The Arkansas Travelers wrapped up their series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals with a 9-5 win on Sunday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, marking their fifth consecutive victory over the Naturals and extending their winning streak to five games overall.
Arkansas (24-15) dominated the six-game series, taking five of the matchups after dropping the opener 9-4 on Tuesday. Sunday’s win was fueled by timely hitting and four home runs, three of which came in the first four innings. The Travelers recorded 13 hits in the finale, with Hunter Fitz-Gerald leading the charge. He went 3 for 5 with two runs and three RBIs, including one home run.
Jared Sundstrom and Aaron McKeithan each added a home run and two hits, while Lazaro Montes also went deep for Arkansas. The offensive surge helped the Travelers build an early lead and maintain control through the middle innings.
“It’s a good place to be,” said Travelers Manager Rich Thompson. “The guys played great this week. I can’t speak highly enough of how the boys are working hard and trusting the process and it’s showing on the field.”
The Naturals (19-20) kept pace offensively in the early innings, scoring runs in the second and third frames. However, Arkansas answered with a three-run third and added insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings to pull away. Northwest Arkansas stranded seven runners and committed two errors, contributing to Arkansas’ offensive success.
Arkansas returns to North Little Rock for a 12-game homestand, maintaining their position atop the Texas League North Division. The Travelers are now 5.5 games ahead of the second-place Tulsa Drillers, with the Naturals sitting in fourth place, 8.5 games back.
Sunday’s game was the final home outing for the Naturals before they embark on a road trip to face the Travelers next week. The series loss ends a challenging stretch for Northwest Arkansas, which had been looking to bounce back after a slow start to the month.
The Naturals were led offensively by Charlie Pagliarini, who went 2 for 4 with a double and one RBI. Despite strong individual efforts, the team was unable to overcome Arkansas’ early surge and defensive miscues.
Attendance at Arvest Ballpark was steady, with fans turning out for the Sunday afternoon matchup. The series marked one of the final extended home stands for the Naturals before the minor league schedule shifts into its summer rhythm.
For the Travelers, the sweep sets a strong tone for their upcoming homestand. With their pitching staff showing improvement and the lineup producing consistent offense, Arkansas is aiming to hold onto its division lead as the season moves into June.
Baseball fans in Northwest Arkansas can follow the Naturals’ upcoming road trip through the team’s official website and local broadcast channels. Season ticket holders and group outing participants are encouraged to check the team’s social media for updates on promotions and travel arrangements.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
