Naturals head home chasing playoff berth

SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson finally talked to his team about playoff possibilities following the Naturals' tough 2-1 win over Arkansas in 10 innings on Sunday.

"It was huge," Wilson said of the win, which put the Naturals back in first place entering Monday night's series finale in Dickey-Stephens Park. "You can't waste a pitching performance like like. (Eric) Skoglund pitched unbelievable. It was big to get him off the hook individually and big for the team."

At A Glance

Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand

At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale

On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1

Series Schedule

Today: vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday: vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.

Thursday: vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.

Friday: vs. Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Arkansas, 6:05 p.m.

Sunday: vs. Arkansas, 6:05 p.m.

Monday: vs. Arkansas, 1:05 p.m.

This Week’s Promotions

Today: Arvest customers can purchase premium tickets for $5, along with two for one kids zone wristbands and programs. … Brats are $1. … Groups of 20 or more can purchase reserve tickets for $4 each if bought in advance.

Wednesday: Groups of 20 or more can purchase reserve tickets for $4 each if bought in advance.

Thursday: It’s Buck Night as mozzarella sticks, peanuts and small Coke fountain drinks are $1. … In addition, 16-ounce draft beer are $2 in certain locations in the park.

Friday: It’s Scout Night groups can get discounted tickets, enjoy a post-game movie on the videoboard and camp out on the outfield grass in Arvest Ballpark overnight. … Post-game fireworks.

Saturday: It’s the Night of 1,000 Giveaways and Teacher Appreciation Night. … Ticket discounts will be available to local faculty members. … It’s also Happy Hour from 4:35-5:35 prior to the game with drink specials at the Bullpen concession stand prior to the game.

Sunday: The first 1,000 fans receive a magnet 2017 Naturals schedule. … post-game fireworks.

Monday: Hot Dogs are $1. … All valid unused tickets from this season may be exchanged for a reserve ticket and Ozarks Electric Cooperative customers can purchase $5 premium tickets.

Ticket Packages

• Super Premium A: $12

• Premium: $10

• Reserved: $8

• Grass Berm: $7

• Super Premium Family: $12

• Premium Family: $10

Online

www.nwanaturals.com

Northwest Arkansas also snapped a string of 28.1 scoreless innings by the Travelers bullpen in the win.

Wilson told his team it's human nature to look forward to the end after a long season, but the players' intent must remain focused for at least another week. The Naturals finish the regular-season with a seven-game homestand beginning tonight -- four against Tulsa and three against Arkansas.

"Everyone's excited to go home," Wilson said. "It's a long season. But our intent from 7 to 10 p.m. for the next (seven) days is to go out and execute and try to win games. If you make the playoffs, there's a renewed energy."

The Naturals roster has been a little jumbled lately as right-hander Jake Junis, a Texas League All-Star, was promoted to Triple-A Omaha three weeks ago. The Naturals got Andy Ferguson back, but he made just one start before going back on the disabled list. However, the starting rotation has still been solid lately.

"Yender Caramo has been incredible," Wilson said. "Josh Staumont has taken a step forward. You lose a guy like Junis, we've been fortunate that's happened."

Northwest Arkansas has also gotten an offensive lift from Samir Duenez, who was promoted about a week ago after utility man Jack Lopez went on the disabled list. The 20-year-old has now driven in 96 runs in 130 games this season over three different levels. That includes seven hits and five RBIs in six games in Northwest Arkansas.

"He gives us a left-handed bat with the potential to do damage," Wilson said. "He's a guy that's helped stretch our lineup, especially in run-scoring situations."

Caramo (4-7) started the season in the bullpen but has been outstanding since going into the rotation. The right-hander has gone 3-4 with a nifty 2.32 ERA in his last 10 appearances, including eight starts. He will get two starts over the final seven games, including tonight against Tulsa.

Sports on 08/30/2016

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