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Singleton uses speed to pace Hooks

Astros' top prospect steals home, smacks a pair of doubles
April 24, 2012
Jonathan Singleton's bat has been one of the biggest reasons the Hooks have won four straight. On Monday, it was his legs that sparked the club.

The Astros' No. 1 prospect doubled twice and stole home as Double-A Corpus Christi defeated Midland, 9-3.

After smacking his second double with nobody out in the third inning, Singleton advanced to third base on Brandon Barnes' sacrifice fly. Following Kody Hinze's strikeout, Jordan Kreke drew a walk, setting the stage for the double steal that gave the Hooks a 3-1 lead.

Singleton, who scored twice, is not known for his speed, as he is 14-for-26 in stolen base attempts during his four Minor League seasons. Prior to Monday, he had never stolen home.

The California native has proven to be as good as advertised with the bat since Houston acquired him from Philadelphia on July 29, 2011 for Hunter Pence. Singleton is batting .333 with eight extra-base hits and eight RBIs in 16 games for the Hooks. He is currently tied for fifth in the Texas League in the batting race and fourth in the league with 14 runs scored.

Barnes homered and drove in four runs, giving him a league-leading 18 RBIs, while Kreke scored twice for the Hooks.

Michael Choice, Oakland's No. 2 prospect, was 2-for-3, raising his average to .254 for the RockHounds.

Robert Emrich is a contributor to MLB.com.