Donato Dominates in Debut as Hooks Win Big

CORPUS CHRISTI - Hooks right-hander Chad Donato shined in his Double-A debut Saturday, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings while fanning a season-high 10 batters in a 10-0 win over the Midland RockHounds at Whataburger Field.
The 24-year-old Cypress native carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a single to Kevin Merrell. Donato struck out six his first time through the order.
Midland's only threat came in the seventh as Donato approached 100 pitches. With two outs, he walked Nate Mondou and Edwin Diaz doubled to end Donato's night. Leovanny Rodriguez, also making his Double-A debut, struck out Brallan Perez to keep a zero in the run column.

Donato finished at 6.2 innings of two-hit ball, allowing just two walks. With his 10 punchouts, Hooks starters have now struck out 32 RockHounds in the first three games of the series after Yohan Ramirez had 10 on Thursday and Enoli Paredes fanned 12 on Friday.

Chad Donato strikes out the side in order to start his Double-A debut! pic.twitter.com/5AVxKPt0bG

— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) July 7, 2019

Rodriguez fired 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to finish the game.
The Hooks provided plenty of offense, highlighted by Anibal Sierra's 3-for-4 night with an RBI single and a two-run double.
Colton Shaver put the cherry on top with an eighth-inning grand slam that solidified the win. It was the Hooks' fourth grand slam on the year, tying Springfield for the league lead.
Midland starter Kyle Friedrichs (L, 3-4) was tagged for 11 hits and six runs (5 earned) with a walk and five strikeouts.
Abraham Toro went 4-for-5 with and RBI in the win, while J.J. Matijevic was 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
The Hooks go for the series win Sunday at 4:15 p.m. with righty Brandon Bailey (3-2, 3.41) squaring off against Brian Howard (7-5, 2.92) for the Hounds.