Junis Fires Seven-Shutout Innings in Naturals 1-0 Win over Travelers
May 8, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - For the second consecutive game, the Naturals' starting pitcher stole the headline. 23-year old right-hander, Jake Junis took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and completed seven-shutout frames to highlight Northwest Arkansas' 1-0 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon at Dickey-Stephens Park.
Northwest Arkansas (15-14) has now executed back-to-back strikeouts in consecutive games for the first time this season.
The Naturals offense came in the top of the fourth inning. First baseman, Ryan O'Hearn singled into right-field and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Orlando Calixte. The next batter, Bubba Starling blooped a double down the left-field line off Arkansas' starter, Blayne Weller (1-4, 2.62), to plate O'Hearn from second, giving the Naturals' a 1-0 lead.
Northwest Arkansas' starter, Junis (2-2, 4.26), maintained that one-run advantage by not allowing a runner to reach base until the seventh inning.
Junis' no-hit bid came to end with a lead-off single in the 7th inning on the first pitch of the frame by Cal Towey; but Junis quickly erased him with a force out at second. The right-hander allowed two total hits on the night, struck out four and walked just two to earn his second win of the season.
The Rock Falls, Ill. native induced 10 ground ball outs and three fly ball outs, doing an impressive job of manipulating the bottom of the strike zone.
O'Hearn finished the day 2-for-4 with his third double of the season while Starling now has three doubles and two RBIs over his last two games. Calixte's base hit extended his hitting streak to six games while Raul Mondesi and Logan Moon tabbed the other hits to equate to the Naturals' six total.
Right-hander, Yender Caramo, worked around a lead-off single in the eighth by taking the first out on a sacrifice bunt, then striking out the final two men of the frame. Right-hander, Kevin McCarthy, worked a perfect ninth frame to notch his league-leading fifth save of the season.
The win puts the Naturals above .500 for the first time this season and the club has now won six straight road games, including four in a row, overall.
The series continues tomorrow evening from Dickey-Stephens Park with left-hander, Eric Skoglund (1-1, 3.95) taking the hill for the Naturals. Right-hander, Raul Alcantra (1-2, 4.91) counters for the Travelers. .
Join the Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, for a 6:50 p.m. Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to a 7:10 p.m. first pitch on the flagship station of the Naturals, 92.1-FM, the Ticket.
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.
Texas League Stories from May 8, 2016
- Guzman's Homer Helps Frisco Ride to Victory - Frisco RoughRiders
- San Antonio Rides Long Ball to Win - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Blanked by Nats Back-To-Back Days - Arkansas Travelers
- Junis Fires Seven-Shutout Innings in Naturals 1-0 Win over Travelers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Even Series with Sunday Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Excel in All Phases in 5-0 Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Riders Game Notes - 4:05 p.m. vs. Midland RockHounds - May 8, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Hooks Blank San Antonio - 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.
