CC Storms Midland in Series Opener

MIDLAND - Under threatening skies, the Hooks surfed a 17-hit attack Thursday night, beating the RockHounds, 11-3, before 4,576 fans at Security Bank Ballpark.
With Corpus Christi's win over Midland and San Antonio's victory in Frisco, the Missions (39-27) have secured the Texas League South first-half title.

Each man in the Hooks (31-34) lineup reached base Thursday, with all but one recording a knock. Drew Ferguson, Kyle Tucker, J.D. Davis, Jack Mayfield, Trent Woodward and Antonio Nunez all authored multi-hit performances.
Leading 2-0 in the third, Mayfield sent a bases-loaded single into centerfield, doubling Corpus Christi's advantage.
Two-baggers by Woodward, Ferguson and Davis added a pair of markers in the fourth.
Midland (33-32) starter Grant Holmes (5-6) did not make it out of the fourth. Three reached to start the frame, and Nunez capitalized with a two-run base hit up the middle.
RBI-doubles by Mayfield and Woodward in the sixth cemented the triumph.
Cy Sneed (5-4), who earned the victory by tossing six innings of three-run ball, dispatched the final eight hitters he faced.
Ryan Thompson retired six of the first seven before needing a double play to escape a bases-loaded jam in the ninth.
The Hooks and Hounds are slated to play a doubleheader Friday afternoon. First pitch 4:30. Midland lefty Evan Manarino (1-2, 6.75) will face Akeem Bostick (3-1, 3.72) in Game 1. Corpus Christi southpaw Kent Emanuel (2-3, 4.14) gets the ball in the nightcap.