Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas Thursday, April 5, 2018 • Arvest Ballpark • Springdale, AR • 6:25 P.M
Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas Thursday, April 5, 2018 • Arvest Ballpark • Springdale, AR • 6:25 p.m. ON THE RECORD: 0-0 Home | 0-0 Road | 0-0-0 Series | 0-0 Sweeps | - Streak | 0-0 Last 5 | 0-0 Last 10 HAPPY NEW YEAR: The Hooks lift the lid on their 14th season of play with the opener of a three-game set against the Naturals. Corpus Christi went 67-71 last season, and despite winning nine of its final 10 games, lost the tiebreaker with Midland for a “wild card” postseason berth. It marked just the second time in the past six seasons the Hooks missed the playoffs. Corpus Christi boasts a new staff in manger Omar Lopez, hitting coach Troy Snitker, pitching coach Bill Murphy, development coach Mycal Jones, athletic trainer John Gregorich, and strength coach Rachel Balkovec. Closer Riley Ferrell and starters Akeem Bostick, Framber Valdez, Josh James, Brock Dykxhoorn, and Yoanys Quiala headline a group of 11 returning pitchers. Catcher Jamie Ritch- ie, infielders Ryne Birk, Arturo Michelena, and Nick Tanielu all have Double-A experience. Outfielder Myles Straw, a 2017 Midwest League Postseason All-Star, returns to the Hooks after finishing last year in the Texas League. Yordan Alvarez, rated by MLB.com as Houston’s No. 4 prospect, is slated to make his Double-A debut tonight. Stephen Wrenn and Carmen Benedetti fill out the outfield corps. Wrenn and Benedetti are among the eight 2018 Hooks who were drafted in 2016. HOOKS | TONIGHT’S PITCHING MATCHUP | NATURALS LH Framber Valdez (7-8, 4.16 in ‘17) LH Foster Griffin (15-7, 3.35 in ‘17) • Signed
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