Nix Shuts Down Hooks in Opener

Another superb outing from right-hander Jacob Nix propelled San Antonio to a 2-1 win over Corpus Christi Monday night at Wolff Stadium.
Monday's opener marked the start of a crucial seven-game homestand for the Missions. With the South Division second half title on the line, San Antonio needed to start strong with Corpus Christi and Frisco both ahead of them in the standings.
The Missions had the right hurler on the bump for such an occasion in Nix. The Fullerton, CA native began his eighth start of the season by fanning a pair during a scoreless first. However, in the top of the second, Nix fell behind 1-0 when Chas McCormick drove in Josh Rojas with a double to left.
San Antonio's offense immediately responded in its half of the second against right-hander Brandon Bielak (2-2), tying the game at one with Peter Van Gansen's single to left. The Missions struck again in the third, taking a 2-1 lead when Ty France scored Josh Naylor with a single to center.
Staked with the lead, Nix settled into a grove, retiring the Hooks in order in both the third and fourth innings. In the fifth, Nix was aided by an impressive flyball double play turned by right fielder Michael Gettys.
Nix (2-2) kept the 2-1 lead through seven, allowing just four hits and one walk, while fanning a season-high tying eight.
After Chris Huffman blanked the Hooks in the eighth, Andres Munoz worked out of a jam in the ninth to notch his fourth save.
San Antonio (17-13, 59-41) and Corpus Christi (20-11, 63-37) resume their three-game set on AARP's $2 Tuesday presented by KCWX. First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM. Logan Allen (10-4, 2.66) will get the ball for the Missions, while the Hooks counter with fellow southpaw Brett Adcock (0-0, 0.00).
Notes: Earlier in the day, the Missions received right Eric Yardley back from Triple-A El Paso. Nix also struck out eight Hooks on June 20 at The Wolff.