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07/16/2008 12:30 AM ET
Mazzaro gives Corpus Christi the hook again
Midland right-hander records 10 strikeouts in 6-0 shutout
By Alan Friedman / Special to MLB.com
Vincent Mazzaro recorded his career high in strikeouts of 12 while with Stockton. (Shawn E. Davis/MLB.com)

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Corpus Christi might have been happy to see Vincent Mazzaro, who fanned 11 Hooks earlier this season, get off to a rough start Tuesday. But the Midland righty had turned his night around before the first inning ended.

Mazzaro struck out 10 and didn't allow a walk over eight innings of four-hit ball as the host RockHounds topped the Corpus Christi Hooks, 6-0.

A third-round selection by the Oakland A's in the third round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Mazzaro ran his record to 9-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.11 with the effort.

"It felt good to throw eight innings and give the bullpen the night off," Mazzaro said. "I was working my two-seam fastball on both sides of the plate and getting ground balls. I was able to get ahead in the count and mix in my knuckle-curve."

The New Jersey native set down 11 Corpus Christi batters over 6 2/3 innings May 1, but he was not involved in the decision in Midland's 6-5 win. He sports a 4-0 record in five starts against the Hooks this year.

He started off Tuesday by surrendering singles to the first two batters, Drew Sutton and Jarred Ball. But he got Chris Johnson to hit into a double play and fanned Ole Sheldon to end the threat.

"It's been a good season so far," Mazzaro said. "I'm doing a good job of keeping focused, staying healthy, trying to get ground balls and keep my team in the game."

His career high for strikeouts is 12, which he accomplished in a seven-inning stint last season for the Class A Advanced Stockton Ports against the High Desert Mavericks in the California League. Overall last season, he was 9-12 with a 5.33 ERA for the Ports.

"I learned a lot last year in Stockton," he said. "What I learned there really helped me grow as a pitcher."

Andrew Bailey pitched a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts and a walk to close out Tuesday's victory for the RockHounds (12-12).

Midland pitchers got offensive support from Jon Zeringue, Sean Doolittle, Anthony Recker and Brian Snyder, who collected two hits apiece.

Polin Trinidad (3-3) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks without a strikeout over three innings to take the loss for the Hooks (8-16).

Alan Friedman is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.