DeLoach & Co. Doom Hooks

NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Another strong pitching performance made a four-run second stand Saturday night as the Travelers secured the series victory with a 4-3 triumph at Dickey-Stephens Park.

Once again, Corpus Christi's offense peaked early. Teoscar Hernandez belted his first Double-A home run in the opening frame, a solo blast to left field off Tyler DeLoach.

Colin Moran began the second with his initial blast as an Astros farmhand. The rocket to right put the Hooks ahead 2-0. Two batters later, Jonathan Meyer seared a double over the head of Matt Long in center field. Rene Garcia followed with a base hit to right, putting the Hooks up by three.

The Travs answered in the home half with consecutive singles by Long, Michael Snyder and Kaleb Cowart for a 3-1 score. Drew Heid then smacked the first pitch from Brady Rodgers off the fence in center for a two-run triple. Eric Stamets capped the barrage with an RBI double down the left-field line.

Rodgers bounced back by reeling off five consecutive scoreless innings. The Richmond, TX, native retired the last seven men he faced.

Meanwhile, DeLoach struck out 10 in his five frames of work, including at one point six in a row.

Kevin Johnson added two innings of scoreless relief and Jairo Diaz utilized a pair of double plays to notch his fourth save.

The Hooks left eight on base and went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Mark Appel and Colton Cain look to salvage a Corpus Christi victory in the three-game set. Kramer Sneed is slated to pitch for the Travs. First pitch 6:10.