Naturals begin homestand with loss to Springfield

SPRINGDALE -- Springfield showed why it had a 15-game lead on Northwest Arkansas going into Tuesday night's Texas League North matchup.

The Cardinals used their speed and power to defeat the Naturals 7-3 before a crowd of 3,262 at Arvest Ballpark. Springfield led 5-0 before Ryan O'Hearn belted a home run in the second inning for the Naturals (40-19, 73-54), who now have lost seven consecutive to the Cardinals (22-35, 61-66).

On Tuesday, Northwest Arkansas started a seven-game homestand that includes four games against Springfield and three against the Arkansas Travelers. The Naturals return to Springdale after losing five of six on their road trip through Texas.

Springfield used its speed to take a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Magneuris Sierra led off with a walk, went to third on a double by Darren Seferina, then continued home when Logan Moon misplayed the ball in left field. Seferina then provided the power in the second inning with a two-run home run to put the Cardinals ahead 5-0.

Springfield outhit Northwest Arkansas 9-7 and the teams combined for seven errors, including three by the Naturals. Northwest Arkansas brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning but managed only one run.

"You can't walk batters to start the game and you can't make three errors," Northwest Arkansas manager Vance Wilson said.

Ryan Helsey (3-0) earned the victory over Zach Lovvorn (4-7) for Northwest Arkansas. Helsey held the Naturals to one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings while Lovvorn allowed seven its and six runs in 4 1/3 innings for the Naturals.

Northwest Arkansas got to within 6-2 on an RBI single by Donnie Dewees, Jr., in the seventh before Nicky Lopez grounded into an inning-ending double play. Springfield then added another run in the eighth on two singles, an error, and a sacrifice fly by Oscar Mercado.

SHORT HOPS

• Springfield leadoff batter Magneuris Sierra made the defensive play of the game in addition to walking and scoring the first run for the Cardinals.

Nicky Lopez led off the fourth inning with a sharply-hit ball that appeared headed into the left field corner at Arvest Ballpark. But Sierra ran the ball down and made a diving catch that drew cheers from fans throughout the ball park.

• Catcher Parker Morin was added to the Naturals' roster Tuesday after missing 51 games because of an injury to his wrist. Morin, 26, was hitting .176 for the Naturals when he was injured in June. He hit .309 with four home runs and 30 RBI for Northwest Arkansas in 2015.

On Deck: Right-hander Josh Staumont (1-3, 3.60 ERA) takes the mound for Northwest Arkansas tonight in the second of a four-game series with Springfield. Right-hander Chris Ellis (5-7, 4.25 ERA) will start for the Cardinals.

Todays' Promotion: Groups of 20 or more may purchase first and third base reserve tickets for $5 in advance.

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On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com

Sports on 08/23/2017

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