Becker collected five hits Tuesday night at Arvest Ballpark, powering the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to a 9-5 victory.
The standout performance marks one of the most productive games at the plate this season for the Naturals, who improved their record with the win over intra-state competition.
Becker, playing in his third season with the Naturals organization, has been a consistent contributor in the lineup. His five-hit effort ties the franchise record for hits in a single game, a feat accomplished by just a handful of players in the club’s history at the Springdale ballpark.
The Naturals jumped ahead early, plating three runs in the second inning before adding two more in the fourth. The offense continued to clicking, scoring in each of the next three innings to build a comfortable lead.
Starting pitcher Salvador led the team through five innings of work, allowing three runs while striking out four batters. The bullpen handled the final four innings, surrendering two additional runs but preserving the win.
The victory pulls the Naturals to within two games of .500 as they continue their current homestand. Northwest Arkansas sits fourth in the Texas League North Division standings, competing for a postseason position with 18 games remaining in the regular season.
Arvest Ballpark has hosted the Naturals since 2008, serving as the Double-A affiliate for the Kansas City Royals. The team draws approximately 6,000 fans per home game during the summer months, making it one of the more well-attended venues in the minor leagues.
Tuesday’s attendance totaled 4,872, with fans treated to ideal playing conditions under clear skies and temperatures in the mid-80s.
The Naturals continue their homestand Thursday against the Tulsa Drillers, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Source: NWA Naturals Baseball
