NATURALS RALLY STALLS AGAINST ROCKHOUNDS

SPRINGDALE, Ark - Northwest Arkansas cut a four-run deficit in half with two runs in the sixth but the Naturals (54-78/23-41) rally would stall as the Midland RockHounds (69-65/35-30) win Game 3 by a 4-2 final on Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals will look to salvage the series finale on Thursday night to split this 4-game set against the Double-A Oakland A's.
After being shut-out on Tuesday night and trailing 4-0 on Wednesday, Northwest Arkansas was in serious need of some offense and found some in the sixth inning against Midland starter Matt Milburn . With one out, Emmanuel Rivera and Khalil Lee recorded back-to-back singles. After a fly ball to center field moved the runners to second and third, Rivera came into score on a wild pitch to make it a 4-1 game before Jordan George followed with a single to plate Lee to pull the Naturals to within two.

Northwest Arkansas' offense would keep battling as they'd collect four more hits over the final three frames but they would not be able to score another run as the trio of Milburn (W, 8-9), James Naile (H, 1) and Jesus Zambrano (S, 6) closed out the victory.
Midland broke up a scoreless game with a run in the third and another tally in the fourth. Nate Mondou brought in the first run with a RBI groundout in the third while Taylor Motter led off the fourth inning with a solo home run for the 2-0 advantage.
The RockHounds would then double their lead with two more runs in the fifth. Motter was at it again as he drove in Edwin Diaz , whom singled earlier in the frame, with a single before Tyler Ramirez scored on an error to give the 'Hounds their 4-0 lead.
Left-hander J.C. Cloney (L, 2-6) got the start for Northwest Arkansas and went 4.2 innings. The former Arizona Wildcat allowed four runs, two earned, on six hits while walking four and striking out seven. The seven strikeouts were the most he has had in an appearance since recording eight punch outs against the Travelers in a game at Arvest Ballpark on Wednesday, July 3^rd.
The bullpen trio of Grant Gavin , Emilio Ogando , and Andres Sotillet combined to toss 4.1 innings of scoreless baseball while striking out nine. In 27 games in August, the Naturals bullpen has allowed just 21 earned runs in 89.2 innings pitched.
On the offensive side, Rivera led the team with three hits while Lee chipped in a pair and George recorded the lone RBI.
Northwest Arkansas will continue their final 9-game in 8-day homestand on Thursday, August 29^th with the series finale against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Oakland A's) at Arvest Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on a Thirsty Thursday featuring a Car Coaster Giveaway courtesy of Casey's General Store for the first 800 fans in attendance. The Naturals will turn to veteran right-hander Scott Blewett (0-3, 4.05 ERA) while the RockHounds will counter with a tall righty of their own in Brian Howard (8-7, 3.02 ERA). Catch all of the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on KQSM - 92.1 The Ticket at 6:45 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading to first pitch against the Double-A Oakland Athletics.
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, promotions, group options and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
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