 scoreless frames to claim the series finale and force a split with the Springfield Cardinals, 7-2 on Sunday afternoon.

The outing was Bowlan’s first with the Naturals this year through five complete innings and his first allowing fewer than three runs as well. The right-hander allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out two as well over 76 pitches to earn his first win of the year.

Northwest Arkansas’ offense gave him early support with three runs in the first inning, started by a two-run single from CJ Alexander.

In the second inning, Morgan McCullough connected on his first Double-A home run, a solo shot to right field that moved the score to 4-0.

The Cardinals scored a pair of runs in the sixth on a two-run homer, but the Naturals responded with three in the bottom half. Jake Means led off with his 11th home run f the year, then McCullough doubled in a run and Diego Hernández drove in the final run of the afternoon on a sacrifice fly.

After Will Klein surrendered the sixth inning home run, Jonah Dipoto took over on the mound and threw 2.2 scoreless frames, then was followed by a scoreless ninth from Nate Webb.

Seven of nine Naturals had a hit in the game, while seven of nine scored a run as well and the team drew eight walks, including twice from leadoff hitter Tucker Bradley.

The Naturals return to action Tuesday in Tulsa to open up a two-week road trip, starting at 7:05 p.m. CT from ONEOK Field.