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TL1 Corpus Christi Hooks

Missions prevail 4-3 on opening day

April 6, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release


(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) - As they did last year, the Missions opened this season with a one-run victory over the Hooks. In Thursday afternoon's Texas League opener at Whataburger Field, catcher Jeff Clement had two hits, including the game-winner in the top of the sixth, to help San Antonio nip Corpus Christi 4-3.

Clement, in his Double-A debut and playing just the 35th game of his professional career, singled to right with two on and two out in the sixth. That hit easily plated Ozzie Navarro from third to tie the score at 3-3, but on the play, Hooks' right fielder Hunter Pence fielded Clement's hit and fired the ball to third in an attempt to cut down Sebastien Boucher, attempting to advance from first. Pence's throw was a good one, very near the bag, but it short-hopped third baseman Jared Sandberg and went out of play, allowing Boucher to score the go-ahead run for a 4-3 Missions' lead.

The Mariners' top pick in last year's draft, Clement finished the game 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Boucher, Bryan LaHair and Jon Nelson each had two hits for the Missions, who totaled 11 for the game. One of Nelson's two hits was a line drive homer to left to lead off the second inning, the first run of the game and the season.

The Hooks, who were held to five hits, were led by first baseman and left fielder John Fagan, who went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Corpus Christi's first run of the season also came on a lead-off home run in the second, clubbed by catcher J.R. House. Shortstop Ben Zobrist collected the Hooks' other RBI with a sacrifice fly to center in the fifth.

Winning pitcher Travis Blackley allowed three runs, one earned, over six innings on the hill. Jon Huber worked a clean ninth to get the save. Hooks' reliever Paul Estrada, despite a sharp effort that included six strikeouts in 3.1 innings, suffered the loss. He was charged with two unearned runs in the sixth.

The two teams go at it again on Opening Night, Friday at 7:05 pm. RHP Matt Albers will pitch for the Hooks and be opposed by RHP Yorman Bazardo.

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