Reversed call gives Naturals HR, victory

SPRINGDALE — Vance Wilson didn’t hesitate to plead Parker Morin’s case Monday night, and the effort was well worth it.

The brief argument Northwest Arkansas’ manager had with the umpiring crew led to Morin’s go- ahead two- run home run, and the Naturals enjoyed a victory in their regularseason home finale with a 7- 4 decision over the Arkansas Travelers at Arvest Ballpark.

Morin’s fourth- inning shot down the left- field line hit the foul pole, but it was first ruled a foul ball by home plate umpire Clay Park, which caused Wilson to leave the third- base coach’s box and confront Park. That led to a meeting with Park and the other two umpires, who then reversed the call and gave Northwest Arkansas a 5- 3 lead.

“I can’t really tell you what I told them,” Wilson said after the game. “The point is you can’t miss a call.

“Not only I saw it hit the foul pole, but it makes a different noise. It makes a ‘ ping’ noise, and there’s only one thing it could hit and make that noise. At first, I was a little upset. But to their credit, they got together and got it right.”

Travelers Manager Bill Richardson then raced onto the field after the call was reversed and was ejected by Park moments later. Northwest Arkansas then padded its lead in the sixth inning with a triple by Bubba Starling, who scored on a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Frank Schwindel.

It was the Naturals’ first back- to- back series victories in the second half of the season. Northwest Arkansas also finished its final regularseason homestand with a 6- 1 mark, its best record since going 8- 2 on May 14- 23.

“That is something you want to have with a week left,” Wilson said. “We played really well here. The crowds have been great, and the last couple of nights have been outstanding.”

The Travelers’ lead in the Texas League North Division’s second- half standings fell to two games ahead of Springfield. Those teams will play a four- game series starting today in Springfield, Mo.

Luke Farrell ( 4- 3) pitched 6 2/3 innings and picked up the victory, despite allowing 4 runs on 8 hits. Sam Selman and Mark Peterson came on in relief and allowed just one hit over the final 2 2/3 innings.