Naturals’ hits not enough

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Dickey-Stephens Park isn’t exactly friendly to hitters.

But it didn’t seem that tough Monday night as the Arkansas Travelers and Northwest Arkansas Naturals combined for three home runs, just the sixth multi-homer game at Dickey-Stephens Park all year. The Travelers held on for a 6-4 win to take the opener of a three-game series.

Both teams combined for 20 hits, 4 errors and 8 different pitchers. Right-handed Travs starter Justin Dunn, who allowed 7 hits, 4 earned runs and struck out 5 over 5.1 innings, was credited with the win. Sam Delaplane had a two-out save.

After both teams registered a run in the first, Naturals catcher Freddy Fermin homered to left field with two outs in the top of the second to give Northwest Arkansas a 2-1 lead. Later, in the bottom of the second, Travs catcher Joseph Odom blasted one 408 feet over the left-center field wall to tie the game 2-2.

The Travelers grabbed a 3-2 lead moments later when first baseman Nick Zammarelli scored from third after shortstop Donnie Walton grounded into a fielder’s choice. Arkansas remained in front the rest of the way. The game was delayed in the middle of the fourth inning for roughly 10 minutes. Home plate umpire Justin Robinson was forced to exit the field with a trainer, after he appeared to show signs of dizziness. Robinson did not return, and third base umpire Darius Ghani took over behind the plate.

In the top of the sixth, the Naturals cut into the deficit when right fielder Khalil Lee hit a sky ball to the far left-field corner producing a two-run shot that trimmed the Travs’ lead to 6-4.

Game 2 of the series is set for 7:10 p.m. today.