TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Binford, Naturals Notch Gritty Victory over Springfield, 5-2

Published on April 26, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Entering tonight's game two of a four-game series against the Springfield Cardinals, the Naturals knew it would be a competitive game; but the contest turned into a pitcher's duel. Right-hander Christian Binford (2-2, 7.29) worked 7.0, two-run innings and retired the final 18 hitters faced while the offense broke through with a five-run seventh frame en route to a 5-2 win on Tuesday night.

The Naturals' 23-year old right-hander surrendered a lead-off walk, a double and a two-run, broken bat base hit in the second inning, and that was it. Binford went on to retire the next 18 consecutive batters while striking out a season-high seven hitters while authoring a seven-inning gem.

Binford went toe-to-toe with Springfield's (10-8) starter, Daniel Poncedeleon (1-2, 3.22) who stymied the Naturals' sticks through the first six innings of work while punching out 10 batters in the process. 14 straight hitter for Northwest Arkansas were sent back to the third-base dugout, perplexed by the 24-year old hurler.

In the seventh inning, centerfielder Bubba Starling ignited the offense with a single on a 1-2 pitch to right-centerfield while the next batter, Hunter Dozier drew a walk on five pitcher. On the next pitch, Mauricio Ramos singled into centerfield to score Starling from second to cut the Springfield lead to 2-1, bringing Frank Schwindel to the plate.

Schwindel squared to bunt on the initial offering from Poncedeleon and on the next pitch, cracked a three-run home run over the left-centerfield wall to put the Naturals in front, 4-2, for good.

Infielder, Ramon Torres added an RBI single in the frame extending the Naturals' advantage at 5-2.

Left-hander, Estarlin Cordero worked a scoreless eighth inning to record his first hold of the season while right-hander Kevin McCarthy threw a perfect ninth to notch his third save of the year.

The victory over the Cardinals evens the four-game series at a game each and snapped seven-game road losing streak for the Naturals.

Northwest Arkansas now turns to right-hander Jake Junis (1-1, 5.40) tomorrow morning to continue the success as he hunts for his second straight win. Right-hander Andrew Morales (2-1, 2.84) gets the ball for the Cardinals.

First pitch from Hammons Field is scheduled 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Tune in with the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, for a 10:55 Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the Season Nine of Naturals Baseball, tickets, groups, promotions, roster, season standings, player statistics, and updates on Naturals alumni.

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.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from April 26, 2016


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