SPRINGFIELD - Fueled by a five-run first and a six-RBI performance by Eliezer Álvarez, the Cardinals cruised to a 12-5 victory over Corpus Christi Saturday night at Hammons Field.Hooks right-hander Josh James downed the first two Springfield hitters quickly, but the frame unraveled from there. Darren Seferina reached via a
SPRINGFIELD - Fueled by a five-run first and a six-RBI performance by Eliezer Álvarez, the Cardinals cruised to a 12-5 victory over Corpus Christi Saturday night at Hammons Field.
Hooks right-hander Josh James downed the first two Springfield hitters quickly, but the frame unraveled from there. Darren Seferina reached via a single, and scored on an Adolis Garcia double down the left-field line. Anthony García drew a walk, and promptly came around on a two-run double by Alvarez. John Nogowski and Jacob Wilson each plated a run, via a single and a double, respectively, knocking James (4-6) out of the game.
In the second, Nick Hernandez retired the first two hitters before Seferina sent a single up the middle. Hernandez walked Adolis Garcia and plunked Anthony García, filling the bases for Alvarez, who cashed in with a two-run single through the right side, staking Springfield to a 7-2 edge.
Corpus Christi (23-31, 57-67) battled back in the fourth. Ryne Birk, who belted a grand slam Friday night, took Zac Gallen deep to right center to start the inning. Antonio Nunez followed with a double before Ramón Laureano launched an RBI triple into right-center. Kyle Tucker was next, and cracked a double for his fourth consecutive game with an extra-base hit. The rally pulled the Hooks within two at 7-5.
Springfield (36-19, 71-54) added two insurance runs in the fifth against Alex Winkelman. The markers came courtesy of an RBI double by Jesse Jenner and a throwing error from catcher Jamie Ritchie.
The Cards bullpen blanked the Hooks the rest of the way. Tyler Bray recorded four outs and survived four hits.
Corey Littrell (1-2) permitted just one knock over three innings, and Landon Beck handled the ninth.
Springfield salted the game with a three-run eighth. Alvarez delivered a two-out, two-run double, and Wilson coaxed a bases-loaded walk from Ralph Garza.
Hooks pitchers issued seven free passes, four resulted in runs. Springfield outhit Corpus Christi 14-13, but the Hooks went 3-for-13 with men in scoring position, leaving 11 on base.
Corpus Christi, aiming for a series victory, sends Akeem Bostick to the hill Sunday afternoon. Lefty Austin Gomber gets the ball for the Cardinals. First pitch 2:10.
