SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas pitchers struggled to throw strikes and Midland took advantage Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark.
The RockHounds (3-4) took advantage of free passes by Naturals pitchers to the tune of six runs in the middle innings en route to an 8-3 victory in front of 6,673 fans in the home opener.
Minor League Baseball
Midland 8, Northwest Arkansas 3
Midland^011^042^000^—^8^12^0
Northwest Arkansas^000^030^000^—^3^8^0
Jensen, Hall (6), Dull (8) and Maxwell; Sparkman, Williams (5), Selman (5), Redman (6), Culver (9) and Nessy.W-Jensen, 2-0. L-Sparkman, 0-2. HRs-Midland, Olson (3). Northwest Arkansas, Chapman (1).
Midland first baseman Matt Olson cracked his third home run of the season, a two-run shot, and catcher Bruce Maxwell drew a bases-loaded walk in a four-run fifth inning to give the RockHounds a 6-0 lead.
Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said starter Glenn Sparkman (0-2) must improve his execution, but the Naturals (2-5) couldn't respond after getting within 6-3. Naturals pitchers walked eight batters over the first 5.2 innings and Midland scored all eight of its runs during that period.
"We didn't execute pitching-wise," Wilson said. "You know it's funny, it's been kind of uncharacteristic, the guys who've been walking guys. Hopefully it's just early season stuff. But we answered back and got to 6-3. We needed a shutdown inning and we don't get it."
Midland starter Chris Jensen (2-0) beat the Naturals for the second time this season. The right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings. He struck out four and walked one.
Midland manager Ryan Christenson said he wants his hitters to be disciplined and take advantage of mistakes. The RockHounds have done just that, now taking three of four thus far against the Naturals.
"We did a pretty good job of controlling the strike zone the first four games and scoring some runs because of it," Christenson said. "I think we had two or three two-out RBIs and they always hurt a club."
Short Hops:
• Northwest Arkansas relievers Sam Selman and Ali Williams combined to allow six runs (five earned) on five hits with five walks in 1.2 innings.
• Naturals reliever Reid Redman retired all seven batters he faced.
• Ethan Chapman got the Naturals on the board with a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth.
Extra Bases: Naturals second baseman Angel Franco went 3-for-4 and drove in a run ... Midland second baseman Colin Walsh went 3-for-4 with a walk, drove in two runs and scored two runs ... Williams faced five batters and did not retire a man, throwing 23 pitches and only nine for strikes.
On Deck: The Naturals continue a three-game series against Midland today. The Naturals will send LHP Jonathan Dziedzic (0-0, 1.93) against RHP Tanner Peters (0-1, 9.64) at 7:05 p.m.
Today's Promotion: There will be a post-game fireworks display and it's also Scout Campout Night. Scout groups may purchase discounted tickets, enjoy a post-game movie on the videoboard and also camp for the night in Arvest Ballpark outfield.
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Paul Boyd can be reached by email at pboyd@nwadg.com or on Twitter @NWAPaulB.
Sports on 04/17/2015