Hooks Fight, Fall in Extras

MIDLAND, TX - Wade Kirkland went 4-for-5 and drove in the game-winning run Sunday afternoon as the RockHounds bested Corpus Christi 7-6 in 10 innings at Security Bank Ballpark.

Trailing 6-2 in the seventh, Conrad Gregor lifted a lead-off home run to left field against Kris Hall, pulling the Hooks within three. Nick Tanielu followed with a double down the left-field line and, one out later, Roberto Pena notched a base hit, putting runners at the corners for Teoscar Hernandez. On an 0-1 pitch, Hernandez sent a double into the left-field corner for Corpus Christi's fourth run. Alex Bregman then singled to center making it a one-run game.

With Derek Fisher at the plate, Hall picked off Bregman at first, helping to slam the door in the inning. It was one of four outs on the base paths for the Hooks.

Corpus Christi (25-17) tied the game in the ninth. Alejandro Garcia opened with a single off Bobby Wahl. Following a Pena sac bunt, Garcia went to third on Hernandez's fourth hit of the day, and then scored on a wild pitch. Hernandez, representing the go-ahead run, was later picked off second for the second out of the inning.

After yielding a run in the sixth, Evan Grills worked three scoreless innings to get the Hooks into extras. Brendan McCurry (1-2) pitched the 10th and yielded a lead-off double to J.P. Sportman. Pinch-hitter Danny Oh laid down a sac bunt and Kirkland hit a line drive over Fisher in center, making Midland (22-20) a walk-off winner.

Sportman and Tyler Marincov, batting 5th and 6th in the RockHound lineup, combined to go 6-for-10 with four runs scored and two RBIs.

J.D. Davis went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI, extending his hit streak to 10 games.

Brian Holmes made the start for the Hooks and allowed five runs (four earned) in five innings. Midland scored three times in the second thanks to a lead-off walk and four consecutive singles.

The Hooks look to level the series Monday night at 6:30. Francis Martes (2-2, 5.86) draws Joel Seddon (1-3, 8.44).