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TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Strahm Shines as Naturals Fall in a Walk-Off at Springfield

April 25, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 24-year old left-handed prospect, Matt Strahm, did nothing but up his prospective status tonight. With Kansas City Royals assistant general manager, J.J. Picollo in the stands tonight, the West Fargo, N.D. native twirled 7.0 innings of two-run baseball with five strikeout in a no-decision effort.

Unfortunately for Strahm, Springfield (10-7) had the final at-bat and used it to the club's full advantage. Reliever, Yender Caramo (1-2, 3.29) had two outs and two on in the bottom of the ninth inning and delivered a first pitch to Cardinals' third baseman, Paul DeJong, that scored both runners as Springfield took game one of the four game series by a final score of 4-3 on Monday night at Hammons Field.

In Strahm's seven frames, the left-hander made just two mistakes. Outfielder, Harrison Bader, hit the first pitch he saw in the first inning for a lead-off homer run; but Strahm retired the next three in order. Then, in the second inning, First baseman, Luke Voit, hit the second pitch he saw over the fence for a solo home run; but again, Strahm retired the next three batters consecutively.

That trend of home run and three retired did not hold. Strahm settled in and worked from the stretch just twice in his first six innings of work. The southpaw retired 12 of the final 15 batters he faced an fanned five batters on his night. He left the game with a 3-2 lead.

The Naturals trailed 2-0 entering the top of the fourth. Bubba Starling led off the frame with a double and Hunter Dozier reached on an error to put men at the corner with no outs against Springfield's starter, Trey Nielsen. Right-fielder Orlando Calixte laced an 0-2 pitch up the middle that was stabbed behind second base by shortstop, Breyvic Valera who started a 6-4-3 double-play as the Cardinals traded a Naturals' run for two outs, making the score 2-1.

With one out in the top of the fifth, Carlos Garcia pummeled a Nielson offering back up the middle, deflecting off the Springfield starter to set the table for the top of the order. Two batters later, Raul Mondesi corked his fourth home run of the and put the Naturals' in front, 3-2. That score held until the bottom of the ninth inning.

Caramo worked a perfect eighth frame before the ninth inning, Cardinal rally occurred; but he is hung with his second loss in his last two outings.

The Naturals (6-10) collected eight hits on the night with Ramon Torres leading the way with two while catcher, Zane Evans finished 2-for-4 on the night with a double and reached base three times.

Northwest Arkansas looks to even the series tomorrow night with a 6:30 first pitch from Hammons Field as right-hander, Christian Binford (1-2, 9.64) hunts for his second straight win. Right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon (1-1, 1.69) will counter for the Cardinals.

Tune in with Voice of the Naturals, Benjamin Kelly, for a 6:15 p.m. pregame show, leading up to first pitch on AM-1590, the Ticket-2.

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.

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Texas League Stories from April 25, 2016


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.

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