Naturals Slug Way To 8-2 Win

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals banged out eight extra-base hits in an 8-2 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Wednesday afternoon at Arvest Ballpark. Jorge Bonifaco and Cheslor Cuthbert each drove in two runs to lead the Naturals to their third straight win over the Travs. In dropping 3-of-4 at NW Arkansas, the Travs now return home for four games after a 3-5 road trip.

Benton's Andy Ferguson (5-6) earned his second win in a row over the Travs, holding the Travs to two runs in 7.2 innings. The former Arkansas State Red Wolves righty retired 13 batters in a row while the Naturals took control in the middle innings.

Cuthbert gave NW Arkansas a first-inning lead with a two-out single to score Ethan Chapman.

Bonifacio pushed the lead to 2-0 with a double in the fourth inning that scored Orlando Calixte from first base. Cuthbert took a walk, and both runners scored when Mark Threlkeld doubled to right-center for a 4-0 lead.

A pair of RBI doubles in the fifth inning with two outs from Cuthbert and Max Ramirez increased the Naturals lead to 6-0.

The Naturals set a team season high with six doubles, which also is the most for a Travs opponent in a game this season.

Ferguson did not allow a runner to reach third base until Jett Bandy's home run (5) to begin the seventh inning also ended the shutout bid.

Bonifacio got that run back with a home run on the first pitch of the home half of the seventh inning.

A bases-loaded walk to Erik Komatsu knocked in the Travs' last run. Malcolm Culver struck out Eric Stamets to leave the tying run in the on-deck circle.

Angel Franco's home run (2) to begin the eighth inning capped the scoring.

Orangel Arenas (5-3) took the loss in his last tune-up before Tuesday's Texas League All-Star Game. In his shortest start of the year, Arenas allowed four runs on five hits and three walks in 3.2 innings.

Time of game was 2:50 and the paid attendance was 3,603.

The Travs are home for four games against the Springfield Cardinals in a series beginning Thursday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The opener features an All-Star matchup of lefties with Michael Roth (5-4, 2.57) pitching against Kyle Hald (6-1, 2.48). First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.