Hooks top Cards in Hammons Field Home Opener

Springfield, MO - The Corpus Christi Hooks topped the Springfield Cardinals, 5-0, before 5,371 fans at Hammons Field in the Cardinals 2013 Home Opener.

The game was preceded by special tributes to the the late Cardinal legend Stan "The Man" Musial and the Division II Men's Basketball National Champion Drury Panthers, all with with 2012 Texas League Championship Trophy on the field. 

The Hooks (6-1) jumped in front early with a solo bomb by LF Austin Wates on the game's second pitch from RHP Scott McGregor (L, 1-1).  McGregor settled in and kept Corpus Christi from adding to the lead through the next three frames.

However, the Hooks struck for two tallies in the top of the fifth.  With one on and one down, Wates delivered an RBI triple to the right-center field gap, plating C Rene Garcia from first base.  SS Jiovanni Mier followed with an RBI double to bring home Wates and make it 3-0.

Corpus Christi tacked on two more in the top of the sixth inning.  RF Domingo Santana started the stanza with a solo home run, before the Hooks worked the bases loaded on a pair of walks and a base hit against LHP Justin Wright.  With the bases full, Mier worked an RBI walk, forcing in the fifth and final run of the contest.

The Cardinals (2-5) received scoreless relief from RHP Ramon Delgado (2.1 innings) and RHP Keith Butler (1.0 inning), but the combined efforts of Hooks RHP David Martinez (W, 1-0) and RHP Asher Wojchiechowski (S, 1) led Corpus Christi to the 5-0 win.

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

The Cardinals continue the Opening Homestand with a 7:09 p.m. First Pitch against the Hooks on Friday night.  Don't miss the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), and then the phenomenal Friday Night Fireworks Show after the game, presented by AM Pyrotechnics.  Gates open 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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