Caramo, Mates Crimp Hooks
CORPUS CHRISTI - Yender Caramo permitted one run and six hits over six-plus innings as Northwest Arkansas dispatched Corpus Christi 4-1 Tuesday at Whataburger Field before 4,679.
Caramo (3-6), a 24-year-old Venezuelan signed by Kansas City as a non-drafted free agent six years ago, snapped a string of three straight losses. He recorded 12 ground ball outs and struck out two over a 73-pitch performance, including 54 strikes.
Caramo exited with none away in the seventh and two men on in favor of Tim Hill. Nick Tanielu (lead-off single) scored Corpus Christi's lone run of the night on a double-play ball off the bat of Alejandro Garcia.
Mark Peterson earned his eighth save in 10 opportunities by cleaning up a two-on, no-out problem for the Naturals in the ninth. He induced a double-play ball from Garcia and got James Ramsey to pop up.
Ramon Laureano's triple opened the Hooks (21-24; 68-47) first with great promise. He held at third, however, when Garrett Stubbs grounded out to first before Caramo fanned Yulieski Gurriel. Caramo then retired Tanielu on a 103-mph comebacker.
Northwest Arkansas took a 3-0 third-inning lead, Frank Schwindel's 20th home run of 2016 coming with two on and two out. Evan Grills issued a two-out walk to Corey Toups and Alfredo Escalera singled in advance of the strike.
The Naturals (24-21; 53-62) extended their advantage to 4-0 in the fifth. Terrance Gore dropped a bunt single down the third-base line and motored home from first on Toups' double into the left-field corner.
Conrad Gregor responded with a lead-off double, but was stranded as Caramo booked three consecutive outs.
Grills (4-5), lifted for Kyle Smith after six frames, allowed five hits, two walks, and struck out five in a 91-pitch, 65-strike start.
Toups reached base four times via the double and three walks.
The Hooks and Naturals meet again Wednesday at 7:05. Left-hander Kent Emanuel (3-2) goes for Corpus Christi vs. Ashton Goudeau (4-11).
Wednesday is Whataburger Family Day, so purchase a ticket at the box office and get your child's ticket free.