Feliz Foils Naturals, Extends Scoreless Streak

SPRINGDALE, AR - Michael Feliz limited Northwest Arkansas to three baserunners over the first five innings Sunday night, leading Corpus Christi to a 2-1 triumph and a series victory at Arvest Ballpark.

The Hooks (28-22, 76-44) secured the advantage in the third. Roberto Pena notched the first of three hits on the night, a single into right field. With two away, Teoscar Hernandez launched an 0-2 pitch from Brooks Pounders (1-3) down the left-field line for his 15th home run of the year.

The support was enough for Feliz (6-2). Terrance Gore worked a two-out walk in the third, becoming the first man to reach for Northwest Arkansas (18-31, 58-61). Alex Liddi's two-out single in the fourth was the first Naturals base hit.

In the sixth, Ramon Torres coaxed a lead-off free pass and Raul Mondesi followed with a bunt base hit. Feliz's throw to first sailed up the right field line, sending Torres to third. Mondesi then stole second putting a pair in scoring position. Feliz struck out the next two hitters and induced a chopper to third to end the frame.

Feliz, who has not allowed a run in 26.1 consecutive innings, stands 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA in his last 10 appearances for Corpus Christi.

Vince Velasquez worked two scoreless innings before giving way to Jandel Gustave in the ninth.

Lane Adams opened with a walk and Zane Evans cracked a single to center. Frank Schwindel was next and grounded into a double play, pushing the lone Naturals run across. Gustave, in pursuit of his 15th save, then got a fly ball to end the game.

With a 4-2 road trip in the books, the Hooks are off Monday before opening a six-game homestand. Arkansas comes calling Tuesday night. First pitch 7:05 at Whataburger Field.