Johnson and Ruta Homer in Naturals 6-3 Loss Against Midland

By AJ Swiatek

SPRINGDALE, AR – Justin Johnson and Sam Ruta each hit solo home runs in the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (6-9, 39-45) 6-3 loss to Midland RockHounds (5-10, 44-40). The two sides continue their series Friday night at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas, with a 7:05 PM CT first pitch.

Steven Zobac started the game for Northwest Arkansas by striking out the side in the top of the first. In the home half of the inning Johnson tattooed a solo home run over the left field wall. Gavin Cross followed with a walk and moved to second on Jordan Groshans’ infield single. Dustin Dickerson brought in Cross with an RBI double that put NWA up 2-0. Midland tallied a pair of their own in the top of the second inning which tied the game, 2-2.

In the top of the fourth inning, Midland went up 3-2. Ruta answered for the Naturals with a one-out solo homer in the bottom of the frame that tied things up, 3-3.

The RockHounds pounced on Naturals’ relief pitcher Cruz Noriega in the top of the seventh inning. Midland scored three runs on a trio of singles and a walk to take a 6-3 lead. The score held there, and the Midland RockHounds took down the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for the first time this series, 6-3. The Nats still lead the series halfway through, 2-1.

Northwest Arkansas continues their series on Friday, July 10, against the Midland RockHounds at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas. The contest’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM CT. Fans can follow the action with the Voice of the Naturals, Shawn Murnin, on MiLB.TV, MLB.TV, the MiLB and MLB Apps, and nwanaturals.com with a subscription. Free audio is available through the MiLB App and team website, and fans can also stream for free on the Bally Sports Live app.