Big Inning Bolsters CC

Randy Cesar belted a three-run home run in the third Thursday night (Charlie Blalock)

12:44 AM EDT

CORPUS CHRISTI - The Hooks used a six-run third and seven-strikeout performances by Cionel Pérez and Alex Winkelman to best Midland, 9-2, in the series opener at Whataburger Field.Corpus Christi, now 10-5 at home, snapped its losing streak at four games.

CORPUS CHRISTI - The Hooks used a six-run third and seven-strikeout performances by Cionel Pérez and Alex Winkelman to best Midland, 9-2, in the series opener at Whataburger Field.
Corpus Christi, now 10-5 at home, snapped its losing streak at four games.

The Hooks (18-15) sent 10 men to bat in the third. A two-run single by Ryne Birk and Randy César's three-run clout to left-center fueled the frame, and knocked Kyle Friedrichs out of the game.
Perez (2-1) permitted one run and three hits over the first five innings, throwing 51 of 80 pitches for strikes.
Winkelman faced seven RockHounds (18-15) in the sixth, but managed to strand the bases loaded. Midland's lone run in the inning scored via a wild pitch. The lefty retired nine of the final 12 men he faced.
The Hooks tacked on two more in the sixth against Sam Bragg. Josh Rojas cracked a one-out RBI double down the right-field line. Taylor Jones followed with a run-scoring single to left field.
Rojas capped the night by belting his first Double-A home run in the eighth.
With the bases full and a run home in the Midland ninth, Ralph Garza entered from the bullpen and fanned Mikey White to end the game, giving the Hooks a season-high 16 strikeouts.
Lefty Framber Valdez (1-1) is slated to start for Corpus Christi Friday night. First pitch 7:05.