Hooks edge Cardinals, 3-2, in Season Opener

Corpus Christi, TX - The Corpus Christi Hooks edged the Springfield Cardinals, 3-2, in the Season Opener before 6,264 fans at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi on Thursday night.

The Hooks (1-0) struck first in the bottom of the third against RHP Richard Castillo (L, 0-1).  With one down, C Rene Garcia doubled his way to second base.  After Castillo dealt a strikeout for the second out in the frame, CF George Springer knocked a two-run homer to lift the Hooks to the 2-0 lead.

Springfield (0-1) responded right away, tying the game in the top of the fourth against RHP Ross Seaton (W, 1-0).  SS Jake Lemmerman started the charge with a one-out double, before racing home on an RBI single from 3B Ruben Gotay, who advanced to second on an error on the play.  After 1B Xavier Scruggs worked a walk, DH Chris Swauger reached on a fielder's choice that put runners on the corners with two down.  Swauger took off for second on a stolen base attempt, starting a delayed double steal that allowed Gotay to swipe home plate and tie the game, 2-2.

Corpus Christi moved back in front in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Garcia led off with his second double of the game, and then took third on a fly out to center.  One out later, Castillo unleashed a wild pitch, enabling Garcia to score from third and make it 3-2.

Cardinals RHP Ramon Delgado kept it a one-run game with two scoreless relief innings after Castillo lasted the first six frames.  However, the Hooks received three shutout innings from RHP Jake Buchanan before RHPJason Stoffel (S, 1) dealt a scoreless ninth, closing the 3-2 win for Corpus Christi.

The Cards will send RHP Scott McGregor to the mound on Friday against Hooks RHP Nick Tropeano with a 7:05 p.m. First Pitch in Corpus Christi.  Catch all the action live on JOCK 98.7FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pre-Game Show.

Click here to view the complete box score from Thursday's game.

The Hammons Field Home Opener is just 7 days away on Thursday, April 11, and will feature the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), the AM Pyrotechnics Fireworks Kick-Off Show and will be a Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night with bratwursts for just a buck!  First Pitch is 7:09 p.m. against Corpus Christi with gates opening at 6:09 p.m.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

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