Hooks take opener in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX - The Corpus Christi Hooks won the series opener, 9-1, against the Springfield Cardinals before 5,107 fans at Whataburger Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Hooks (8-2) struck with three unearned runs against LHP Jonathan Cornelius (L, 0-2) and the Cardinals (3-7) through the first two innings, before adding a fourth tally in the fourth on a delayed double steal to make it 4-0.

Corpus continued the attack in the fifth, adding four runs in the frame. With one down and the bases empty, RF Preston Tucker drove a solo home run to left field. A base hit and a double set the table for 3B Jio Mier, who hit a three-run homer to double the lead to 8-0.

After CF Delino DeShields, Jr. added another run to the Hooks lead with a solo home run in the eighth, the Cardinals got on the board in the ninth. CF James Ramsey led off the final frame with a solo blast, his league-best fourth home run and league-leading 11th RBI of the year. However, RHP Travis Ballew worked around a DH Jonathan Rodriguez walk and a 1B Curt Smith single in the inning to close the 9-1 win for the Hooks. RHP Aaron West (W, 2-0) pitched 5.0 scoreless innings to log the win for Corpus Christi.

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

Cardinals kick off next home series on Thursday, April 17

Springfield continues the Texas trip on Monday against Corpus Christi at 7:10pm. Catch all the action live on Jock 98.7FM and SpringfieldCardinals.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for the Coyote's Sports Cafe Pregame Show.

The Cardinals return home to start a four-game home series against the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday, April 17. Thursday's game is a "Buck a Brat" Night with $1 bratwursts at the ballpark. First Pitch is 7:10pm, gates open at 6:10pm.

The Cardinals and Travelers square off on Friday, April 18 for game two of the series at 7:10pm. Don't miss a phenomenal AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Show featuring One-Hit Wonders after the game. Gates open at 6:10pm.

The series continues on Saturday, April 19 with a 6:10pm First Pitch and the Branson Zipline Flight Crew T-Shirt Giveaway for 2,500 fans. Gates open at 5:10pm, so come early and get one of these one-of-a-kind t-shirts!

The Cards and Travs wrap up the series with a 4:10pm First Pitch on Sunday, April 20. Start the day and your Easter celebration with us at the annual Sunrise Service at Hammons Field. Then in the afternoon, there will be the Easter Egg Hunt EGGstravaganza for 1,000 kids 10-and-under before the game. Gates open at 3:10pm.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a The Cup 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 complete 2014 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.

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