Big Frames Fuel Hooks in Season Opener
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks sent 12 men to the plate and tallied nine runs in the opening inning Friday night, paving the way toward a raucous 14-2 triumph over San Antonio at Whataburger Field. Corpus Christi chased Osvaldo Hernandez at the outset as the Missions starter managed to record
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks sent 12 men to the plate and tallied nine runs in the opening inning Friday night, paving the way toward a raucous 14-2 triumph over San Antonio at Whataburger Field.
Corpus Christi chased Osvaldo Hernandez at the outset as the Missions starter managed to record only one out. Luke Berryhill accounted for the first of seven Hooks extra-base hits on the night with a two-run double in the first.
Two batters later, Shay Whitcomb, in his first Double-A at-bat, plated a pair with a home run to left field. Hooks lead-off hitter and shortstop Grae Kessinger capped the barrage with a no-doubt three-run poke to left field.
Jimmy Endersby capitalized on the run support by retiring the first seven Missions to bat. Endersby fell two outs shy of qualifying for the win, striking out five against five walks and three hits. The lone marker against him came on an Augustin Ruiz home run to begin the fifth.
Held at bay from the second through the sixth, Corpus Christi broke through for five runs in the seventh, with three coming on a bases-loaded triple by Yainer Diaz, who led Hooks hitters with four RBIs.
The 14 runs are the most scored by the Hooks in a season opener.
Matt Ruppenthal earned the victory with 1 2/3 scoreless innings of work. Corpus Christi turned three double plays in the contest.
The Hooks send Jaime Melendez to the mound Saturday night. San Antonio is set to counter with fellow right-hander Matt Waldron. First pitch is 7:05 PM and ballpark gates open at 6:05 as the fans are treated to postgame fireworks, courtesy of T-Mobile.