Naturals Double Hooks in Eighth
Published on April 13, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI -- Northwest Arkansas struck for four runs in the eighth inning to defeat Corpus Christi 8-4 Monday night at Whataburger Field before 5,972.
The Naturals stand 3-2. The Hooks are 2-3.
Corey Smith, Brian McFall and Jordan Parraz collected RBIs off Brad James as the Naturals built a 3-0 first-inning lead. Northwest Arkansas was aided by two walks, shortstop Wladimir Sutil's fielding error and a throwing miscue from right fielder Mitch Einertson. Joe Dickerson doubled to highlight the frame.
Consecutive ground outs after Mark Ori's lead-off double pushed the Hooks designated hitter across in the second. Jimmy Van Ostrand's bouncer to second and a Drew Locke shot to deep short cut the advantage to 3-1.
Northwest Arkansas quickly grabbed the run back on Parraz' bases-loaded sacrifice fly.
James exited after 75 pitches, four innings, four hits, two earned runs and a strikeout. He walked five.
The Hooks pulled to within a run in the fifth, the result of a two-out uprising. Sutil cracked an infield single to the left side and Collin DeLome followed with a towering shot into the right field bullpen, his second of the year.
Corpus Christi pulled even in the seventh when Sutil scored on an error by Smith at first base. Sutil reached on a fielder's choice and swiped second before DeLome's sharp hopper skipped under Smith's glove.
The Naturals pulled away against Andy Van Hekken in the eighth. Van Hekken (0-1) threw three scoreless innings in relief of James but was peppered for four runs on five hits as Northwest Arkansas batted around. McFall opened with a double and Parraz, Kurt Mertins and John Suomi followed with singles. Mertins, who drove home McFall, ultimately scored on a wild pitch. Josh Johnson and Mario Lisson also picked up RBIs.
Carlos Sencion (1-0) earned the victory by scattering three hits and fanning four over four innings. He replaced starter Matt Kniginyzky for the sixth. Kniginyzky permitted five hits, three runs, walked one and struck out two.
Corpus Christi's Sergio Perez (1-0) faces Dan Cortes (0-1) in the final game of the series and homestand Tuesday.
Texas League Stories from April 13, 2009
- Naturals Double Hooks in Eighth - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Cards Fall Monday, Home Tuesday at 12:10pm - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Rally In Ninth For Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks' tempers flare in Naturals' win - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Travs, Riders Split Monday Doubleheader - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers Stadium Getting New Name - Tulsa Drillers
- Missions Jump Out Early, Hold on Late - San Antonio Missions
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.
