ARTEAGA, OGANDO LEAD NATURALS TO WIN OVER ROCKHOUNDS

SPRINGDALE, Ark - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (24-23) combination of shortstop Humberto Arteaga and starting LHP Emilio Ogando (W, 3-2) was too much for the Midland RockHounds (26-23) to overcome on Saturday night as Arteaga had three hits and two RBI while Ogando twirled 7.0 innings of one-run ball in the series clinching 3-2 win over the RockHounds.
Northwest Arkansas struck in the third inning as Samir Dueñez worked a one out walk before advancing to second on a single by Mauricio Ramos . With a runner in scoring position, Arteaga would cash in on the opportunity as he singled up the middle to give the Naturals an early 1-0 advantage. After Midland tied it up in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by B.J. Boyd , the Naturals retook the lead in the fifth. Once again it was Duenez whom got the offense started as the Naturals' designated-hitter doubled to begin the frame. A batter later, Arteaga followed with a RBI double of his own to give Northwest Arkansas a 2-1 lead. After a strikeout and a pitching change, Ruben Sosa, Jr. collected a clutch two out hit to plate Arteaga to put the home team up 3-1.

Midland would get a run back in the eighth against the Naturals' bullpen and reliever RHP Reid Redman (H, 3). The Hounds cut the deficit to 3-2 as third basemen Jordan Tarsovich tripled and scored on a well-placed single by centerfielder Brett Vertigan . The lone run in the eighth would be all the visitor's would muster as LHP Sam Selman (S, 3) fired a scoreless ninth for the save.
Making his fifth start of the season for the Naturals, the 23-year-old Ogando was masterful against the RockHounds. The lefty gave up only four hits and one run in his 7.0 innings of work while striking out four on the night. The outing was his longest of the season and is resulted in his third victory of the season, which ties him with RHP Corey Ray for the team lead in wins.
The Naturals out-hit the RockHounds eight-to-six as Arteaga led the offensive attack by going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI.
Northwest Arkansas will conclude their series against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Oakland Athletics) tomorrow night - Sunday, May 28 - at Arvest Ballpark with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Sunday night features a Post-Game Fireworks Spectacular by Mini Babybel Cheese with Popular Songs by Decade on KIDS EAT FREE Family Sunday with Mercy Kids Run the Bases following the post-game fireworks show to cap off the Memorial Day weekend celebration at Arvest Ballpark. The RockHounds will give the baseball to RHP Ben Bracewell (1-1, 4.88 ERA) while the Naturals will turn to RHP Corey Ray (3-3, 4.60 ERA) in the series finale. Catch the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on KQSM - 92.1 The Ticket at 6:15 p.m. for the Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch at 6:35 p.m. against the Double-A Athletics.
Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on Season 10 of Naturals baseball.
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.
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