Cross Homers Twice, Jensen’s Late-Inning Heroics Help NWA to Walk-Off Win

By AJ Swiatek

SPRINGDALE, AR – Gavin Cross hit two late-game, two-run home runs and Carter Jensen picked up the walk-off winner to lift the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (18-11) past the Wichita Wind Surge (15-14) 6-5 in 10 innings. The two teams continue their series Thursday, with a 6:05 PM CT first pitch scheduled at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas.

Wichita opened the scoring in the first with a leadoff double from Tanner Schobel, followed by a two-run homer from Rubel Cespedes. The Wind Surge added two more runs in the second, taking a 4-0 lead that held into the seventh.

Brett Squires singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh for the Naturals’ second hit of the night. Cross followed with a two-run homer to right, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Ryan Ramsey kept Wichita off the board in the eighth to preserve the score.

In the ninth, Jac Caglianone led off with a single, and Cross tied the game with his second two-run homer of the night, sending the contest to extra innings.

Wichita pushed across their extra-inning runner in the 10th to take a 5-4 lead. Jack Pineda began the bottom of the frame on second, and Rudy Martin reached with a bunt single, moving Pineda to third. Martin stole second, and Carter Jensen drove in both runners with a walk-off single to seal the 6-5 win.

Northwest Arkansas continues their series against Wichita on Thursday, May 8, at 6:05 PM CT at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas. Fans can follow the action with the “Voice of the Naturals,” Shawn Murnin, on MiLB.TV, MLB.TV, the MiLB and MLB Apps, and nwanaturals.com with a subscription. Free audio is available through the MiLB App and team website, and fans can also stream for free on the Bally Sports Live app.