Familiar Formula Earns CC Another Comeback Win

CORPUS CHRISTI - Home runs by Yainer Diaz and Shay Whitcomb highlighted an 11-hit attack as the Hooks, for a second consecutive night, received shutdown relief work to beat Wichita, 9-5, before 5,080 fans Thursday at Whataburger Field.

As was the case Wednesday, the Wind Surge hit a three-run home run in the first for an early advantage. The Hooks answered immediately with a pair in the home half. A Luke Berryhill double and Enmanuel Valdez RBI single keyed the rally.

Matt Wallner pushed Wichita ahead 5-2 in the third with a two-run shot to right-center.

Of the five runs charged to Hooks starter Jimmy Endersby, three were earned in his 4 2/3 innings of work.

The Hooks drew level in the third when Berryhill worked a lead-off walk from Blayne Enlow. Valdez was next and smacked a double into right-center, paving the way for Diaz's three-run clout to left.

Corpus Christi made it 7-5 in the fifth when Whitcomb clubbed a two-run poke against Bryan Sammons.

The edge would hold as Layne Henderson, Jonathan Sprinkle and Jojanse Torres teamed to permit two hits and one walk over the final 4 1/3 frames. The trio struck out seven.

Whitcomb added a third RBI with a sac fly in the seventh. Grae Kessinger followed with a two-out, run-scoring single into right.

Justin Dirden ended the ballgame by making a terrific diving catch in left-center with the tying run on deck.

The Hooks aim for a third consecutive win with Jaime Melendez on the hill Friday night. Matt Canterino is slated to start for the Wind Surge. First pitch 7:05.