The Northwest Arkansas Naturals could not hold a lead for the third consecutive night and fell 5-4 to Corpus Christi on Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
A 1-0 lead turned into a 2-1 loss Monday at San Antonio for the Naturals who lost 6-3 to Corpus Christi in the series-opener on Tuesday after they lost a 3-1 lead in the seventh. On Wednesday, the Naturals had a 2-0 lead after two innings on back-to-back home runs by Yem Prades and Carlo Testa before the Hooks scored three in the fourth and two more in the fifth to lead 5-2.
The Naturals scored single runs in the seventh and eighth and had the tying run on first base in the bottom of the ninth, but pinch hitter Manny Pina struck out on a 2-2 pitch to end the game.
Prades led off the bottom of the second with his fifth home run of the season. Testa followed with his first home run for a 2-0 Naturals lead.
The Hooks came back in the fourth when Erik Castro doubled with one out, which was followed by a walk to Jonathan Meyer. After a popout, Max Stassi lined a double to center to score Castro and Meyer that tied the score at 2-2. Enrique Hernandez doubled to right a batter later to give the Hooks the lead for good.
Corpus Christi scored its two runs in the fifth with two outs. Castro and Meyer each had their second doubles of the game to drive in runs for a 5-2 lead.
Northwest Arkansas had chances for multiple runs in the seventh but could only manage one. Roman Hernandez walked with one out and went to second on a single by Alex McClure. Juan Graterol singled to right to score Hernandez and move McClure to third, but Brett Eibner struck out swinging to end the threat.
The Naturals scored their final run in the bottom of the eighth when Orlando Calixte doubled to lead off the inning and advance to third on an error by left fielder Michael Burgess. Rey Navarro’s ground out to the shortstop scored Calixte.
Brooks Pounders took the loss for Northwest Arkansas, giving up 8 hits and 5 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings.
Ruben Alaniz picked up the victory for Corpus Christi, pitching 3 innings while allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 4.
Today’s game CORPUS CHRISTI
AT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS WHEN 7 p.m.
WHERE Arvest Ballpark, Springdale RADIO KQSM-FM, 92.1, Fayetteville WEBSITE nwanaturals.com PITCHERS Naturals: Jason Adam (RHP, 0-6, 7.15); Hooks: Jake Buchanan (RHP, 5-0, 0.84 ERA)THE WEEK AHEAD TODAY vs. Corpus Christi, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY vs. San Antonio, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY vs. San Antonio, 7 p.m. SUNDAY vs. San Antonio, 6 p.m.
MONDAY Off TUESDAY at Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
WEDNESDAY at Tulsa, 12:065 p.m.
TUESDAY’S GAMES Arkansas 8, San Antonio 4 Corpus Christi 6, NW Arkansas 3 Midland 10, Tulsa 1 Frisco 6, Springfield 5 WEDNESDAY’S GAMES Corpus Christi 5, NW Arkansas 4 San Antonio 5, Arkansas 3 Tulsa 16, Midland 1 Springfield at Frisco, ppd., rain TODAY’S GAMES All times Central Springfield at Frisco, 2, 4:35 p.m.
Tulsa at Midland, 7 p.m.
Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas, 7 p.m. San Antonio at Arkansas, 7:10 p.m.
Sports, Pages 19 on 05/30/2013