SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (15-24, 44-62) struck out a season-high 17 batters, but fell 6-3 to the Wichita Wind Surge (17-22, 42-64) on Sunday afternoon at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals begin a six-game set in Springfield, Missouri, against the Cardinals on Tuesday at 7:05 PM CT.
Hunter Owen dealt three innings of one-run ball for Northwest Arkansas. The southpaw dealt six of the Naturals’ 17 strikeouts.
After Wichita tacked on with a run in the top of the fifth, the Naturals took the lead with three runs in the bottom half on one swing of the bat. Johnson hit a three-run, 434-foot home run to left to make it 3-2, Nats. Johnson has reached base safely in 11 consecutive games and has hits in 10 of those contests.
Dennis Colleran Jr. dealt two innings in relief of Owen. The right-hander tied his career high with six punchouts. Brandon Johnson (2), Caden Monke (1) and Augusto Mendieta (2) also contributed to the season-high strikeout total for Northwest Arkansas pitching.
The Wind Surge plated four in the eighth to take a 6-3 advantage, which was the final score.
Northwest Arkansas hits the road to start a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM CT. Fans can follow along by listening to the radio call with the "Voice of the Naturals", Shawn Murnin, all season long on the MiLB app and NWANaturals.com.