RockHounds "Foyle" The Hooks in 2-0 Shutout

RockHounds 2, Corpus Christi Hooks 0

Friday, June 4, 2021

Momentum Bank Ballpark

In the first three games of their series at Momentum Bank Ballpark, the RockHounds and Corpus Christi combined for 44 runs, with the ‘Hounds scoring 29 of them. Friday night, they got just two. And, thanks to outstanding pitching and defense, it was enough.

The RockHounds shut out the Hooks, 2-0, extending their win streak to seven games and pulling within a half-game of first place in the Double-A Central South Division.

Chase Cohen, Norge Ruiz, Zack Erwin, Zach Jackson and Aaron Brown combined on a four-hitter as the ‘Hounds posted their first shutout of the season. Ruiz was credited with the win in relief of Cohen (see “Kibbles & Bits,“ below), with Erwin and Jackson getting “holds” and Brown earning his second save.

Devin Foyle (see below), provided most of the offense, scoring both runs and continuing a tremendous stretch at the plate. In the last of the third, his line drive got under the glove of right fielder Monty Costes and Foyle turned it into his third triple of the season. He then scored on Mickey McDonald’s ground ball to short for the game’s first run.

In the last of the eighth, the RockHounds added an insurance run and did it through some outstanding baseball “manufacturing.” Foyle led off with a walk and McDonald turned a would-be sacrifice bunt into a base hit, beating the throw at first. Marty Bechina then dropped down a perfect sac bunt, pushing the runners to second and third and Logan Davidson sent a sharp line drive to center, more than deep enough to bring Foyle home.

Defense was outstanding for both clubs, with the RockHounds “D” coming to the forefront in the sixth. With runners at first and second and no outs, Corpus Christi’s Jake Adams sent a chopper to third. Davidson made a nice pick at the shoe tops and first baseman Kyle McCann handled Davidson’s off-balance throw on a hop. On the next pitch, with the runners now at second and third, David Hensley sent a low line drive toward left field. Shortstop Jeremy Eierman, ranging to his right, made a back-handed catch just off the dirt and threw behind the runner at second for an inning-ending double play.

Kibbles & Bits

The win was the RockHounds’ seventh straight and their eighth in the first 10 games of the (12-game) homestand). Since starting the season 0-4 (at Frisco), the ’Hounds are now 17-7 in their last 24 games.

He didn’t factor in the decision, but starter Chase Cohen pitch 3⅓ scoreless innings. In his last five appearances, the right-hander has pitched 16⅓ scoreless innings, allowing 10 hits and five walks (a 0.94 WHIP) while striking out 21 batters.

In his last 12 games, Devin Foyle is hitting .415 (17-41), with three triples, three home runs, 11 runs scored and 15 RBI.

Next Game: Saturday, June 5

Postgame Fireworks

The ‘Hounds host the Corpus Christi Hooks with first pitch at 7:00.

Game five of a six-game series.

Probable Starters

CC Jonathan Bermudez (LH, 2-2, 2.66)

RH Jared Koenig (RH, 2-0, 1.25)

The RockHounds host the Hooks Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Momentum Bank Ballpark to wrap up the homestand.

Saturday is fireworks night, and the series concludes with a Family Day ... Ice Cream Sunday ... Bark in the Park matinee at two o’clock.