SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas fans will get to see another first-round draft when the Kansas City Royals Double-A affiliate returns to Springdale to face Springfield tonight.
The Naturals (7-9) are 4-2 in Arvest Ballpark this season and tonight's game begins a stretch of seven home games over the next eight days. Tulsa follows Springfield to town beginning Thursday but Saturday's game will be played in Tulsa.
At A Glance
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand
At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
Series Schedule
Today: vs. Springfield, 7 p.m.
Tuesday: vs. Springfield, 7 p.m.
Wednesday: vs. Springfield, 11 a.m.
Thursday: vs. Springfield, 7 p.m.
Friday: vs. Tulsa, 7 p.m.
This Week’s Promotions
Today: $1 hotdogs; Baseball Bingo
Tuesday: Arvest Two for Tuesday; $1 Brats
Wednesday: SWEPCO School Kids Day
Thursday: Buck Night on Thirsty Thursday presented by Foghorns
Friday: Post-game fireworks; Strike’s Birthday Celebration
Ticket Packages
• Super Premium A: $12
• Premium: $10
• Reserved: $8
• Grass Berm: $7
• Super Premium Family: $12
• Premium Family: $10
Online
Tonight's game will mark the Arvest Ballpark debut of outfielder Bubba Starling. Starling was a first-round pick by Kansas City in 2011 out of high school. Starling, who signed to play quarterback at Nebraska before being drafted, received a $7.5 million signing bonus after being the No. 5 overall pick.
Starling spent all of 2014 at Class A-Advanced Wilmington where the 22-year-old hit .218 with 54 RBIs and nine home runs. Baseball America ranks Starling at the No. 18 prospect in the Royals farm system.
Starling started this season in Wilmington but was promoted last week after batting .386 with 12 RBIs, two home runs and four doubles in just 12 games. He wore a Naturals uniform for the first time Saturday and is 0-for-8 in two games.
"Starling has been putting good swings on the baseball," said Naturals radio broadcaster Benjamin Kelly. "He is hitting the ball hard. He plays a Major League caliber outfield. He is impressive."
Right-handed pitcher Glenn Sparkman (1-2, 4.50 ERA) will get the start tonight for the Naturals.
Sports on 04/27/2015