Hooks reel in victory in series opener

Corpus Christi, TX - The Corpus Christi Hooks claimed the series opening victory against the Springfield Cardinals, 13-1, before 4,070 fans at Whataburger Field on Wednesday night. C Max Stassi helped pace the Corpus offense with eight RBIs.

The Hooks (4-3, 46-31) struck first with five runs in the bottom of the second inning against RHP Richard Castillo (L, 5-4). The charge started with a solo shot by LF Michael Burgess, followed later in the inning by a grand slam from Stassi, opening up the 5-0 advantage.

Corpus Christi kept swinging away with six more runs in the bottom of the third. An RBI fielder's choice by CF Drew Muren started the inning's scoring, before a two-run double by Stassi and an RBI double by 1B Erik Castro ended the evening for Castillo. RHP Corey Baker took over on the mound, but was welcomed with a two-run homer by 3B Jonathan Meyer, stretching the advantage to 11-0.

Baker settled things down on the mound for the Cardinals (4-3, 37-38), and only allowed two more runs through his 4.1 innings of work. Stassi provided the additional run support with another two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth, tallying the lead to 13-0.

Springfield got on the board in the top of the eighth inning against LHP Kenny Long. With one down, CF James Ramsey got on with a single, followed quickly by a base hit from SS Jake Lemmerman. 3B Tyler Rahmatulla then ripped an RBI single through the middle, bringing Ramsey in from second base to make it 13-1.

However, RHP Carlos Quevedo tossed a scoreless ninth for the Hooks, closing the 13-1 win for Corpus Christi. RHP Ruben Alaniz (W, 4-7) dealt six scoreless innings to log the victory.

Click here for the complete box score from Wednesday's game.

Reserved seats for 4th of July Fireworks Celebration going quickly!

The Cardinals continue the Texas road trip in Corpus Christi on Thursday at 7:05pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7 FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

The Cards kick off a six-game homestand on Wednesday, July 3 against the Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:09pm.

Springfield then hosts the Hooks on Thursday, July 4 at 5:09pm for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. Reserved seats are going very quickly, so get your tickets today at SpringfieldCardinals.com or by calling the Ticket Office at (417) 863-2143.

The Cardinals 4th of July Game and Fireworks Celebration is part of the third annual Fireworks at the Field celebration on Thursday, July 4, presented by CoxHealth. Get your Fireworks at the Field tickets today at Hammons Field or any Springfield Price Cutter location (including the Bistro Market downtown). Please note that all day Fireworks at the Field tickets are not available at SpringfieldCardinals.com.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for the Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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