Hooks Win, Naturally
Published on April 15, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
Lou Santangelo's two-run homer in the eighth inning and an escape act by reliever Jose Oyervidez in the ninth gave the Hooks a 3-2 victory over Northwest Arkansas Tuesday night at Arvest Ballpark. Corpus Christi, now 9-3 in the first half, has claimed all six series thus far this season.
With the score tied at one, Billy Hart opened the eighth with a line double to left field off reliever Dusty Hughes (1-2). Santangelo then blistered a 3-2 pitch onto the berm in dead center, putting the Hooks up to stay.
Sammy Gervacio struggled with his command in the ninth, allowing a run off a walk and two hits to open the frame. Oyervidez, a native of McAllen, entered the game with runners at first and second and nobody out. The newest Hook struck out Marc Maddox before coaxing a pop out and ground out to secure the save.
Ryan McKeller (2-0), in relief of Corpus Christi starter Brian Bogusevic, struck out two in the seventh to earn the victory. Bogusevic did not factor in the decision, surrendering a run and three hits over six innings. The lefty walked three and struck out two.
The Hooks wasted little time against Naturals starter Julio Pimentel. With one away in the first, Tommy Manzella knocked a double inside the bag at first, extending his hit streak to five. Rob Cosby promptly collected his team-leading 14th RBI with a seeing-eye single to center, scoring Manzella for a 1-0 lead.
Bogusevic navigated the first two frames with ease before a pair of double plays came to his aid in the third and fourth. After surrendering a lead-off single to Adam Donachie, Bogusevic induced a grounder to second baseman Drew Sutton who initiated the 4-6-3 twin killing.
In the fourth, Juan Richardson struck a one-out single to left field and Kila Kaaihue was hit by a pitch, putting runners at first and second base. Geraldo Valentin then scorched a liner to shortstop Manzella who retired the side with a flip to second.
The Naturals (4-8) squared the score in the sixth thanks to a big blast by Jose Duarte. Leading off, Duarte launched Bogusevic's 2-1 offering over the fence in left field for his first home run of the season.
Richie Paz and Ray Sadler both collected hits for Corpus Christi, extending their hit streaks to six and four, respectively. Sutton, who went 1-for-4, has hit safely in six-straight games and all 11 of his starts.
The Hooks are off Wednesday before opening an eight-game homestand with first-place Frisco on Thursday night. The RoughRiders' Michael Schlact (0-0) is slated to face Bud Norris (2-0). First pitch is 7:05 at Whataburger Field.
Texas League Stories from April 15, 2008
- Hooks Win, Naturally - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Long Ball Dooms Naturals Monday - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards "Rock" Hounds for 9-1 Win, Return to Hammons Thursday! - Springfield Cardinals
- Arkansas Diamond Series Begins Thursday - Arkansas Travelers
- Naturals Partner With 40/29 To Help River Valley Tornado Victims - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Hooks Grab Hold For 8-Game Homestand - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Texas League Newsletter '08 No. 1 - TL1
- Drillers Win With 2-Out Rallies - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks Bounce Back, Beat Naturals - Corpus Christi Hooks
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