Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Close victory
Naturals jump out to 9-2 lead, have to hang on for 9-8 win.
SPRINGDALE — The Northwest Arkansas Naturals built a big lead Thursday, but had a near meltdown in the ninth inning before hanging on for a 9-8 win in front of 3,601 fans in Arvest Ballpark in Texas League Baseball action.
The Naturals (43-34, 4-3 second half) got nine hits from the top three batters in their order and led by as much as 9-2 after scoring three runs in the third and sixth innings. But Corpus Christi (38-39, 4-3) cut a 9-4 deficit in half with four runs in the ninth inning before Northwest Arkansas reliever Pedro Fernandez fielded a scorching grounder off the bat of Jamie Ritchie and flipped it to first with the bases loaded.
“Typically, we’ve been pretty good with our bullpen, but they are a good team as far as how they battle,” Naturals manager Vance Wilson said of the Hooks.
“We didn’t make very good pitches and threw too many pitches which lead to rallies. But we’ll get it fixed.”
First baseman Samir Duenez was 4-for-4 with with a double and two RBIs for the Naturals, who battered three Hooks pitchers for 15 hits.
Northwest Arkansas jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second on a two-run home run by Donnie Dewees Jr., who also made a sensational diving catch in center field in the third to save a run. Dewees finished the night 2-for-5 with three RBIs.
Naturals lead-off batter Jack Lopez was 3-for-4 and scored three runs, and Alfredo Escalera was 2-for-5.
“We’ve added a couple of young guys who are just up from A ball, and they brought a lot of energy,” Wilson said. “Nick Lopez really offers a lot and we’re glad he’s here. As the top of your lineup goes, typically you go.”
Naturals starter Emilio Ogando was solid over six innings to earn the win. Ogando had a no-hitter through four innings and ended the night allowing two earned runs with three strikeouts.
SHORT HOPS
■ Naturals starter LHP Emilio Ogando pitched six solid innings, allowing two earned runs. Ogando had a no-hitter through four innings, and allowed back-toback solo home runs in the sixth inning. E
■ Nicky Lopez made his Naturals debut Thursday night and impacted the game both at the plate and with the glove. Lopez, who was just promoted from Advanced-A Wilmington, was 2-for-4 with a walk and played stellar defense at shortstop.
■ Hooks manager Rodney Linares missed Thursday’s game and will miss the series. Linares is at home in the Dominican Republic with family. Corpus Christi hitting coach Joel Chemelis will manage the team in Linares’ absence.
On Deck: Game two of the series pits Naturals RPH Corey Ray (5-4, 4.07 ERA) against Hooks’ RHP Collin McHugh (MLB rehab). McHugh has not appeared in a major league game this season because of a right elbow impingement.
Today’s Promotion: Post-game fireworks with 90s musical hits. The Naturals will wear special yellow jerseys in a “Strike Out Sarcoma” charity. Jerseys will be auctioned after the game with all proceeds going to Cancer Charity 4 Life.
Also this weekend, all 160 minor league teams will wear special red, white and blue caps to benefit Welcome Back Veterans organization. Proceeds from sales of the caps will go to the charity.
Minor Matters: The Kansas City Royals made a number of transactions Friday. INF Corey Toups was transfered to Triple-A Omaha, INF Carlos Diaz, OF Jose Sanchez, LHP Luis Rico, LPH Tim Hill, OF Jose Sanchez all transferred to Advanced-A Wilmington. OF Anderson Miller, INF Nicky Lopez, RHP Yunior Marte, LHP Richard Lovelady were all promoted to NWA from