TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Naturals Defeat Hooks in Series Finale

Published on May 28, 2015 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Terrance Gore delivered a two out, RBI bunt single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning to cap a two run frame and propel the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (30-15) to a victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks (31-15). The 3-2 victory on Thursday night by the Naturals came in the series finale between the two (2) first place ball clubs.

Entering the bottom of the sixth inning trailing 2-1, the Naturals would breakthrough against the Hooks. Balbino Fuenmayor led off the inning with a single off Hooks' starter Mark Appel. Hunter Dozier followed with a single of his own to move Fuenmayor to second base. Zane Evans stepped up next and delivered an RBI single to right center field on the first pitch he saw from Appel to tie the game at 2. Two outs later, Gore drove in the game-winning run with his RBI bunt single off new Hooks pitcher Travis Ballew, who had come into the game to replace Appel, to score Zane Evans and give the Naturals the 3-2 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

The Naturals recorded 11 hits in the game with all nine starters collecting at least one hit in the contest. Babino Fuenmayor led the offense once again for the Naturals as he went 2 for 4 with a run scored and increased his league leading batting average among active players to .368 on the year.

RHP J.C. Sulbaran (4-3 3.91 ERA) gave the Naturals a solid start and received the win by working six innings allowing only two runs on seven hits, walked two, and struck out four Hooks. RHP Mark Peterson received the hold, his fifth of the season, after working two hitless innings. RHP Benino Pruneda got the save, his first of the season, after retiring the order in the top of the ninth inning.

Mark Appel (3-1, 5.85 ERA), the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, received his first loss of the season giving up three runs on nine hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Terrance Gore, Jorge Bonifacio, and Zane Evans each recorded an RBI in the game.

The Thunder Chickens will welcome the San Antonio Missions (Double-A San Diego Padres) to Arvest Ballpark on Friday, May 29 for a game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. For one (1) night only in 2015, the Naturals will reprise their role as the Thunder Chickens on Thunder Chickens Night featuring a post-game Fireworks Spectacular presented by Mini Babybel® Cheese. RHP Luke Farrell (0-0, 4.15 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Thunder Chickens and he will be opposed by the Missions' RHP Chris Smith (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

You can catch all the live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for Thunder Chickens baseball on KQSM 92.1 The Ticket at 6:50 p.m. for Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch against the Missions.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @nwanaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime for all of our up-to-date information on tickets, groups, promotions, roster, and team information.

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 May 28, 2015


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