May 5, 2008

CORPUS CHRISTI -- Tommy Manzella's 10th-inning sacrifice fly scored Eli Iorg to lift Corpus Christi past San Antonio 3-2 Monday night at Whataburger Field.

The Hooks stand 17-14. San Antonio is 14-16.

Manzella, who came up with the bases loaded, lofted a fly to shallow right field. The throw by Mike Baxter was on time, but Iorg leapt in the air to avoid Jose Lobaton's tag and slapped the plate with his left hand.

Hooks closer Sammy Gervacio (2-1) collected the win. He walked two and struck out three in two innings.

Iorg opened the frame with a 10-pitch plate appearance against Gabe De Hoyos (0-2) before singling to right field. Iorg advanced to second on Lou Santangelo's sacrifice bunt. Pinch-hitter Rob Cosby then drew a walk and Drew Sutton reached on an error by first baseman Craig Cooper.

Cooper's second home run of 2008 gave the Missions a 1-0 lead in the first.

San Antonio added a run in the fourth. Corpus Christi starter Brad James hit lead-off hitter Chad Huffman with a pitch. Consecutive singles by Baxter and Seth Johnston preceded Lobaton's sacrifice fly.

The Hooks immediately responded by knotting the score at 2. Mitch Einertson stroked a double down the left-field line and an out later Billy Hart doubled to the wall in left. Chris Johnson followed with an RBI single to the right side of the infield.

Both starting pitchers worked six innings. James allowed five hits and struck out three. Missions ace Will Inman struck out a season-best eight. He permitted five hits and a walk.

Missions reliever Jon Ellis and the Hooks' Ryan McKeller pitched two scoreless innings each.

Corpus Christi lefty Brian Bogusevic (0-2) faces Stephen Faris (1-1) Tuesday.

-Matt Hicks