Hooks Erupt in the 11th to Cap Sweep
Corpus Christi completed a three-game sweep of San Antonio with a 6-3 win in 11 innings Wednesday night at Wolff Stadium.
Much earlier in the evening, the Missions took advantage of a key error in the bottom of the first to take a 2-0 lead on starter Joe Musgrove. Luis Domoromo began the rally with a one-out single, which extended his hit streak to a season-high 12 games. Alberth Martinez followed with a bouncer to third baseman Colin Moran, whose throw to first sailed high and into the stands, allowing the runners to advance to second and third. After Musgrove retired Yeison Asencio for the second out of the frame, Tyson Gillies made the error matter, bringing in both runners with a single up the middle.
The two early runs were enough for right-hander Bryan Rodriguez, who was making his first start back from a stint with Triple-A El Paso. The 24-year-old hurler's only blemish in his seven innings was an RBI single by catcher Roberto Pena in the fifth. Rodriguez allowed six hits and just one walk, while striking out a season-high eight.
Alberth Martinez gave Rodriguez his two-run lead back when he led off the sixth with a homer off Musgrove.
Unfortunately, for Rodriguez, the Hooks took advantage of his exit in the top of the eighth, tying the game at three with Teoscar Hernandez's two-run homer off lefty Eury De La Rosa.
The score remained the same until the 11th when the Hooks plated three runs off righty Cody Hebner. Danry Vasquez and Hernandez drove in the first two runs with consecutive bases-loaded singles. Two batters later, A.J. Reed worked a walk against Hebner's replacement, Brandon Alger to make the score 6-3. Hebner (0-1) had not allowed a run in any of his first nine appearances with San Antonio.
Hooks' closer Jandel Gustave worked around a one-out walk in the bottom of the frame to notch his 13th save. Vince Velasquez (4-0) earned the win for Corpus Christi (23-17, 71-39) with three shutout innings of one-hit ball.
The last time the Missions were swept in a home series was back in August of 2010 (Arkansas).
San Antonio (16-24, 47-63) departs later tonight to begin a 12-day, 10-game road trip Thursday with the first of four against the Frisco RoughRiders (18-21, 47-62). First pitch from Dr Pepper Ballpark is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Ronald Herrera (1-0, 5.73) will get the ball for the Missions, while the 'Riders counter with fellow righty Connor Sadzeck (AA Debut).