Rough Start Dooms San Antonio in Opener
Corpus Christi did all of its damage during the early innings as they seized an 8-4 win over San Antonio in Sunday night's series opener at Wolff Stadium.
Zech Lemond, who was making his first start at the Double-A level, ran into immediate trouble Sunday, allowing the Hooks to plate four runs in the top of the first.
Corpus Christi made the former Rice University hurler's night even more difficult in the second when Conrad Gregor's two-run double and Nick Tanielu's RBI single pushed the lead to 7-0. An inning later, the Hooks tacked on another with Teoscar Hernandez's RBI single to left center.
All eight of the runs charged to Lemond (0-1) were earned. The right-hander allowed nine hits and three walks, while striking out two in his three innings.
San Antonio got on the board in the bottom of the third against All-Star righty Keegan Yuhl, beginning with fellow South Division All-Star Jose Rondon's RBI single to right. Nick Torres, who will be the South's starting designate hitter later this month, followed with a run-scoring groundout that trimmed the Missions' deficit to six.
Both of the runs in the frame were unearned. Yuhl (7-1) allowed just five hits and two walks, while striking out three in a season-high, tying seven strong innings.
The Missions capped scoring in the ninth against lefty Michael Freeman on consecutive RBI singles by Nelson Ward and Rondon. Freeman ended the game when he got Torres to pop out to first. Torres finished 0-for-5, ending his on-base streak at 24 games (5th longest in TL this season).
San Antonio's bullpen performance was a bright spot in defeat as righties Adam Cimber, Tayron Guerrero and Rafael De Paula combined on six shutout innings of two-hit ball. The pen has not allowed a run in 18.2 innings and just one run over its last 23.2 innings.
San Antonio (22-47) resumes its four-game series with Corpus Christi (46-23) Monday on Family Night presented by H-E-B. Right-hander Dinelson Lamet (0-2, 7.45) will get the ball for the Missions, while the Hooks counter with southpaw Kent Emanuel (1-0, 2.95). Monday's contest will be the final one of the season's first half.
Notes: Lemond arrived to San Antonio following the promotion of Michael Kelly, who debuted for El Paso Sunday. Kelly was impressive, guiding the Chihuahuas to a 7-1 win over Sacramento with six shutout innings of two-hit ball. Former Missions Austin Hedges and Casey McElroy both homered for El Paso.