SPRINGFIELD - Propelled by a five-run third inning, the Springfield Cardinals topped the Corpus Christi Hooks on Sunday afternoon at Hammons Field and took the rubber game of a three-game set, 8-2.
SPRINGFIELD - Propelled by a five-run third inning, the Springfield Cardinals topped the Corpus Christi Hooks on Sunday afternoon at Hammons Field and took the rubber game of a three-game set, 8-2.
The Hooks (23-32, 57-68) initially jumped in front against Cardinals lefty Austin Gomber in the second. Jamie Ritchie began the frame with a single while Ryne Birk smashed a two-run homer to right field to give the Hooks a 2-0 lead. Birk belted a long ball for the third consecutive contest. He hit a grand slam in Corpus Christi's win on Friday night and a solo shot on Saturday.
Hooks righty Akeem Bostick gave up back-to-back singles to begin the bottom half of the second. Adolis Garcia would come into score later in the inning on a sac fly from Andrew Knizner.
In the third, Bostick (5-5) was greeted with five consecutive hits. Randy Arozarena laced a single to begin things while Oscar Mercado singled moments later. Jacob Wilson tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI single. Darren Seferina brought in Mercado with another run-scoring single. Garcia smacked a double down the left field line to give the Cardinals (37-19, 72-54) a three-run advantage, while Eliezer Álvarez notched an RBI single to make it 6-2.
Bostick came out of the game after 2 1/3 innings. Ryan Thompson replaced him out of Corpus Christi's bullpen and tossed 2 2/3 scoreless frames with a strikeout. Gomber (9-7) meanwhile cruised after Birk's blast in the second. He spun 6 2/3 innings while giving up just five hits and striking out seven batters.
Hooks left-hander Cionel Pérez entered the game in the sixth. He pitched a scoreless sixth but gave up a solo homer to Jacob Wilson in the seventh. Perez allowed a bases loaded sac fly in the eighth to Knizner as the Cardinals extended their lead to 8-2.
Springfield's bullpen followed up Gomber's solid performance with 2 1/3 scoreless frames. Jacob Evans finished the seventh and tossed a scoreless eighth. Rowan Wick held the Hooks without a run in the ninth.
The Hooks have Monday off and return to action at Whataburger Field on Tuesday evening against the Midland RockHounds. Righty Yoanys Quiala (2-4, 3.52) makes the start for Corpus Christi while the RockHounds counter with right-hander Grant Holmes (10-11, 4.73). First pitch is at 7:05 PM.
