Travs Fall Behind 3-0 In First, Rally To Win
Published on June 23, 2005 under Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Ray Winder Field, Little Rock, AR - Tommy Murphy collected three base hits and scored twice to lead the Arkansas Travelers (1-0, 35-36) to a 6-3 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks (0-1, 27-44). After falling behind 3-0 after the top of the first the Travs scored six unanswered runs and took the lead on a bases-loaded two-run double by David Gates in the fourth inning. LHP Daniel Davidson (6-3) earned the win by holding the Hooks without a run after the first inning until leaving with two outs in the sixth inning. Travs RHP Aaron Pullin tossed 1.1 innings of relief for the save (4).
The Hooks loaded the bases in the first inning on Davidson on two singles and a walk. Mark Saccomanno and Mike Rodriguez each knocked in a run with singles. Tommy Whiteman then knocked in another run with a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop for a 3-0 Corpus Christi lead.
Davidson left the game in the sixth inning with 5.2 innings pitched and seven hits allowed, three runs (all earned), two walks and two strikeouts.
The Travs began the come back immediately against Corpus Christi's LHP Philip Barzilla (1-3). Erick Aybar beat out a grounder to shortstop for a two-out infield single. Then Aybar stole second and third base before scoring on a wild pitch by Barzilla.
The Travs' game-winning rally began with one out in the fourth inning. C Mike Napoli stroked a single to left field followed by singles from 1B Kendry Morales and Murphy to load the bases. After the second out Barzilla walked DH Mike Eylward to force in a run. Then Gates lined a two-run double to left field to put the Travelers in front 4-3.
Corpus Christi LHP Blake Allen tossed two perfect innings, but Reggie Willits reached on an infield single to shortstop with two outs in the seventh inning. Then after Hooks SS Wade Robinson threw wild to first base, Willits advanced to second base when no Hooks fielder covered the base. 2B Alberto Callaspo scored Willits with a single to centerfield.
The Hooks were a base hit away from tying the game in the top of the eighth inning when Carlos Rodriguez singled and went to third base on a double by Saccomanno. Travs RHP Matt Wilhite then used an unorthodox move with a fake throw to third base to pickoff Saccomanno at second base for the second out. Pullin then relieved and induced a groundout.
The Travs tallied their final run of the game in the eighth inning on back-to-back doubles by Murphy and Greg Porter.
Time of game was 2:40 and the paid attendance was 3,175.
The Travs and Hooks hook up Friday night at Ray Winder Field for the second game of this four-game series. Arkansas RHP Steven Shell (3-5, 5.38 ERA) will pitch against Corpus Christi RHP Chris Sampson (2-9, 3.38 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. and the gates open at 6:10 p.m.
Texas League Stories from June 23, 2005
- Travs Fall Behind 3-0 In First, Rally To Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Drillers lose in second-half opener - Tulsa Drillers
- Diaz, Bolivar homer to back first win for Pomeranz - Springfield Cardinals
- Nieve in Futures Game - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Aspito back to Travs, Morris released - Arkansas Travelers
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