Same Script, Alternate Ending; Hooks Win, 11-8

Corpus Christi Hooks 11, RockHounds 8

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Momentum Bank Ballpark

For the fourth time in the series, the RockHounds jumped out to a big lead over Corpus Christi and, for the third time, the Hooks rallied back to make the game close. This time, however, the visitors finished the uphill climb, defeating the RockHounds, 11-8, Saturday night at Momentum Bank Ballpark.

Corpus scored 11 runs over the last three innings, tying the game at 8-8 in the eighth inning, and completed the comeback in the top of the ninth on a three-run home run into the right field bullpen off the bat of Jake Adams.

The ‘Hounds scored seven times in the first inning, capped by Devin Foyle’s three-run home run. The lead stood at 7-0 going to the top of the seventh thanks to an outstanding performance from starter Jared Koenig (see “Kibbles & Bits,” below).

The Hooks got on the board with a five-run seventh highlighted by J.J. Matijevic’s three-run double (all five runs scored with two out in the inning). In the eighth, Grae Kessinger’s RBI double brought Corpus within 8-6 and Marty Costes slipped a two-run single under the glove of second baseman Yerdel Vargas to tie the game. Adams then sealed the deal with his three-run shot in the ninth

The Hooks won for the first time in five games in the series and snapped the RockHounds’ seven-game win streak in the process. The clubs wrap up the six-game set (and the ‘Hounds conclude a 12-game home stand in which they are 8-3) Sunday afternoon at two o’clock.

Kibbles & Bits

Lost (figuratively and literally) in the Corpus Christi comeback was a brilliant outing from RockHounds starter Jared Koenig. The left-hander tossed six shutout innings, allowing three hits (one of them a pop-up that dropped between multiple defenders on the infield grass) while walking two and striking out six. After giving up a leadoff single to Marty Costes to open the game, Koenig did not allow another hit until the sixth inning. While having to settle for a no decision, Jared lowered his ERA to under one (0.98) for the season.

In his last 12 games, Devin Foyle is hitting .409 (18-44), with three triples, four home runs, 12 runs scored and 18 RBI. He and teammate Jonah Bride are tied for third in the Double-A Central with 18 RBI for the season. That’s remarkable, as Devin has played in just 17 games (virtually all of the league leaders have played in between 20 and 29 games).

Next Game: Sunday, June 6

The ‘Hounds host the Corpus Christi Hooks in a Sunday matinee with first pitch at 2:00.

Final of a six-game series and 12-game homestand.

Family Day (five tickets for just $25 with a coupon from the Sunday Midland Reporter-Telegram

Ice Cream Sunday (a free scoop of ice cream for everyone!)

Bark in the Park Day (bring your hound out to see the RockHounds)!

Probable Starters

CC Hunter Brown (RH, 0-3, 9.38)

RH Bryce Conley (RH, 3-0, 3.65)