Record on the Season: 20-23
It was a rough week for both sides of the ball as hitters failed to stand out and pitching struggled to keep runs from crossing the plate. The Naturals were outscored 41-20 during the series. They managed just one win with a 4-2 victory on Thursday evening. Aside from that “Thirsty Thursday” promotional game, it was a pretty abysmal showing. The offense managed decent run support in four of the six games but the pitching could not take advantage.
Pitcher of the Week
This award returns to the bullpen after resting with the rotation for a few weeks. Beck Way looked crisp in his two outings, earning a save and refusing to allow a run. Way only allowed one base runner, a single in his save, while striking out five. For those keeping track at home… six outs equals two innings of work. Way dominated on the mound, keeping the defense well rested, and avoiding bats entirely. He seemingly did so while staying in the zone as he granted zero walks during the outings.
He’s managed a great first two months with 20.1 innings, 25 strikeouts, 10 walks, and a 1.33 ERA. His WHIP could go down a bit from an already respectable 1.18. On the flip side, opponents aren’t hitting him well with an average of .192
Hitter of the Week
Surprise, surprise, Gavin Cross slides his stats across the table at me for another week. His OPS was not the highest on the team this week but he led the team in hits. His slash of .333/.346/.458 shows his continual progression this season as he becomes a clear frontrunner for the next promotion to AAA. Cross managed to tally another home run, five RBI, and four more stolen bases in a holistically productive week at the plate.
Again it is becoming clear that Cross has figured it out at the plate in Springdale. It is still early in the season, however he has absolutely turned it around after a slow start. Batting .303/.381/.452 on the year, he’s cut his strikeouts and begun seeing much more consistent contact. His power numbers are still a bit lower than what can be expected if he is going as well as he can, but it’s a start. Be on the lookout for another eye-popping week soon and potentially a spot on the MLB Top 100 prospects.
Other Notables
Diego Hernandez tagged two doubles while slashing .333/.333/.467 on the week. This will be two great weeks in a row as he continued to bounce back from an injury last season.
Peyton Wilson hit his seventh home run of the season. His power pop has flown under the radar as his contact skills have suffered this year. His .715 OPS could surge if the contact skills improve.
Anthony Simonelli put together the lone great start of the week. He threw 5 innings giving up 2 hits, 1 BB, 1 ER, and striking out five.
What’s Next
The Naturals will play seven this week, instead of their typical six, as they face off against the Tulsa Drillers. This will be the third series against the team with a 2-6 record against them on the season. The Drillers sit just a game back in the standings from the Naturals. With seven games being played due to a doubleheader makeup on Friday, there will be a great chance to establish themselves in the division.