Naturals slug way past Springfield in 18-1 rout

SPRINGDALE — With less than a month to play in the regular season, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals began their Texas League playoff push Tuesday night by feasting on cellar-dwelling Springfield 18-1.

It was the first of 12 games still remaining against the Cardinals.

The Naturals continued to bash the long ball, with five more homers, including a pair from left-fielder Brewer Hicklen. It was the 41st multi-homer game for NW Arkansas and increased their Double-A lead to 141 in just 96 games.

“Our guys just came out swinging today, they got some pitches up and took advantage of them,” Naturals manager Scott Thorman said. “Hitting is contagious, and we had a good night from several individuals. So, it was a good win for us.”

After going scoreless in the first inning, NW Arkansas erupted for 18 runs over the next three innings, plating a home-field season-high eight in the second inning.

Seuly Matias led off the inning with a sharp single, before Freddy Fermin and Hicklen smacked home runs on consecutive pitches. The Naturals then tallied four straight 2-out hits, as Matias doubled in another run and Fermin singled in two more. Fermin and Hicken each knocked in five runs in the game.

“We were just looking for some pitches up, and trying to put a good swing on it,” Thorman said. “Fortunately, today was our day and we will try to keep that momentum going moving forward. I think anytime you can put some at- bats together like that, it is great for our guys.

An error led to Springfield’s lone unearned run in the top of the third against Naturals starter Ronald Bolanos.

Kevin Merrell opened the bottom of the inning for the Naturals with his second homer of the season. Blake Perkins and Fermin added run- scoring singles, and a bases-loaded walk made it 13-1.

The NW Arkansas bats stayed red-hot in the fourth. Blake Perkins hit a 2-run shot and Hicklen followed suit with a 3-run homer to make it 18-1.

Nolan Watson (3-2) shut Springfield out for 4 2/3 innings, striking out two, to earn the win for NW Arkansas.

“I thought Nola was very efficient with his pitches,” Thorman said. “He threw the ball well and pounded the zone, which is exactly the outing you are looking for after a couple of big innings. Attack the zone and get some quick outs. He had his sinker ball working today and did a great job.”

NW Arkansas outhit Springfield 20-5 in the game. Seven Naturals finished with multiple hits, led by Fermin’s four and three each from Hicklen and Vinnie Pasquantino.

Delvin Perez and Moises Castillo led the Cardinal offense with two hits apiece

“Right now, we are just trying to capitalize on our opportunities and just keep it going,” Thorman added. “The guys are coming to the park feeling great, but we don’t get too caught up talking about wins and losses, per se. We talk more about effort and consistency and taking care of that and the preparation. All of the other things will take care of itself, as far as results go.”