Three Stars & Atonement; 'Hounds Win, 6-2

RockHounds 6, Corpus Christi Hooks 2

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Momentum Bank Ballpark

If the contest between the RockHounds and Corpus Christi had been a hockey game, the traditional naming of the game’s “three stars” would have been an easy task. Mickey McDonald, Bryce Conley and Jhonny Santos (in any order) led the way as the ‘Hounds defeated the Hooks, 6-2, in Thursday night’s baseball game at Momentum Bank Ballpark.

McDonald went 3-for-5, igniting a two-run rally in the first inning and driving in what would be the game-winning run in the fourth. He added a stolen base and an outfield assist, denying a Corpus Christi scoring chance with an “on the money” throw from right field.

Conley, in a “piggy-back” start with Matt Milburn, entered the game in the fifth and went five scoreless innings for the win. The right-hander (5-4, 3.65) allowed three hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.

Santos committed an error in the outfield, one that allowed Corpus Christi to tie the game, 2-2, in the fourth inning. He more than atoned, launching a three-run home run in the sixth, a drive that turned a one-run game (3-2) into a 6-2 advantage.

McDonald’s first-inning single got things going with RBI singles from JJ Schwarz and Devin Foyle giving the RockHounds an early 2-0 lead.

After Corpus scored single runs in the third and fourth to tie the game, Kyle McCann was hit by a pitch and Max Schuemann drew a walk with one out in the home half of the fourth. McDonald followed with his third hit of the game, an RBI single to right that drove in the eventual game-winner.

McCann opened the sixth with a single and Chase Calabuig followed with a one-out double. Santos then drove Layne Henderson’s 1-0 pitch out over the high wall in left field, and Conley held the Hooks scoreless the rest of the way.

Kibbles & Bits

The RockHounds are 2-1 in the current series with Corpus Christi … are 12-3 overall this season versus the Hooks … are and are 13-3 in their last 16 games.

Jhonny Santos has five home runs and 23 RBI in 43 games overall this season. He has four of the home runs and 15 of the RBI in his last 13 games.

Mickey McDonald has hits in 12-of-his-last-14 games and is hitting .303 in that span.

Bryce Conley now ranks among the Double-A Central’s top 10 pitchers in both ERA (3.65) and opponent average (.223).

Next Game: Friday, July 23

RockHounds vs. Corpus Christi Hooks

Fourth of a six-game series and 10th of a 12-game homestand

First Pitch at 7:00

Jesus Luzardo Bobbleheads … first 1,000 fans … compliments of Reliant Energy

Probable Starters

CC Brandon Lawson (RH, 0-4, 3.30)

RH Ty Damron (LH, 2-2, 5.40)

This Weekend at Rocky Town

The RockHounds host the Corpus Christi Hooks this weekend at Momentum Bank Ballpark:

Jesus Luzardo Bobbleheads on Friday, Saturday night fireworks and Family Day / Ice Cream Sunday.