MIDLAND WINS TEXAS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP OVER NATURALS

MIDLAND, Texas - The Midland RockHounds defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 4-1, on Friday night in Game 4 of the Texas League Championship series at Security Bank Ballpark to win the club's third straight Texas League title. The Naturals finished the regular season 65-75 and 4-4 in postseason play.

Northwest Arkansas allowed the RockHounds to plate three runs in the bottom of the second inning using a lead-off solo home run by Viosergy Rosa off starter, Glenn Sparkman. With two outs, Richie Martin slapped a double into right-center and scored on a succeeding double by Brett Vertigan. Second baseman, Max Schrock scored Vertigan to complete the three-run second inning and put the Naturals in an early hole.

Sparkman finished 2.0 innings, allowed two runs on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Left-hander, Tim Hill, worked 2.2 innings of one-run relief as Tyler Marincov hits a pop-fly, solo home run, exploiting the short porch in right-field to extend the RockHounds advantage through six innings.

Northwest Arkansas loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning and traded two outs for a run as Ryan O'Hearn crossed on a 6-4-3 double play ball.

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-