Hooks Survive SA Surge

SAN ANTONIO - The Hooks let a late lead slip away only to score twice in the 10th Monday night, taking a 4-2 victory from the Missions in the series opener before 5,589 at Wolff Stadium.

With the score level at 2 in the 10th, Chan-Jong Moon coaxed a lead-off walk from Brandon Alger (3-5). One out later and with Moon on the move, Teoscar Hernandez ripped a line drive into right field. Hernandez scampered to second on the play as Hunter Renfroe's throw went to third base. Following an intentional walk to Colin Moran, A.J. Reed, for the second time on the night, beat the wrap on a double-play ball to score the go-ahead run. During the next at-bat, Hernandez pulled off a straight steal off home for a key insurance run. In marked Hernandez's second straight theft of the plate in 2015.

Aaron West worked around an error in the home half to notch his fourth save.

The Hooks (21-17, 69-39) carried a 2-0 lead into the eighth thanks to Michael Feliz. The Missions mustered four hits and two walks against him. Feliz fanned five and threw 55 of 83 pitches for strikes.

Juan Minaya started the eighth and surrendered an infield single to pinch-hitter Tyson Gillies. With two away, rehabbing San Diego Padre Cory Spangenberg belted a triple over the head of Hernandez in center to pull the Missions within a run. Jandel Gustave entered from the pen and registered the final out, stranding Spangenberg at third base.

Alberth Martinez opened the San Antonio (16-22, 47-61) ninth with a base hit to right field. Following an error, Yeison Asencio sent a flare into left, plating the tying run. Gustave (4-1) retired the next three hitters to force extras.

Corpus Christi fashioned its first run in the fourth against James Needy. With runners at first and second, Jon Kemmer blistered a double into the left-field alley. Moran scored easily on the play but Reed was thrown out at the plate. Missions catcher Adolfo Reina then fired a strike to third to nail Kemmer.

With the bases loaded and one away in the sixth, Reed hit a slow chopper to second base, but beat the turn by shortstop Benji Gonzalez for the Hooks' second run.

The series continues Tuesday night. Ruben Alaniz (3-2, 5.52) is slated to take the hill for Corpus Christi. San Antonio counters with Dennis O'Grady (3-3, 4.91). First pitch 7:05.