Image credit: Andy Shupe, NWA Democrat Gazette
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals went 3-3 last week. They now sit at 3-6 on the season and sit six games back in the Texas League North standings. Infielder Josh Lester led the way with eight hits on the week, followed closely by Gavin Cross and Peyton Wilson at seven hits apiece. Starter Noah Cameron was fantastic in his start last week and reliever Beck Way was perfect over three innings of work. The pitching has been strong thus far for Northwest Arkansas, shown best by the team’s 4.20 ERA on the season. That mark ranks fifth in the Texas League so far this season. Unfortunately, the offense hasn’t been able to hold up their end of the bargain.
The Naturals’ offense has mustered just 35 runs this season, good for ninth in the Texas League. Only Corpus Christi has scored fewer runs. The team’s on-base percentage (.305) ranks second last as well, and they’ve drawn a league-low 22 walks on the season. The Naturals will look to get the offense back on track tomorrow when they kick off a six-game series against the Midland RockHounds.
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Although there were a handful of standout performances, including Beck Way and Ryan Brady, the real top performer on the week was LHP Noah Cameron. He got the start on Thursday for Northwest Arkansas. Cameron finished his day with six innings pitched, allowing just four hits and no earned runs. He struck out six Missions hitters without allowing a walk. Beyond the stat line, Cameron was extremely efficient as well. It took just 69 pitches for him to get through six full innings.
On the season, the 24-year-old lefty now has a 1.89 ERA and a 26.8% strikeout rate. This offseason Cameron worked toward being able to maintain his velocity throughout the entire season, while also adding a cutter to his pitch mix. So far, that cutter has given hitters yet another wrinkle to look for and it’s paid off well.
HITTER OF THE WEEK
Josh Lester led the way with eight hits for the Naturals this week. Gavin Cross had a strong week as well, hitting .304 at the plate with three doubles. Just clearing both, however, is second baseman Peyton Wilson. Wilson was fantastic on the week, slashing .318/.400/.636 with two doubles, a triple, and a home run. He’s started playing in the outfield again this season as well, with some time in left field.
On the week, Wilson paced all Naturals hitters, ranking first in OPS, triples, home runs, RBI, walks, and on-base percentage. In now his second season at Double-A, Wilson has a 158 wRC+ on the season — the best mark of his entire professional career were it over a full season. Much of that success is held up by an impressive .286 ISO.
OTHER NOTABLE STORYLINES
Reliever Beck Way pitched once over the last week but was fantastic. He pitched in relief on April 12, going three full innings. He didn’t allow a hit or a walk and struck out four Missions hitters.
Catcher Rodolfo Durán continues to stand out this season. He’s appeared in five games thus far, slashing .368/.368/.737 with a team-leading two home runs.
Outfielder Gavin Cross continues to shake off the rust. He raised his season average to .270 this week but has still struggled with the strikeouts and is yet to find the home run column this season.