Duncan's Four Hits Not Enough for Naturals
Published on May 21, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - Travlers' shortstop Jean Segura drove in three runs and stole a base on Monday, as the Travelers defeated the Naturals 6-3 at Dickey-Stephens Park. The Travelers won three of four games against the Naturals in North Little Rock.
The Travelers got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning after Jimmy Swift reached on an error by Naturals' shortstop Rey Navarro, and a single to left field by Rian Kiniry. Kiniry advanced to second on the play when Naturals' outfielder Paulo Orlando threw to third base. Swift scored on a passed ball by Naturals' catcher Julio Rodriguez to make it 1-0. Segura followed with an RBI single to plate Kiniry and make it 2-0.
The Travelers (19-25) offense picked up two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning against Naturals starter Ethan Hollingsworth (0-1) to make it 4-0. Hollingsworth went four and two-thirds innings allowing four hits and four runs, only two of which were earned.
Segura came through again in the clutch for the Travelers in the bottom of the sixth inning. The shortstop delivered a two-run single that plated Adam Heether and Angel Castillo to give the Travs a 6-0 lead. The RBI was the 18th of the season, for Segura, who also stole his 18th base of the season in the contest.
Ariel Pena (2-4) was brilliant on the mound for the Travelers going six inning allowing just five hits, while striking out eight. The eight strikeouts by Pena tied him for the most by a Naturals' opponent this season with his teammat Orangel Arenas who accomplished the feat on April 21 also in North Little Rock.
The Naturals (24-20) avoided being shutout by getting on the board in the ninth inning. Eric Duncan led off the frame with a single off of Travelers' reliever Chris school for his fourth hit of the game. Orlando followed with a single, and Yem Prades came through with a two-run single to cut the lead to 6-2. Prades moved to second on a throwing error by Segura, and was then driven in by Carlo Testa that cut the lead to 6-3. The RBI was the 19th of the season for Testa. Steven Geltz came on in relief for the Travelers and got the last out of the ball game to record his fifth save of the season.
The Naturals return to Arvest Ballpark for a six-game homestand beginning on Wednesday May 23 at 7 PM. against the Midland RockHounds. The Naturals will send Noel Arguelles (2-3, 5.79) against the RockHounds Gary Daley (5-2, 4.69). The first 1,500 fans will receive a Naturals fleece blanket. The game can be heard on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket.
Texas League Stories from May 21, 2012
- Naturals Offer Memorial Day Special for Military - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, May 21 at Midland - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Ninth Inning Rally Secures Game, Series Win for Frisco - Frisco RoughRiders
- Tulsa Drops Series Finale in Springfield - Tulsa Drillers
- Pena Pitches Travs to Series Win over Naturals - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Shutout Drillers 4-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Duncan's Four Hits Not Enough for Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hooks Back for Quick Six - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Upcoming Homestand Highlights - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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