Maybe Those Clouds Should Have Hung Around

Wednesday night's game at Springdale, Arkansas, was delayed approximately a half hour when a storm cell passed over Arvest Ballpark just before game time. The cell didn't bring any rain, but perhaps it should have. Northwest Arkansas busted out to an 8-0 lead after three innings, then held off the RockHounds for a 9-5 win in the opener of a three-game series.

The game was the first following the two-day break for the Texas League All-Star Game, which the Naturals hosted. Northwest Arkansas used a little of their "all-star momentum" to get out of the gates quickly, loading the bases in the last of the first and scoring twice on Cheslor Cuthbert's two-run single. The Naturals re-loaded the bases, but RockHounds starter Zach Neal escaped having allowed just the two runs. 

With one man on and two out in the second, Neal issued a walk to Brian Fletcher, bringing up All-Star Game Home Run Derby winner Matt Fields. The 6-foot-5 Naturals first baseman must have thought the "derby" was still in progress, blasting a mammoth, three-run homer (of more than 400 feet) to left field for a 5-0 lead.

The Naturals added three more in the third, highlighted by Manny Pina's two-run single, and the lead was 8-0.   Eight of the Naturals' nine runs came in the first three innings, and NW Arkansas had only one hit after the fourth.

Aaron Brooks retired the first 13 batters he faced before Vinnie Catricala singled to left in the fifth inning (after falling behind, 0-2, and fouling off four pitches). Conner Crumbliss later singled with two out in the sixth, followed by RBI hits from D'Arby Myers (double) and Anthony Aliotti (single). In the seventh, two walks from reliever Jon Keck were followed by Tyler Ladendorf's three-run home run into the bullpen in left field (despite a fence-climbing effort to deny him by Brian Fletcher). 

Ladendorf's home run drew the 'Hounds to within 8-5, but the Naturals' bullpen shut the rally down and did not allow another run, with Scott Alexander pitching the eighth and ninth. Northwest Arkansas also added a key insurance run in the seventh off the 'Hounds' Carlos Fisher.

 

Kibbles & Bits

• Tyler Ladendorf's home run came in his first game back in action since June 4 and following a three-week stay on the disabled list (left foot). "TL" finished 1-for-3 (adding a walk), picking up where he had left off before being sidelined. In his last 20 games before hitting the DL, Ladendorf was hitting .338.   

 

• D'Arby Myers went 1-for-4 with the RBI double and scored a run. In his last five games, Myers is 10-22 (.455) with three doubles and six RBI.

 

• The game was the first of a three-game series with NW Arkansas (continuing Thursday and Friday) and a six-game road trip which will also include a three-game set with the Arkansas Travelers at North Little Rock (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).

 

• The RockHounds return home July 3 for a six-game home stand (July 3-8) which will include the Independence Day celebration. The homestand will feature three fireworks shows at Citibank Ballpark (check the RockHounds' web site for details).  

 

WP Aaron Brooks               (3-1, 4.44)

LP    Zach Neal                       (5-6, 4.44)

 

Next Game

vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Kansas City Royals' AA Affiliate)                  

Thursday, June 27            7:05 p.m.        Radio at 7:00 p.m.

Arvest Ballpark                    Springdale, AR                                                        

 

Probable Starters

RockHounds     (RH)   Arnold Leon             (4-4, 3.55)

NW Arkansas    (RH)   Brooks Pounders   (2-4, 4.62)