NWA Comes through

Game Notes
Behind the stellar arm of Carlos Rosa, the Naturals finally edged a win in the Car-Mart Cup series with the Travelers. After dropping all 4 games against the cross-state rival in North Little Rock last weekend, the Naturals managed to split 4 with Springfield and have now won 3 of their last 5 (hey, our expectations are pretty low).

I watched the game from the Bud Light Bullpen Cafe beyond the left-field fence at a MANA fundraising event. It's fun to get a completely different angle on the game, and to have such a spectacular view of the stadium (all-you-can-eat burgers and hot dogs were pretty sweet, too). Don't know that I'd want to be out there all the time though, as the options are to stand or sit on picnic table benches, but it's a nice change of pace.

Prospect Watch
Rosa is amazing. He worked a no-hitter into the sixth and struck out 9 in eight shut-out innings. His numbers so far this season? 25IP/1.61E.R.A./25K/5BB/.79WHIP. I'll be pretty surprised if he's here all season, so anyone who wants to see a guy on the way up should get to the 'Vest soon.

Strategy Note
Really quick one - in the bottom of the ninth with a 3-run lead and 1 out, the Naturals' Kila Kaaihue attempted to stretch a single into a double. It looked pretty clear that he wasn't going to make it, though the play was relatively close. I like this move in this situation for a couple reasons. First, another run would change the game, putting N. Little Rock in a situation where they couldn't get the lead on a single swing. Also, the worst that happens is the pitcher inning is shortened and the pitcher doesn't have to wait much longer to close the game out. When I pitched (not professionally, granted) I never wanted a long inning at the plate with a lead heading into the top of the final inning.