Hooks Run Table in Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, MO - Telvin Nash's three-run home run in the fifth inning Saturday night complimented a six-run second as Corpus Christi cruised to a series sweep over the Cardinals with a 9-2 triumph at Hammons Field.

The Hooks were 7-for-12 with men in scoring position. During the three-game set, the club totaled 26 runs on 39 hits, including three home runs and 13 doubles.

Nash ignited the fireworks in the second with a double to left field off Thomas Lee. One out later, Conrad Gregor blistered a two-bagger down the right-field line for a 1-0 Corpus Christi advantage. With two away and runners at the corners, Jio Mier served a single into left to put the Hooks up by two. Tony Kemp kept the line moving with a base hit to center.

Carlos Correa was next and smoked a 2-2 pitch onto the warning track in the right-field alley. The ball bounced over the fence for an automatic double, forcing Correa to settle for two RBIs. Colin Moran cleaned up the bases with a two-run single, staking the Hooks to a 6-0 bulge.  

Hooks starter Josh Hader was able to pitch around three walks in the first two frames. Charlie Tilson coaxed a free pass to begin the third and, one out later, Jacob Wilson hit a 3-2 pitch over the left-field fence to pull the Cards within four.

Jandel Gustave entered in the fourth and pitched two scoreless innings in his Double-A debut.

Correa and Moran reached to open the fifth. Nash fell behind in the count 0-2 before launching a no-doubter onto the berm in left, ending Lee's night.

Chris Devenski earned the victory for Corpus Christi, spreading four hits over four innings of work. Devenski fanned three batters and did not issue a walk, throwing 36 of 52 pitches for strikes.

The Hooks now head to Tulsa for three games at ONEOK Field. Lance McCullers is slated to pitch for Corpus Christi in Sunday's opener. Jeremy Kerht will start for the Drillers. First pitch 2:05.