NATURALS FALL FROM FIRST IN SERIES OPENING LOSS

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Ashton Goudeau struck out nine batters in his first start since August 10 and Zane Evans slugged his fifth home run of the season, but Arkansas took home the series opener by a final score of 3-2 on Saturday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. For the first time in the month of August, the Naturals are not in first place and now trail the Travelers by a half-game in the North Division Standings with nine regular season games remaining.

The Naturals took the first run. Terrance Gore led of the game with a slap-single up the middle off Travelers starter, Jose Molina and quickly stole second base - his first of three on the night. Gore took to third on a single to right field by Alfredo Escalera and while left-hander, Molina, tossed to first base on a pick-off move, Gore raced home ahead of the catcher's tag and stole the plate, taking a 1-0 lead.

The Travelers (62-68/30-30) gained the lead in the second inning after stringing together four straight singles to yield of pair of runs off Goudeau. Those tallies were the only runs allowed by the Naturals right-hander on the night. Goudeau tossed 6.0 innings, scatter 10 hits, struck out nine and did not walk anyone on the night.

Evans tied the game in the fourth inning with a solo home run to right field and Goudeau left with the score tied at 2-2.

Arkansas took the lead for good over the Naturals (59-72/30-31) with a double down the left field line off Miguel Almonte (1-1, 7.90) by Jabari Henry to score the go-ahead run in the seventh inning.

Northwest Arkansas failed to manufacture any offense against the tough Travelers bullpen, as Arkansas' relievers extended their scoreless inning streak to 27.1 innings stretching across more than seven games.

Goudeau did not factor in the decision on the night for the first time since his Double-A debut on May 20, snapping a streak of 17 straight decisions - a franchise record. Gore moved into a tie with Lane Adams for second on the all-time stolen base list with three thefts tonight, giving him 82 in his Naturals' career.

The series continues on Sunday night with a 6:10 first pitch featuring left-hander, Eric Skoglund (6-10, 3.51) against right-hander, Jordan Kipper (12-6, 3.29) for the Travelers. Join the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, with a 5:50 p.m. pregame show, leading up to first pitch on the flagship station of the Naturals, 92.1-FM, the Ticket.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the Season Nine of Naturals Baseball, tickets, groups, promotions, roster, season standings, player statistics, and updates on Naturals alumni.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-