Pinch-Hit Home Run Downs Naturals
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - Enrique Hernandez's three-run pinch-hit home run with one out in the eighth inning erased a 2-1 deficit as the Corpus Christi Hooks earned 4-2, come-from-behind victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Wednesday.
Preston Tucker led off the eighth with a single off of Naturals reliever Andy Ferguson. After Ferguson retired Max Stassi on a flyout,Domingo Santana reached on an error by Jorge Bonifacio. Ferguson was replaced by Zach Jackson, with Santana filling Erik Castro's spot in the lineup. Santana sent Jackson's third pitch over the left field fence for his 11th home run of the season and the Hooks' first lead of the game.
After five scoreless innings to open the game, the Naturals got on the board with Orlando Calixte's eighth home run with one out in the sixth inning. After a hit batter, single and walk, Lane Adams worked a bases loaded walk against Corpus Christi starter Mike Foltynewicz to give the Naturals a 2-0 lead.
Corpus Christi cut the Naturals lead in half thanks to Santana's 19th home run of the season in the bottom half of the sixth inning. Northwest Arkansas loaded the bases in the seventh, but a groundout ended the threat.
Jonas Dufek earned his second win of the season, allowing one hit with one strikeout in two scoreless innings. Foltynewicz allowed two runs on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts in 5.1 innings
Andy Ferguson takes his fifth loss of the season. Ferguson allowed two runs, one earned, on two hits with one walk and two strikeouts in 1.1 innings. Brooks Pounders allowed one run on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts in six innings.
The Naturals and Hooks wrap up the three-game series tomorrow at 7:05. Jason Adam (6-10, 5.63 ERA) will make the start for the Naturals. Nick Tropeano (6-7, 4.34 ERA) is scheduled to start for Corpus Christi.