Hooks Second Undoes RockHounds

CORPUS CHRISTI - Jon Kemmer and Carlos Correa homered in a five-run, second-inning barrage as Corpus Christi dispatched Midland 6-1 Tuesday night at Whataburger Field before 4,497.

The Hooks (15-10) have won consecutive games for the first time since April 26. Midland is 12-13.

Mitchell Lambson (2-1), who worked just an inning, was deemed the most effective Corpus Christi reliever and picked up the win. Bullpen mate Josh Hader covered 3 2/3 innings and was responsible for a run, two hits, three walks, four strikeouts, and two hit batsmen.

The Hooks stranded two in the first, but wouldn't be denied during their next turn.

Kemmer's 424-foot home run to right field off Zach Neal (2-2) gave Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead. Kemmer, the frame's lead-off hitter, had the green light on a 3-0 offering. The Hooks weren't stuck on one for long as Tony Kemp laced a two-out RBI single to left, plating Tyler White (single).

The biggest damage-doer came from the Texas League's top hitter, Correa (.398). His sixth home run of the season - a three-run shot into the home bullpen - provided Chris Devenski with a five-run cushion.

The right-hander managed to extend his season-beginning scoreless streak to 23 innings despite control issues. Devenski walked five to go with two hits and six strikeouts, lasting just four-plus innings and 77 pitches (39 strikes). He walked the first two men of the fifth, prompting a pitching change to Lambson, who fanned Matt Olson and Renato Nunez to keep Midland off the board.

Though peppered for 10 hits, Neal lasted two outs into the sixth, lifted for Jonathan Joseph after Teoscar Hernandez's double. Neal walked three, fanned one, and threw 82 pitches (50).

Hader walked two in the seventh and paid the price with Midland's lone run, Chad Oberacker scoring on Nunez's single up the middle.

Joseph then allowed the first three Hooks to reach, two via walks, setting up Brandon Meredith's sacrifice fly.

The RockHounds went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 14 men on base.

Wednesday is Whataburger Family Day at the ballpark, so adults can purchase one ticket and get a child's ticket for free. Mike Hauschild (2-1) pitches for Corpus Christi against Chris Jensen (3-1). Start time is 7:05.