Smith Powers Travs To Victory
Published on August 4, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas - Corey Smith hit two home runs, his 18th and 19th of the season, to propel the Arkansas Travelers (16-28, 52-62) over the NW Arkansas Naturals (27-17, 60-54). In a spot start, starter Daniel Davidson pitched very well until he was lifted after four innings. Davidson was filling in for Anthony Ortega who was called up to start for the Triple-A club.
Davidson got into a little trouble in the first, allowing two singles, but a double play and a pop up bailed him out. He allowed only one more single, which came in the third, on his way to pitching four shutout innings needing only 40 pitches.
Corey Smith got things started in the bottom of the second, leading off the inning with his first of two home runs for a quick 1-0 lead.
Pitching in his first game as a reliever this year, Fernando Rodriguez came in and pitched the fifth and sixth innings for his first win since June 7. It was his first scoreless appearance since pitching a complete-game shutout against the Nats on May 17.
The Travs added to their lead in the fifth when Ortiz singled and scored ahead of Coby Smith's RBI groundout for a 2-0 lead.
Corey Smith broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run homer off the scoreboard in left field to extend the lead to 4-0.
Francisco Rodriguez came in to relieve Fernando and gave up two runs, one earned, in two innings pitched. The two runs came in the top of the seventh on an Irving Falu home run.
Arkansas got the two runs back on Flint Wipke's two run homer in the bottom of the eighth. The home run extended the lead to four runs and eliminated the save chance for Rafael Rodriguez who came in to relieve Francisco.
Rowdy Hardy (5-9) started the game for the Nats and was touched for four runs on six hits in six innings and was saddled with his ninth loss of the season.
Wil Ortiz finished the night 2-for-4 with two runs scored and bumped his average back over the .250 mark at .251 and also stole a base.
The win for the Travs evened the four-game series and ended the homestand on a positive note even though they finished 3-4 for the seven games. The Travs now stand 11 games behind the Nats in the second half standings and are 12 games under the .500 mark.
Time of game was 2:07 and paid attendance was 5,511.
Boxscore
The Travelers will enjoy their first day off on Tuesday since July 9. The team will use the day to travel to Texas before taking on Corpus Christi for three games. Starting for the Travs will be RHP Bobby Mosebach (9-9, 4.71 ERA). He will be opposed by the Hooks' LHP Polin Trinidad (4-5, 4.28 ERA). Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Texas League Stories from August 4, 2008
- Pagnozzi Saves Cardinals in 13th - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Lose To Cards In 13 - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks Let One Slip Away - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Smith Powers Travs To Victory - Arkansas Travelers
- Frisco defeats San Antonio, sweep series - Frisco RoughRiders
- Texas League Update - TL1
- Hooks Return Home Wednesday-Monday - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Lose Ortega to AAA - Arkansas Travelers
- Streaking To The Playoffs? - Midland RockHounds
- Streaking To The Playoffs? - Midland RockHounds
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