MELENDEZ TIES MINOR LEAGUE LEAD IN HOMERS BUT NATURALS DEFEATED BY WICHITA

Northwest Arkansas Naturals catcher MJ Melendez (MLB Pipeline’s No. 13 Royals’ prospect) homered for the 24th time this season to tie for the Minor League lead in home runs, but the Wichita Wind Surge scored in every inning to defeat the Naturals, 18-8.

The night started off strong, with a three-run first that was capped by a two-run homer from Dairon Blanco, his seventh of the season.

Blanco finished the night 2-for-5 with four runs batted in, also driving home runs with a groundout in the seventh and single in the ninth.

Northwest Arkansas scored single runs in the third through fifth innings, on hits from Vinnie Pasquantino and Blake Perkins, as well as Melendez’ solo homer in the fifth. It ties him with Marlins prospect Griffin Conine as the most homers in all of the minors. Melendez still leads Double-A with home runs and 59 runs batted in too.

Pasquantino put together another strong night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and RBI.

Emmanuel Rivera returned to Northwest Arkansas for the first time since 2019 to begin his MLB Rehab Assignment and singled in the first inning.

Melendez also drew two walks, scoring three runs in four plate appearances.

The Naturals look to rebound on Wednesday night, as left-hander Drew Parrish will start on the mound with a 7:05 p.m. CT first pitch.