Second Half Record: 4-2
The Naturals have been hots for weeks, finishing the first half of the schedule on a 10-2 run. They continued this success last week with an offense-driven week as the bats were on fire. With this 4-3 start, the Naturals are tied for the best record in the Texas League in the second half. They highlighted this week with an 8-6 win on Tuesday and an 11-7 win on Friday. The Wind Surge didn’t have many answers for the bats this week, holding them under three runs just once. With the offense continuing to surge, the pitching has benefited from far fewer high-leverage situations but failed to produce many standouts this week.
Pitcher of the Week
Mason Barnett made an extra start this week, only giving up two earned runs over 10.0 innings pitched. He led the team in innings pitched and strikeouts (9) on his way to this week’s performance. It was an off week for the staff but many pitchers were able to cobble together productive weeks. This week comes off a low spot for Barnett on the season, making the performance notable and all the more impressive. These numbers won’t continue to keep him in this spot in future weeks but it does signal a potential upturn in his production. The team leader in strikeouts hopes to impress with other stats as the season progresses.
Hitter of the Week
For the first time this season, Luca Tresh takes home the honor after a monster week at the plate. In five games played, Tresh mashed three home runs while slashing .333/.429/.833. He has had a fantastic year already, with the second-highest OPS on the team, but we finally see him explode for a power streak we haven’t seen from him yet. Tresh had six hits total and three walks to bolster his numbers for the week, continuing his seven-gam hit streak in the process.
Other Notables
Eric Cerantola threw three scoreless appearances over 3.0 IP. He struck out four in the process only only gave up one hit.
Luinder Avila continues to raise his stock with 5.0 IP and 5 Ks in his start this week. He only gave up three hits as well.
Beck Way struck out five in only 2.0 innings of work. It was his lone outing of the week.
Dillan Shrum is back on track after slashing .412/.500/.706 this week. Among his seven hits were two doubles and a home run.
Leonel Valera finished his torrid June with yet another great week. Slashing .353/.353/.588, he registered two triples on the week.
Tyler Tolbert had a .934 OPS thanks to an eight-hit week, two of which were doubles. He scored six runs in the process.
What’s Next
The Naturals will split a home and away series this week with the Springfield Cardinals. The first three games (Monday-Wednesday) will be played in SpringDALE with the final three games (Thursday-Saturday) being played in SpringFIELD. The Cardinals had a great first half and matched the Naturals’ record last week. It should be a fun matchup between the two squads whose offenses know how to put on a show. The 4th of July won’t be the only fireworks at the ballpark this week.
