SPRINGDALE -- Elier Hernandez slapped a two-out, run-scoring single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Northwest Arkansas a 5-4 win over Corpus Christi in the season opener Thursday night in front of 5,490 at Arvest Ballpark.
"Great at-bat, he had some great swings," Northwest Arkansas manager Mike Rojas said. "He was on him. He battled and got the base hit to right field, which is good to see especially with the winning run on third base and two outs."
It was Hernandez's lone hit of the night.
The Naturals showed patience against Corpus Christi reliever Riley Ferrell as Nicky Lopez, Erick Mejia and Samir Duenez each drew walks to load the bases. Rojas was also happy with Duenez, too, as he took two tough pitches on 2-2 and 3-2 for the walk.
"That was a hell of an at-bat by Duenez," Rojas said. "He has some good wins as well. He showed the good hitter that he is, even though he's an RBI machine. He's a free swinger. He's making those adjustments. You want him to be aggressive, but also be smart and that's what he was tonight."
Duenez finished 2-for-4, including a two-run home run, and also scored twice.
The Naturals trailed 4-2 going into the bottom of the eighth, but came back to tie the game.
The Naturals tied the game at 4 with two runs in the eighth with two outs. Donnie Dewees hammered an RBI-triple off the right-field fence and scored on an RBI single by Corey Toups.
The Hooks took a 3-2 lead with two unearned runs in the fifth thanks to a sacrifice fly by catcher Jamie Richey and a two-out, RBI-double by Nick Tanielu. Those runs were aided by a Jake Kalish throwing error.
Yuli Gurriel, who is with Corpus on a Major League rehab assignment, slapped an RBI-single to push Corpus Christ's lead to 4-2 in the sixth.
Short Hops
• Gurriel finished 2-for-4, scored a run and drove in two before coming out for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning. Tanielu also had two hits for the Hooks.
• Corpus Christi pitchers threw 3.2 hitless innings, after the Naturals took a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
• Franco Terrero picked up the win for the Naturals with a scoreless inning of relief. He allowed a hit and struck out one.
On Deck: RHP Zach Lovvorn will start on the mound for the Naturals in game two of the three-game series with Corpus Christi. Brock Dykxhoorn will start for the Hooks. First pitch slated for 7:05 p.m.
Today's Promotion: There will be post-game fireworks.
On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1
On The Web: www.nwanaturals.com
Sports on 04/06/2018