Teaford, Naturals Corral Hooks Sunday
Published on April 18, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
Corpus Christi, TX - Just four Corpus Christi Hooks reached base as the Naturals rode spectacular pitching to a 3-1 win Sunday afternoon in the opener of a three-game series in South Texas.
The game remained a scoreless affair until the Naturals broke the deadlock with a three run sixth inning. Ernesto Mejia led off the sixth with a base hit to left field before Manny Pina reached base on a walk. With two on and no one out Kurt Mertins cleared the bases with a triple to center field. Mertins' triple brought in both Mejia and Pina and gave the Naturals a 2-0 lead. Paul Orlando's one out RBI single brought in Mertins to the lead to 3-0.
That was more than enough offense to back Everett Teaford, making his first start of 2010 after two appearances out of the bullpen. Teaford set down the first 16 Hooks' batters in a row before Brain Espostio tripled to center field with one out in the sixth. A single by Marcos Cabral brought Esposito home, and cut the Naturals lead to 3-1.
Teaford (3-0) was removed with two outs in the sixth. He was charged with just the lone run in his Texas League leading third victory. He allowed two hits, fanned five and did not issue a walk. Federico Castaneda finished off the final 3 1/3 to record his second save of the season. Castaneda allowed just two hits and struck out three.
Erick Abreu (0-1) suffered the loss for Corpus Christi. Abreu pitched just a third of an inning in the sixth, but gave up three earned runs on two hits. Fernando Abad started the game for the Hooks (6-4) and pitched well. Abad went five innings, struck out two, and did not give up a run.
Kurt Mertins was 3-for-4 for the Naturals (6-4), who won their second straight. Johnny Giovatella also had two hits.
The series resumes Monday evening at 7:05 P.M. Right-hander Aaron Crow (0-0, 1.69) takes the hill for the Naturals opposite right-hander Sergio Perez (1-0, 2.61) for the Hooks. The radio broadcast will be heard on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state of the art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. You can purchase tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900.
Texas League Stories from April 18, 2010
- Frisco's Beavan Burns Travs 5-1 - Arkansas Travelers
- Cardinals Shut Out Midland 13-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Power Past Missions - Tulsa Drillers
- Teaford, Castaneda Twist Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Teaford, Naturals Corral Hooks Sunday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Naturals Avoid Sweep - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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