Corpus Christi (kiii sports) - Kalian Sams' three-run homer to right-center field off Jorge De Leon in the seventh secured San Antonio's 6-2 victory over Corpus Christi Thursday night at Whataburger Field before 4,741.
Sams came to the plate with two away and Reymond Fuentes and Rico Noel aboard after De Leon issued consecutive free passes to San Antonio's lead-off and two-hole hitters. Sam's sixth round-tripper of 2013 came on a 1-0 offering.
Corpus Christi pulled to within three in the eighth at 5-2, Rene Garcia taking Matt Stites to the left-field berm. The Missions countered by scoring their sixth run, Noel's sacrifice fly plating Adam Buschini (lead-off double).
The Hooks (23-17) pieced together three singles off Keyvius Sampson for a 1-0 lead after one. Erik Castro's sharp liner to right plated Ben Orloff, who opened with a lead-off single.
San Antonio (21-19) drew even in the third, one-out singles by Fuentes and Noel preceding Everett Williams' RBI ground out to the right side.
Buschini's second home run of the campaign on a 1-0 pitch from Ruben Alaniz opened the fifth and pushed the Missions up by one. Two outs and a base-on-balls later, Alaniz (0-5) handed the ball over to Matt Heidenreich. Sams' double to left put runners at second and third, but Heidenreich got Johan Limonta on a bouncer to short.
Alaniz allowed four hits, walked three and struck out five.
Rehabbing Astros reliever Josh Fields took over for the sixth and retired San Antonio in order. Corpus Christi threatened with two runners in scoring position after Jiovanni Mier's second double of the night, but Missions manager Rich Dauer pulled Sampson in favor of Chris Rearick and the tall lefty fanned Enrique Hernandez for the final out.
Sampson, who improved to 1-3, threw 94 pitches (63 strikes). He was charged with six hits, two walks and struck out three.
Mier extended his hitting streak to seven games. Garcia and Jonathan Meyer have hit safely in six straight.
The Hooks travel to Midland for four Friday through Monday. Jake Buchanan (3-0) draws the pitching assignment for Corpus Christi Friday at 7:00 against Murphy Smith (4-3).