Travs Walk Past Naturals in Series Opener

Arkansas draws nine walks in victory

(Mark Wagner)

May 9, 2023

North Little Rock, AR—The Arkansas Travelers broke a tie by scoring four times without a hit in the eighth inning on their way to an 8-4 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. Six walks and an error created the winning rally for the Travs.

North Little Rock, AR—The Arkansas Travelers broke a tie by scoring four times without a hit in the eighth inning on their way to an 8-4 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. Six walks and an error created the winning rally for the Travs. Jake Anchia drew the bases loaded walk that gave them the lead. Juan Mercedes allowed just two runs over five innings in his first Double-A start for Arkansas. Travis Kuhn was the winner out of the bullpen while Isaiah Campbell closed out the game with a perfect ninth.

Moments That Mattered

* Kuhn saw the Naturals load the bases with a hit and two walks with two out in the top of the eighth but stranded the bases loaded by striking out Dillan Shrum.

* Anchia drew a free pass on a close full count pitch to put the Travs on top in the bottom of the eighth. Connor Hoover followed with a hard ground ball out that scored another run.

Notable Travs Performances

* LF Robert Perez, Jr.: 2-4, 2 RBI

* C Jake Anchia: 1-3, BB, 2 runs, RBI

News and Notes

* Mercedes made his first start in Double-A but fifth of the season overall in six appearances.

* It was the Travs first win of the season at home when the oppositions hit multiple homers.

Up Next

The series continues Wednesday night with Kyle Tyler (0-1, 8.00) starting for the Travs against Alec Marsh (2-0, 2.88) for the Naturals. It is the Dog Days of Summer with first pitch at 6:35. The game will also be broadcast on 106.7 Buz2, the Bally Live App, milb.tv and mlb.tv.