Conticello Comes up Clutch as Soddies Outlast Missions
Published on August 23, 2025 under Texas League (TL)
Amarillo Sod Poodles News Release
SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (63-56) defeated the San Antonio Missions (58-61), 2-0, on Saturday night at Nelson W. Wolff Stadium. Only two runs were needed in the pitcher's duel to put Amarillo back in the win column to maintain their seven-game lead in the second half.
Taking the hill for the Soddies in game five of the final series of the year against the Missions was Avery Short. The lefty missed lots of San Antonio bats to open play, tallying five strikeouts over the first three innings.
The Indiana native continued to shove, making his best showing since being activated from the injured list on July 22. He brought his strikeout total to six for the evening in the fifth. Each of the first two batters he faced in the sixth reached, advancing to second and third on a wild pitch. The southpaw escaped the jam however, stranding the go-ahead runs to finish off six shutout innings.
The Missions threatened again in the bottom of the eighth with Eli Wilson reaching third base with one away. A dribbler was hit towards third and Wilson sprinted for home, but Manuel Pena was able to make the quick toss to the plate to cut down the run and keep the game at a scoreless tie.
Each of the first three Soddies reached base to open the top of the ninth, setting up a bases loaded opportunity for Gavin Conticello who came through with a two-run double for the first runs of the ballgame by either side. Landon Sims came on to pitch the ninth and struck out the side to give Amarillo the 2-0 win.
The series concludes tomorrow with RHP Alec Baker (2-3, 5.65) and RHP Miguel Mendez (0-2, 7.53) scheduled to start.
POSTGAME NOTES
SHORT SHOVES: Turning in a quality start this evening for Amarillo was Avery Short as the lefty tossed six shutout innings, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out six...it is the 20th quality start of his professional career.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST: Including tonight, the Sod Poodles have been held scoreless through eight innings five times this season...tonight's win was their first victory in such situations.
Texas League Stories from August 23, 2025
- Riders Trip CC - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Wichita Powers Through Midland for the Win - Wichita Wind Surge
- Lizarraga Shines, Offense Muted as Pitcher's Duel Ends in Favor of Soddies - San Antonio Missions
- Riders Dominate in All Facets to Drop Hooks - Frisco RoughRiders
- Travs Take Fourth Straight with Late Clutch Performances - Arkansas Travelers
- Conticello Comes up Clutch as Soddies Outlast Missions - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- Tulsa Drops Second Straight to Naturals - Tulsa Drillers
- Travs Beat Cards 5-3 on Saturday - Springfield Cardinals
- Ruta, Naturals Walk off Drillers 8-7 in 12 Innings - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
