CC Pen Powers Extra-Inning Win

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, MO - Cesar Gomez, Cole McDonald, and Ray Gaither teamed for six sterling innings of relief Saturday night as the Hooks captured a 5-3 win in 10 innings at Hammons Field.

Zach Dezenzo, who clubbed a lead-off double in the eighth, provided the go-ahead knock with one away in the 10th, an RBI single into left field as the Hooks geared for a three-run frame. C.J. Stubbs followed by being hit with a pitch, setting the stage for a pivotal double steal. Luis Aviles Jr. was next and chopped a soft grounder up the middle, allowing Dezenzo to score. Stubbs also came home on the play courtesy of a throwing error.

Gaither, who stranded a pair in the ninth, retired three of four batters faced in the 10th, upping his record to 3-1.

A.J. Blubaugh, making his Double-A debut, held Springfield to one run and one hit over four innings of work. Blubaugh finished his outing by retiring the last nine Cardinals in order.

Corpus Christi gave him a first inning run. Stubbs coaxed a two-out free pass and then scampered home on a double to right field by Aviles.

Stubbs, batting in the three-hole for the first time this season, reached base in all five of his plate appearances. He drew a 2023-best four walks while scoring three runs.

Gomez permitted an unearned run while facing one over the minimum in the fifth and sixth.

McDonald scattered three singles and struck out three in two scoreless innings.