Mozzicato Makes Double-A Debut, Squires Homers in Naturals 7-5 Loss

May 21, 2025

By AJ Swiatek SPRINGDALE, AR – Frank Mozzicato made his first AA start and Brett Squires had two extra base hits, which included a homerun and four RBI in the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (20-21) 7-5 loss against the Arkansas Travelers (23-18). The two teams are set to continue their series

By AJ Swiatek

SPRINGDALE, AR – Frank Mozzicato made his first AA start and Brett Squires had two extra base hits, which included a homerun and four RBI in the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (20-21) 7-5 loss against the Arkansas Travelers (23-18). The two teams are set to continue their series Thursday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM CT at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas.

The Naturals started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning. Jordan Groshans ledoff with a single, and in the next at-bat Brett Squires belted his fourth home run of the season. The two-run homer put NWA up 2-0 early.

Northwest Arkansas added to their lead in the next inning. Rudy Martin hit a leadoff base knock, which was followed by Javier Vaz’s bunt for a single. The two successfully pulled off a double steal and were plated on Carter Jensen’s two-RBI single. Jensen stole second base, and was driven in by Squires’ double, which left the Naturals up 5-0 through the first third of the contest.

The Travelers answered in the fourth inning. After Mozzicato fired three hitless innings, Arkansas was able to score five runs in a potent frame that tied the game. The visitors added another run in the fifth inning, which gave them their first lead of the game at 6-5.

Brandon Johnson threw scoreless 1.1 innings and was replaced by Caden Monke. Monke left the top of the seventh scoreless but allowed a solo home run to lead off the eighth. The score held there, and the Arkansas Travelers beat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 7-5.

Northwest Arkansas continues their series against the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas. Tomorrow’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.