Sportman Walks it Off to Cap Comeback
The RockHounds have struggled in extra-inning games this season (0-5). Thursday night, the found a solution - - avoid them.Eli White's game-tying three-run home run in the last of the ninth inning was followed, moments later, by J.P. Sportman's walk-off drive into the left field bullpen, giving the RockHounds a
The RockHounds have struggled in extra-inning games this season (0-5). Thursday night, the found a solution - - avoid them.
Corpus, the league's top club (58-31) scored two runs in the first and two more in the fourth, each time using the same "recipe" of a leadoff single, an RBI extra-base hit and a sacrifice fly.
The 'Hounds chipped away with single runs in the fourth and seventh, but the Hooks added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, pushing the lead to 5-2.
With the crowd still buzzing after the game-tying drive, Sportman ripped a line drive into the left field bullpen for a two-out, walk-off game winner - - and no extra innings.
Notables
Eli White's heroics capped a 4-for-5 night (double, HR, three RBI) and extended his on-base streak to 10 games (with hits in nine of the 10). In the 10-gamer, Eli is 22-for-38 (.579) with three doubles, two triples, two HR and seven RBI. He has also walked seven times (with one sac fly), reaching base in 29-of-46 plate appearances (.630 OBP).
J.P. Sportman (2-for-5, double, walk-off HR) has hit in four straight games, going 8-for-17 (.471) with three doubles, one HR and four rbi.
Despite the loss, the Hooks are 20-5 since June 13, including a 10-game win streak that pushed the club to the first half South Division title. Corpus Christi, which saw a six-game win streak snapped, leads the second half race with a 15-5 record. The Hooks are 58-31 overall, by far the TL's best.
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
After a frustrating road trip, Thursday night's sensational win was great baseball "medicine," made all the better in that it was the first time in 43 tries that the 'Hounds trailed after eight innings and went on to win the game.
Next Game
Friday, July 13 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
Security Bank Ballpark 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
Rocky RockHound Fatheads … first 1,000 fans
- Second of a four-game series and homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
CC:
RH:
The Weekend at Security Bank Ballpark
Friday July 13 Rocky RockHound Fatheads
Saturday July 14 Postgame Fireworks