RockHounds Sweep Naturals
Published on June 1, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR - The Midland RockHounds used a three-run eighth inning to seal an 8-4 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The Naturals outhit the RockHounds 14-9 in the loss.
The RockHounds scored first in the final game of the three game set, pushing across a run against Naturals' starter Chris Dwyer in the bottom of the first inning. Conner Crumbliss singled, stole second, and later scored on an RBI goundout from Michael Choice. The RBI was the 25 of the season for Choice.
Midland added to their lead in the bottom of the second inning. Dwyer (3-6) issued six walks in the frame allowing the RockHounds to score three runs and make it 4-0. Bryan Paukovits came one to record the final out and was able to strand three of the RockHound runners on base. Dwyer went one and two-thirds innings allowing one hit and four runs, issuing seven walks.
The Naturals threatened in the top of the third inning getting singles from Nick Van Stratten and Paulo Orlando, along with a Christian Colon walk to load the bases. RockHounds' starter Murphy Smith (4-2) worked out of the jam though getting Eric Duncan to fly out to center field.
Johnny Whittleman led off the fourth inning with a walk, Sharlon Schoop followed with a single, and Van Stratten delivered a single of his own to reload the bases. Rey Navarro roped a single to center field to plate Whittleman to cut the lead to 4-1. Smith again worked out of the jam without further damage getting Ryan Jenkins to ground into a double play to end the inning. Smith went five innings allowing seven hits and one run, walking three and fanning four.
Carlo Testa led off the sixth inning against RockHounds reliever Carlos Hernandez with his ninth double of the season. Navarro followed with another RBI, this time coming on a double to cut the lead to 4-2. Jenkins picked up an RBI single as well to pull the Naturals within one.
Paukovtis did a brilliant job of keeping the Naturals (26-27) in the game going four innings allowing four hits and one run, while striking out two. The RockHounds tacked on another run on a Jon Keck wild pitch to make it 5-3.
The RockHounds (29-24) again went to the bullpen to start the seventh inning summoning AJ Huttenlocker. Huttenlcoker struck out Duncan, before allowing three straight singles to Whittleman, Schoop, and Testa to load the bases, before being lifted in favor of Paul Smyth. Smyth got Van Stratten to ground out, but Whittleman scored on the play to again cut the lead to 5-4. Navarro then struck again stranding the tying run just ninety feet away.
The RockHounds blew the game wide open in the bottom of the eighth inning picking up three more runs to push their lead to 8-4.
The Naturals begin a three-game series with the Frisco RoughRiders on Saturday night at 7:00 PM. Left-hander Noel Arguelles (2-5, 7.27) will get the start for the Naturals against the RoughRiders Jacob Brigham (2-2, 3.59). The game can be heard on NewsTalk 1030 AM KFAY.
Texas League Stories from June 1, 2012
- Hooks Complete Three-Game Sweep - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Take Missions 6-2 - Springfield Cardinals
- Frisco Sweeps Tulsa - Tulsa Drillers
- Ninth Inning Rally Drills Drillers - Frisco RoughRiders
- RockHounds Sweep Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, June 1 vs. Arkansas - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Lose 15-Inning Marathon Game - Arkansas Travelers
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.
