Naturals rally past Midland, end skid

NATURALS 11, ROCKHOUNDS 10

SPRINGDALE — Northwest Arkansas put an end to its six-game losing streak with plenty of flair Friday night at Arvest Ballpark.

Donnie Dewees Jr. ripped a long two-run single in the bottom of the ninth as the Naturals rallied for an 11-10 win over Midland in front for 5,393 fans.

The Naturals (23-23) scored three times in the ninth inning, after the RockHounds seemingly took control of the game with a seven-run seventh inning. Midland turned a 6-3 deficit into a 10-6 lead with the big blow being a grand slam from Viosergy Rosa — his second home run of the game.

But Northwest Arkansas put together four hits and walk to wipe out the Midland lead and the losing streak.

Naturals manager Vance Wilson praised the offense, which banged out 16 hits and responded after Midland’s big inning.

“I was very proud of our offense,” Wilson said. “When we do what we did early and our pitching kind of fall apart like that and let them back in it. Very proud of the guys. Tonight’s about the offense.”

Jack Lopez, who finished 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs, four RBIs and three runs scored, hammered a two-run shot in the eighth to pull the Naturals within 10-8, setting up the ninth. Dewees also finished 3-for-4, drove in two and scored two runs. Three other Naturals added two hits each.

Northwest Arkansas did not record an out in the bottom of the ninth, rallying for three runs against Midland closer Carlos Navas (0-1).

All seven runs came after it looked as though Northwest Arkansas had escaped the jam with its 6-3 lead intact. Midland’s Brett Vertigan hit what appeared to be a inning-ending double play ground ball to Lopez at second base.

He flipped to short for the first out, but Humberto Arteaga’s throw to first was low and got past Samir Duenez, allowing two runs to score.

Northwest Arkansas led 4-0 after four innings thanks to home runs by Lopez and Zane Evans and 6-3 after six before Midland put together the big inning aided by three walks.

SHORT HOPS

■ Seven of the RockHounds’ starting nine were part of Midland’s Texas League Championship team last season.

■ Naturals starter Zach Lovvorn bounced back with a solid start, after skipping his last start because of back spasms. He retired the first 13 batters he faced, allowing two earned runs on three hits over five innings. The right-hander struck out five and didn’t walk a man in celebrating his 23rd birthday.

On Deck: The Naturals continue their series against Midland with a 6:05 p.m. game. Northwest Arkansas sends LHP Emilio Ogando (2-2 2.63 ERA) against RHP Brett Graves (1-0 2.50 ERA) for the RockHounds.

Todays’ Promotion: The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a Strike-themed jersey. Enjoy happy hour from 4:355:35 p.m. before the game with half-price specials at the Bullpen Craft Beer Bar. There will also be postgame fireworks.

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On The Web: www.nwa naturals.com