Clemens Wins Clincher

CORPUS CHRISTI - Paul Clemens limited San Antonio to an unearned run and three hits over six innings as Corpus Christi beat the Missions 5-2 Saturday night at Whataburger Field before 7,715.

With the victory, the Hooks clinched their first Texas League playoff appearance since 2006. Corpus Christi, 58-30 since May 21, stands 39-22 in second-half play and 76-55 overall. The 76 wins match a franchise record established by the 2006 league champions.

San Antonio, eliminated from playoff contention is 29-32 and 57-74.

Kevin Chapman provided the bridge from Clemens (3-2) to Jason Stoffel, who earned his 26th save in 28 chances. Hooks manager Keith Bodie inserted Stoffel with two away in the eighth after Edinson Rincon’s double to left put runners at second and third.

Stoffel wild pitched Nate Freiman home, allowing San Antonio within two. Austin Wates negated the score by ripping his sixth home run of 2012 into the Hooks bullpen off Michael Broadway.

Corpus Christi took command early, posting four of its runs over the first two frames.

Jacob Goebbert’s laser shot into the visiting bullpen with Andy Simunic (single) aboard spotted Clemens a couple of runs to work with. Enrique Hernandez began the second by lashing a double down the third-base line and scooted home when Ben Orloff dumped a single into shallow left-center. Orloff also found the pay station, pilfering third and advancing plateward on Jason Hagerty’s throwing error. 

Missions starter Adys (1-5) Portillo dodged disaster in the fourth, fanning slugger Jon Singleton after loading the bases. Portillo subsequently retired for the night, booking three earned runs, five hits, three walks and two strikeouts.

Rincon’s fifth-inning lead-off single translated to the first Missions run. Rincon progressed around the diamond on a walk, passed ball and Reymond Fuentes’ single.

Orloff extended his hitting streak to seven games.

Asher Wojciechowski (1-2) pitches for the Hooks Sunday at 6:05. San Antonio counters with Matt Jackson. Sunday is AT&T’s annual Shirt Off the Back Night.