NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Hunter Owen struck out eight in a quality start, but the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (24-35, 53-73) fell 3-2 to the Arkansas Travelers (27-32, 68-60) on Wednesday Night. The two teams continue their six-game series on Thursday at 6:35 PM CT.
The Travelers struck first on Owen in the opening frame. Two infield singles, including one that struck the lefty on the knee, put two runners on base. They both stole to move into second and third before Caleb Cali singled to center, scoring them both to make it a 2-0 game.
Owen settled down after the inning, retiring 14 straight from the second inning on while striking out eight. After Owen completed his sixth and final inning, the Nats tied the game. Connor Scott singled on an infield pop-up and moved to third when Canyon Brown singled to right. Brown stole second, and Alberto Rodriguez hit a sacrifice to right, with Scott to score and Brown moving into third base, scoring on a balk to tie the game.
Frank Mozzicato took the mound in relief and struck out the side in the seventh before the Travs scratched across a run in the eighth, taking a 3-2 lead and winning by the same tally.
The Naturals and Travelers continue their series at Dickey-Stephens Park on Thursday at 6:35 PM CT. Fans can catch all the action for free with the "Voice of the Naturals", Shawn Murnin, and the free radio broadcast at www.NWANaturals.com or the MiLB App.