TL1 Corpus Christi Hooks

Thigpen homer deals CC back-to-back one-run losses

Published on August 17, 2005 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release


(TULSA, Okla.) - Tulsa left fielder Jud Thigpen homered with two men out in the bottom of the fifth to give the Drillers a one-run lead they would not relinquish. Sound familiar? It happened Monday, and it happened again Tuesday, as the Drillers nipped the Hooks 3-2 in the second game of a three-game series. Corpus Christi dropped to 27-25 in the second half with its fourth one-run loss at Tulsa this season.

The Hooks grabbed an early lead Tuesday, scoring twice in the second against Tulsa starter Jon Asahina. With the bases loaded and one out, Josh Anderson's flair into shallow left plated both Charlton Jimerson and Wade Robinson for a 2-0 Hooks' lead. A single by Eric Riggs again loaded the bases, but Mike Rodriguez grounded into a double play to end the inning.

As was the case Monday, the Hooks on Tuesday out-hit the Drillers but failed to convert on many opportunities against Asahina. Corpus Christi totaled eight hits in the first three innings, and got a leadoff double by Hector Gimenez in the sixth, but could not get over the two-run hump.

The Drillers got on the board in the fourth, taking advantage of Corpus Christi's lone error to tally two unearned runs. With runners at second and third and two out, Doug Bernier hit a ground ball to Robinson at short. Robinson fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to first bounced in the dirt, then glanced off the glove of first baseman J.R. Phillips. Bernier reached first on the error, which also allowed Corey Slavik and Luis Guance to race home for a 2-2 score.

As he did on Monday, Thigpen provided Tulsa with a game-winning home run in the bottom of the fifth. Thigpen's ninth homer for the Drillers was a solo shot over the netting in left that hit 15th Street. It came off Hooks' starter Peter Bauer (2-2), who pitched well but suffered the loss. The homer was the lone earned run allowed by Bauer during his five innings on the hill.

Asahina (12-8) gave up two runs on nine hits over six innings to get the win. Jim Miller, who saved Monday's game, also worked the ninth Tuesday to gain his fourth save with the Drillers.

The Hooks and Drillers have played 13 games this season, eight of which have been decided by one run. Tulsa has won five of those eight one-run games.

RHP Jason Hirsh (11-8, 3.32) will be on the mound for Wednesday's series finale as the Hooks attempt to avoid the series sweep. The Drillers will respond with RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (2-3, 4.98) in the scheduled 7:05 pm start.

Check out the Corpus Christi Hooks Statistics

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Texas League Stories from August 17, 2005


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