McGOWIN, TRAVELERS STYMIE NATURALS TO FORCE RUBBER MATCH
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Naturals received a quality start by right-hander Brooks Pounders in the second game of the three-game series against the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon; but the offense was unable to muster anything against the Travelers' hurler, Kyle McGowin in the 3-1 loss at Dickey-Stephens Park.
Pounders (3-4, 2.19) worked six innings of two-run baseball allowing a single tally in the first inning and a solo home run in the fifth to Cal Towey. The 6-foot-5 pitcher struck out three batters and issued just two walks to turn in his fifth quality start of the season in just eight outings.
The offense was shutdown by McGowin for six innings. The Travelers starter allowed just two hits, struck out eight and did not allow a runner to reach scoring position in his entire outing.
Northwest Arkansas (69-69/29-39) possessed their best offensive chance in the seventh inning after McGowin (9-9, 4.38) had exited the game. Alex Liddi legged out a double to set up table; but was thrown out trying to move into third base attempting to advance on a dirt ball read.
Ramon Torres extended his hitting streak to 12 games becoming the sixth different Natural this season to record a hitting streak of 12 games or better. That is the most individual players on one single team in a season since the 2010 Naturals had five different players accomplish the feat.
Liddi has now hit safely in nine straight games racking up his 38th double of the season. The San Remo, Italy native is now three doubles shy of Clint Robinson's single-season record of 41 set in 2010.
With the loss, the series final acts as the rubber match of the series. The Naturals have not announced a starter fortomorrow's final regular season game; but the Travelers will send All-Star Albert Suarez (10-9, 3.04) the mound with the 1:10 p.m. first pitch from Dickey-Stephens Park.
Tune in with the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, for the Indigo Sky Casino 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 throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime for all of our up-to-date information on tickets, groups, promotions, and team-related information.
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-