Rough Night in the Alamo City
SAN ANTONIO - The Hooks squandered a four-run, first-inning surge Tuesday night as San Antonio cranked out 19 hits en route to a 10-5 thumping of Corpus Christi in the series finale at Wolff Municipal Stadium.
One night removed from their sixth shutout victory, the Hooks endured season highs for hits and runs allowed in a game. Corpus Christi, forced to settle for the series split, has won six of its last eight.
The Hooks (19-13) nearly let an early uprising on lefty Jose De Paula go by the wayside. Enrique Hernandez and Jonathan Meyer provided a pair of clutch two-out, two-run singles which gave Corpus Christi a 4-0 lead.
Matt Heidenriech (2-3) could not hold on to the advantage. He was tagged for six runs on seven hits over the next two innings as the Missions steadily built a 7-4 bulge. San Antonio (16-16) added a pair in the fifth off Ruben Alaniz, who worked three innings of relief.
Patrick Urckfitz pitched the seventh for Corpus Christi and got two quick outs to open the inning. Adam Buschini cracked a pinch-hit double down the left field line and Jake Blackwood, who drove in four on the night, served an RBI single into right for San Antonio's 10th tally.
Of the five Hooks hurlers, Jorge De Leon was the only one who turned in a scoreless outing. He worked around two singles and struck out two in the eighth.
Following the first, De Paula (2-3) permitted just two base runners over the next five frames. The southpaw walked one and struck out five.
Corpus Christi showed a little life in the eighth against Josh Geer. George Springer worked a one-out walk and Domingo Santana followed with a double into the left-field corner. Springer raced around the bases for the club's fifth run.
The Hooks open an eight-game homestand with the first of four against Frisco on Thursday night. Jake Buchanan (2-0) and Carlos Quevedo (1-2) take on Neil Ramirez (2-0). First pitch is 7:05 and gates open at 5:30 as the first 2,500 fans receive Keith Bodie Garden Gnomes from CPL Retail Energy. Stripes also presents Thirsty Thursday featuring discounted beer and soda.