Veneziano, Bonifacio Lead Naturals to Opening Night Victory

Jorge Bonifacio started the 2023 season off with a bang while Anthony Veneziano carved up the Midland RockHounds (0-1) as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (1-0) took opening day by a final score of 3-2. The three-game series continues at Arvest Ballpark on Friday with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch.

Veneziano started the night off hot, striking out the first two hitters he faced in a night where he tallied seven punch-outs. In the fourth inning, the lefty got some offensive support.

With two outs, Luca Tresh walked against Midland reliever Joey Estes before Bonifacio came to the plate. In a 1-2 count, the veteran slugger clobbered a towering home run, scoring Tresh to give Northwest Arkansas a 2-0 lead.

Veneziano closed out his 5.0 scoreless frames with the lead and Dante Biasi threw a spotless inning behind him out of the bullpen.

The RockHounds tied the game in the seventh against Naturals reliever Christian Chamberlain (1-0), scoring two runs on a triple. The lead didn't last long, though, as Parker Bates' ground ball to first was played errantly and allowed Bonifacio to score from second and give the Naturals a 3-2 lead.

Steven Cruz threw the ninth to earn the save, allowing a baserunner between bookend strikeouts to secure the win.

The Naturals and RockHounds will play the second game of the three-game series on Friday night with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch. There will be a Bullpen Party presented by Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola from 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM with "Happy Hour" drink specials and $2 BBQ Sliders, or a special 6 for $8 deal. The night will be capped off with post-game fireworks presented by Smoothie King.

Fans can get their tickets by clicking here or by visiting the box office at Arvest Ballpark.