Miller sharp in final tune-up
Published on March 31, 2007 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - On a picture-perfect day at The Dell Diamond in Round Rock, the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks and Triple-A Round Rock Express dueled to a 3-3 tie after nine innings of play. The game, played before a crowd of 6,916, was the first of two between the Astros' top affiliates this weekend.
The Hooks jumped out to a 3-0 lead when they sent nine men to the plate in the top of the fourth against Express starter Juan Gutierrez. Catcher Lou Santangelo brought in the game's first run with a two-out single to right that scored Drew Sutton from second. Later, with the bases loaded, shortstop Edwin Maysonet singled to center to plate both Santangelo and Ray Sadler for a 3-0 Corpus Christi lead.
Round Rock chipped away at that lead in the middle frames against Hooks hurler Jimmy Barthmaier. Mark Saccomanno's scratch infield hit with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the fourth put the home team on the board.
In the fifth, the Express took advantage of a leadoff walk and stolen base by pinch hitter Kevin Davidson. Three batters later, Hunter Pence hit a high pop up into very shallow left, which Maysonet appeared poised to catch for the final out of the inning. Maysonet, however, lost the pop up in the sun, allowing Davidson to score from second to make it a 3-2 game.
Round Rock equalized in the sixth on a solo home run to right off the bat of right fielder Todd Self. Hooks right fielder Francisco Caraballo had his glove over the wall in a leaping attempt to haul in Self's blast, but the ball was just beyond his reach and the game was deadlocked at 3-3.
Hooks starter Josh Miller looked very good, retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced. Miller allowed only one hit - a two-out single by Cody Ransom in the second inning. An 11-game winner for the Hooks last season, Miller did not walk a batter and he struck out three.
The two clubs go at it again Sunday afternoon at Whataburger Field. Tip Fairchild is expected to start for the Hooks, while Jared Gothreaux gets the call for Round Rock. Sunday's game, slated to begin at 2:05, will be preceded by a special ring ceremony to honor those players who were a part of Corpus Christi's championship team last year.
Texas League Stories from March 31, 2007
- Miller sharp in final tune-up - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Champs Open 2007 Season on Sunday - Springfield Cardinals
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.
