Naturals fall in Corpus Christi finale

HOOKS 8, NATURALS 2

Fans got a chance to see one of the Royals’ top prospects make his first appearance on a double-A mound, but a third-inning push by Corpus Christi (2-1) was too much for the Naturals (1-2) to overcome in an 8-2 loss Saturday night.

“This is a long season, and like I told them after the game, it’s only three games,” said Naturals manager Mike Rojas. “They’ll be ready to start again tomorrow and go out and win a series.”

Scott Blewett, a right-handed pitcher who’s listed as the Royals’ No. 10 prospect by Baseball America, pitched 3 innings before he was relieved Rojas.

“For the most part, I felt pretty comfortable out there,” Blewett said. “It’s the same game [as Single-A]. Sixty feet, 6 inches. Still gotta make pitches.”

The Naturals struck first in the bottom of the second when shortstop Alex Liddi hit a double into centerfield that drove in third baseman Corey Toups. The run gave some padding to Blewett, who played well in his first two innings.

Blewett recorded six strikeouts and gave up only one hit before a third-inning surge by the Hooks turned the tide of the game. Second baseman Arturo Michelena with one out, then center fielder Myles Straw poked one through the infield to put runners on first and third. After Straw stole second, right fielder Carmen Benedetti hit a line drive into left field that drove home two. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez hit a grounder through the infield that allowed Benedetti to sprint home, and the Hooks suddenly held a comfortable 3-1 lead.

“I fell under a routine, and I got a little too comfortable I think,” Blewett said. “They

put some good swings on some good balls. I walked one guy and it kinda came back to bite me, but for the most part, you’ve gotta tip your cap.”

The Naturals couldn’t get the hits they needed to overcome a deficit that continued to grow throughout the night. Righty Yunior Marte came in to relieve Blewett, but Corpus’ hitters went to work on him immediately, and the lead grew to 7-1 before left fielder Anderson Miller blasted a homer over the right-field wall to cut the Hooks’ lead to five runs.

A final run for Corpus Christi in the top of the ninth on a throwing error by Toups proved to be the final score, and the Naturals dropped their season-opening series at Arvest Ballpark.

SHORT HOPS

■ Both teams were perfect on steals during the game. Corpus Christi center fielder Myles Straw had two steals on the day, pushing his season and series total to five. Naturals shortstop Nicky Lopez stole second in the second inning for the team’s only steal attempt.

■ Corpus Christi right fielder Carmen Benedetti had two runs and three RBIs to lead his team offensively. His line drive in the third inning scored the Hooks’ first two runs of the game, and they never looked back.

■ After the loss, the Naturals’ all-time record against the Hooks at Arvest Ballpark stands at 32-31.

On Deck: Left-handed pitcher Emilio Ogando will pitch for the Naturals when they take on the San Antonio Missions today in the first game of the teams’ threegame series. First pitch is slated for 4:05 p.m.

Today’s Promotion: All kids 12 and younger will receive a voucher for a hot dog, animal crackers, Swedish Fish and a 12-ounce soda. Kids of all ages will have a chance to take part in running the bases at Arvest Ballpark after the game.

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