Hooks End Skid, Beat Naturals 8-2
July 14, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Hooks erupted for five runs in the top of the fourth and played well in all elements of the game to defeat Northwest Arkansas 8-2 Monday night at Arvest Ballpark.
The win snaps Corpus Christi's losing streak at three games and gives the Hooks a 7-10 record in the second half.
Drew Meyer opened the fourth with a bunt single past pitcher Everett Teaford (3-3). Ground ball outs by Drew Locke and Jason Castro moved Meyer to third. Jimmy Van Ostrand walked on four pitches, putting runners at the corners with two outs.
Jhon Florentino, who set the tone for the evening with four assists on some difficult chances at third base in the first three innings, singled to center to plate Meyer for a 1-0 Corpus Christi lead. Mark Ori followed with a double to the gap in left-center, bringing in two more runs for a 3-0 edge.
Collin DeLome singled to right, chasing Ori home to make it 4-0. First baseman Corey Smith cut David Lough's throw from right, and DeLome was hung up between first and second. DeLome broke for second, and Smith flipped the ball to Yuniesky Betancourt, who couldn't hold on for the out. DeLome was safe on Betancourt's error, and scored on the next pitch when Mitch Einertson drilled a double to left.
The Naturals never seriously threatened to cut into the deficit. Hooks starter Sergio Perez surrendered Jose Duarte's RBI single in the fourth and a solo home run by Betancourt in the seventh, but that was it. Perez (7-8) allowed seven hits and five walks over 6.2 innings while striking out three.
In addition to Florentino's solid defense early on, Perez got help in the form of a double play in the fifth and a charging play by Meyer at second in the sixth to get the final out of the inning with the bases loaded.
Meyer added a two-run double in the seventh and Locke brought in the game's final run with a two-out single in the ninth.
Danny Meszaros finished the game for the Hooks with 2.1 innings of shutout relief. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three.
The series at Northwest Arkansas and the road trip concludes with a noon start on Tuesday. Southpaw Andy Van Hekken (4-2, 4.22) battles Matt Kniginyzky (2-7, 5.65) of the Naturals.
• Discuss this story on the Texas League message board...
Texas League Stories from July 14, 2009
- Drillers Fall in Finale - Tulsa Drillers
- RoughRiders Defeat Travs in Slugfest - Frisco RoughRiders
- Redbirds Finish Trip 3-3 After 10-5 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Naturals fend off late rally, take series from Hooks - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Late Rally Not Enough, Hooks Drop Series - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs' Place Walden, Florence on Disabled List - Arkansas Travelers
- Hooks End Skid, Beat Naturals 8-2 - Corpus Christi Hooks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
