Zerpa Strikes out Nine in Double-A Debut But Naturals Fall 4-3
June 23, 2021 - Texas League (TL)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
Angel Zerpa (MLB Pipeline's No. 28 Royals' prospect) struck out nine Arkansas Travelers hitters across 4.2 innings of work in his Double-A debut, but took the loss as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals could not muster enough run support in a 4-2 series-opening defeat on Tuesday night at Arvest Ballpark.
Zerpa struck out two in the first, two in the second, three in the third, one in the fourth and one in the fifth, but a three-run and four-hit second inning did him in and kept the Travelers ahead all night long.
Robert Garcia, Dylan Coleman and Andres Nunez combined for 4.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen and the four Naturals arms struck out a collective 13 batters.
Northwest Arkansas could only muster two hits through the first seven innings, but the bats came alive in the eighth, scoring two runs on three straight hits. Rudy Martin dribbled an infield single to lead off, was tripled home by Clay Dungan and Dungan crossed on a Bobby Witt Jr. (MLB Pipeline's No. 7 prospect in baseball) single.
After Nick Pratto (MLB Pipeline's No. 9 Royals' prospect)was hit by a pitch, Arkansas went to the bullpen and despite having the go-ahead run at the plate in the eighth, the final six Northwest Arkansas hitters were retired in order in the 4-2 loss.
Witt Jr. extended his hit streak to a season-best six games, while Pratto increased his on-base streak to 19 consecutive contests, the best on the team.
The Naturals look to jump back into the win column on Wednesday night against the Travelers, as left-hander Drew Parrish makes his third Double-A start and home debut, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. from Arvest Ballpark.
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- Zerpa Strikes out Nine in Double-A Debut But Naturals Fall 4-3 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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