Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Travelers roll past Naturals, 10-1
TRAVELERS 10, NATURALS 1
SPRINGDALE — Northwest Arkansas had its threegame winning streak come to a screeching halt Saturday night.
The duo of Kyle Waldrop and Tyler Marlette combined for seven of Arkansas’ 15 hits to lead the Travelers to a 10-1 win over the Naturals in front of 6,767 fans at Arvest Ballpark.
The Travelers (28-32) took control with three runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to take a 7-0 lead. Waldrop, the Travelers first baseman who finished 4-for5 with an RBI and two runs scored, drove in a run with a single in the fourth. Marlette launched a two-run home run in the fifth.
Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said Naturals pitchers didn’t execute well, but his team also struggled offensively and defensively.
“We didn’t pitch well,” Wilson said. “We stayed out over the plate and allowed them to get comfortable. We didn’t establish much inside, which was hopefully part of the plan, but we didn’t execute.
“It was one of those games we got behind and on our heels. Unfortunately, we didn’t make some plays. We got a little sloppy there. Offense never got going. It’s tough when they jump on you like that. To me they were just too comfortable in the box.”
Northwest Arkansas (31-29) remained tied for the lead in the Texas League North Division after Tulsa rallied past Springfield 3-2. The Naturals have 10 games remaining in the first half.
Arkansas won for just the second time in nine games against Northwest Arkansas, and Travelers starter Tyler Herb is responsible for both wins.
The right-hander improved to 5-2, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings. Herb struck out six and walked only one. He’s now 5-0 over his last six starts.
Travelers manager Daren Brown said better command has been a key to Herb’s success.
“He’s got good stuff, it’s just a matter of commanding the baseball and being able to do it every fifth day,” Brown said. “He’s given us a little more of the consistency we’re looking for. Tonight was obviously really good. He’s strung a few of them together and that’s good to see.
Command is a couple different things. Walks were a part of it at some point. Just throwing strikes. Then there’s also a part of throwing quality strikes. He’s got good stuff, if he makes quality pitches he can have nights like tonight.”
On Deck: The Naturals continue their series against Arkansas. Zach Lovvorn (3-4 4.68 ERA) will start on the mound for Northwest Arkansas. The Travelers will counter