Hooks Win Northwest (AR) Nail-Biter
Published on June 3, 2016 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
Corpus Christi Hooks Catcher Roberto Pena
(Corpus Christi Hooks)
SPRINGDALE, AR - Home runs by Roberto Pena and Teoscar Hernandez powered the Hooks to a 3-2 victory over Northwest Arkansas Friday night at Arvest Ballpark.
Corpus Christi (33-20) is 4-0 on the road trip and stands a season-best 13 games over .500.
Chase McDonald coaxed a lead-off walk from Matt Strahm in the second. Two outs later, Pena belted a 2-0 pitch over the left field fence for his first homer of the year.
The Naturals (26-27) leveled the score with a pair in the fourth against Francis Martes. Corey Toups began the inning and hit a line drive to right field, which was misjudged by Derek Fisher, racing in to make the catch. Fisher's error put Toups at third for Mauricio Ramos who lifted a single into shallow center, plating NW Arkansas' first run.
Later in the frame, with the bases loaded, Cameron Gallagher hit a base hit through the left side to tie the game. Jack Lopez was next and sent a sharp grounder to Chan-Jong Moon at shortstop. Moon backhanded the ball and started a sensational double play to escape the jam.
Martes struck out six and walked three in 6 1/3 innings.
Eric Peterson (2-1) earned the victory by retiring both batters he faced in the seventh, stranding a pair.
Hernandez opened the eighth by crushing a 3-2 pitch from Evan Beal (2-1) over the fence in center, pushing the Hooks ahead 3-2.
Moon dropped a pop up to begin the home half. Ryan O'Hearn was next and belted a double to the gap in left-center. Hernandez tracked it down and got it to Moon, who fired a strike from the outfield to cut down the tying run at home plate.
Brendan McCurry, who picked up his Texas League leading 11th save, retired the first two batters quickly in the ninth. Terrance Gore kept the Naturals' hopes alive by working a free pass. Gore tried to steal second but was gunned down by Roberto Pena to end the game. It marked only the second time in 13 chances the speedster has been caught stealing this year.
The series continues Saturday night. Hooks lefty Evan Grills (1-0, 0.90) faces Jake Junis (4-3, 2.86). First pitch 6:05.
Images from this story
 Corpus Christi Hooks Catcher Roberto Pena |
Texas League Stories from June 3, 2016
- Tulsa, (A)OK - Midland RockHounds
- RoughRiders Battle Cardinals for 6-5 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Guzman's Big Night Helps Riders End Losing Streak - Frisco RoughRiders
- Hooks Win Northwest (AR) Nail-Biter - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Hooks Homer Past Naturals in Series Opener - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Win Fifth Straight - Tulsa Drillers
- Riders Game Notes - 7:05 p.m. vs. Springfield Cardinals - June 3, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Shin-Soo Choo to Rehab in Frisco, Beginning Tonight - Frisco RoughRiders
- Choctaw Lazy River Filled with Water, Nearing Completion - Frisco RoughRiders
- Missions Swept by Naturals - San Antonio Missions
- Weekend Highlights: June 3 - June 5 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Heckuva Night Inside the Park - Midland RockHounds
- Hooks Blank Travs for Sweep - 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.
