Jenista Homers in 6-1 Loss on Tuesday

Greyson Jenista hit his first homer since joining the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (20-32) in a 6-1 loss to the Springfield Cardinals (24-28) on Tuesday at Hammons Field in Springfield, Missouri to open a six-game series.

The Cardinals took a five-run lead the bottom of the second, chasing Naturals starter Beck Way from the game. The Naturals were held scoreless and had until the seventh inning.

Jenista took the first pitch of his at-bat to the opposite field clearing the wall to make it a 5-1 game. The homer was Jenista's first since signing with the Royals on May 13.

The Cardinals plated another run in the seventh after a walk and two balks put a runner at third. A groundout to second brought the final run of the game home, capping the scoring as Springfield went on to win 6-1.

The second game of the series is slated to start with a 6:35 PM CT first pitch on Wednesday when Naturals RHP Andrew Hoffmann (2-3, 4.25) takes the mound against Cardinals RHP Wilfredo Pereira (3-3, 2.98). Fans can catch all the action with the “Voice of the Naturals”, Shawn Murnin, on the MiLB First Pitch app or at www.nwanaturals.com all season long.