Long Ball Sinks Hooks

April 27, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release

(CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx) - Springfield, the Texas League's top team in record and home runs, provided evidence of both Thursday night at Whataburger Field, clubbing three long balls en route to a 7-3 victory over the Hooks. The Cardinals have evened the series at a game apiece, and both teams remain on top of their divisions.

Juan Richardson, Kevin Estrada and Reid Gorecki knocked the ball out of the yard for the Cardinals, who increased their league-leading home run total to 31. Richardson and Gorecki hit two-run shots, while Estrada stayed hot with a solo blast as a part of his 2-for-4 night. Gorecki's nine homers tops the circuit, and the Cardinals are unbeaten (8-0) when Gorecki goes yard.

The Cardinals tallied five runs (three earned) in the first four innings off Hooks' starter Juan Gutierrez (1-1), who allowed four hits and four walks while striking out a season-high eight batters. Springfield starter Jordan Pals (2-0) held Corpus Christi to three runs (two earned) on five hits over 6 1/3 innings to get the win.

Josh Bonifay got the Hooks on the board with a solo homer in the second, an opposite field shot into the Cardinals' bullpen. Ben Zobrist, 1-for-1 on the night, singled in the first and added four walks, giving him a base-on-balls in eight consecutive games. He leads the Hooks with 19 walks to date.

Game three of the series with Springfield takes place Friday night at 7:05, with RHP Chris Lambert (2-1, 5.79) on the mound for the Cardinals and RHP Matt Albers (2-1, 1.73) on the hill for the Hooks. It's Friday - and another Bud Light Friday Fireworks' Night at Whataburger Field! Gates open at 5:30.

Texas League Stories from April 27, 2006

• Long Ball Sinks Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
• Errors cost Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
• Travs Fall To Missions 4-3 - Arkansas Travelers
• Pals Pitches Well, Cards Win 7-3 - Springfield Cardinals
• Wranglers Homestand Starts Tonight - Wichita Wranglers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Corpus Christi Hooks Stories

• Hooks Mishandled Strong Showings by Fleury & Mancini
• Hooks Show Force with 12-Hit Attack
• Naturals Keep Hooks at Bay
• Big Innings Power Naturals in Opener
• Hooks Home After Two-Week Trek