2013 Natural "Ace" Ventura Toes Rubber in Elimination Game
Published on October 28, 2014 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, Ark. - With the season on the line, the Kansas City Royals will turn to former 2013 Northwest Arkansas Natural RHP Yordano Ventura to start Game 6 of the 2014 MLB World Series. After taking a 2-1 series lead following Game 3, the Royals face elimination as they return to Kauffman Stadium tonight down 3-2 in the Series. Ventura, 23, will be making his fourth 2014 postseason start as he battles San Francisco Giants' veteran RHP Jake Peavy, Despite the Royals going 3-0 in his previous three starts, along with posting a 3.5 ERA across 18 innings pitched, Ventura is still looking for his first postseason victory.
Tonight marks a rematch from Game 2 of the World Series last Wednesday, in which the Royals were victorious 7-2. The Royals and the former Natural hope for similar success as Ventura went 5.1 innings while allowing only two earned runs in that start. RHP Kelvin Herrera, former 2011 Natural, picked up the victory in relief of Ventura. Peavy, meanwhile, would allow four earned runs in his five innings of work.
The Royals would pick up another victory in Game 3 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, as former Naturals Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer each contributed with RBI hits in the sixth to give Kansas City a 3-0 advantage. The Giants rallied back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning before Herrera relieved RHP Jeremy Guthrie and limited the damage. Former 2014 Natural LHP Brandon Finnegan relieved Herrera, followed by RHP Wade Davis and 2009 Natural RHP Greg Holland to close out the game at 3-2. Since that game, however, the momentum has shifted to San Francisco with back-to-back victories in Game 4 and Game 5 by San Francisco.
All three of Peavy's previous postseason starts have been on the road, in which the Giants are 1-2. In Ventura's last 15 starts, including the regular season, the Royals have only lost twice, while the "Ace" is 7-2.
Follow all the former Naturals playing for Kansas City this post-season on Twitter @nwanaturals using the hashtag #TheNatural13 for all the up-to-date highlights, statistics and information.
Season 8 of Naturals baseball will begin with a six-game road trip to Midland and Frisco before returning to Arvest Ballpark for their home opener on Thursday, April 16 against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics).
The Season 8 promotional schedule, game times and other details on discounted ticket plans as well as group information will be made available throughout the off-season. For any questions regarding our 2015 season, please give us a call at (479) 927-4900.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
Texas League Stories from October 28, 2014
- 2013 Natural "Ace" Ventura Toes Rubber in Elimination Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hunter Dozier Selected for Arizona Fall League All-Star Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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