The AA Corpus Christi Hooks have been scuffling a bit lately, but nonetheless are due congratulations for becoming Texas League South Division first half champions Thursday night.
The Hooks actually lost their game to San Antonio on Thursday, and after a seven-game win streak, have lost their last two by a combined score of 10 - 1. But they captured the first half title when Frisco lost to Midland earlier in the day. Corpus thus wins its first title of any sort in its second year of existence.
Dave Clark's club becomes the first Astros farm team to win a title since 2004 (when Round Rock, Tri-City, and Greeneville each won their division and Greeneville won the Appalachian League), as the major league club was the only one in the organization to make the playoffs last year.
Corpus Christi will host Texas League playoff games against the South Division second half champions September 5th and 6th.
Single A affiliate Lexington has a 3-1/2 game lead with four to play and could clinch the South Atlantic Northern Division first half championship as soon as Friday.
The PCL, home to AAA Round Rock, does not play a split season, and the High A Salem Avalanche have been eliminated from any chance at a first half title in the Carolina League.