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TL San Antonio Missions

Fernandez Extends Hitting Streak as Missions' Late Comeback Falls Short

May 29, 2022 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - Despite a lead-off homer from Esteury Ruiz, the Missions pitching staff allowed Frisco to score nine runs on 15 hits. The Missions scored twice in the ninth inning but Frisco was able to hold on to force a series split with the Missions. San Antonio falls to 23-22 on the season.

The San Antonio Missions entered Sunday's contest with a chance to clinch the series victory. Avery Weems received the spot start for the Frisco RoughRiders. Esteury Ruiz wasted no time and hit the first pitch of the game out of the yard for a solo home run. The Missions took an early 1-0 lead.

Jason Blanchard received the start for the Missions. This was his third appearance of the season and first start since 2019. The RoughRiders quickly responded and took the lead with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the first inning. Jonathan Ornelas started off the inning with a double. Justin Foscue singled to bring in Ornelas. After a walk to Blaine Crim, Ezequiel Duran hit a double to score Foscue. Frisco took a 2-1 lead.

Nolan Watson replaced Blanchard to start the third inning. After striking out the first batter he faced, Watson allowed a double to Crim. Duran drove in Crim with a double of his own. After recording the second out of the inning, J.P. Martinez drove in Duran with an RBI single. The RoughRiders improved their lead to 4-1.

After being held scoreless through the second, third and fourth innings, the Missions tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. Jorge Ona, Connor Kaiser, and Korry Howell all drew walks to load the bases at the start of the inning. Ona came around to score after Connor Hollis grounded out. After a walk to Domingo Leyba, Kevin Gowdy came on to pitch. He unloaded a wild pitch which scored Kaiser. Lastly, Juan Fernandez hit a single to score Hollis. The game was tied at 4-4.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the RoughRiders offense regained the lead after scoring three runs on four hits. With Michel Baez on the mound, he allowed a walk to Crim and a single to Duran. After allowing a wild pitch, Dustin Harris took Baez deep for a three-run homer. His eighth long ball of the season made it a 7-4 ballgame.

The Missions comeback attempt began in the top of the seventh inning. Korry Howell hit a lead-off triple and Ruiz drove him in with a sacrifice fly. The Missions trailed 7-5.

Frisco answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the seventh inning. With Carlos Belen on the mound, J.P. Martinez hit a lead-off home run to make it an 8-5 Frisco lead. They added their ninth run of the game in the eighth inning on a solo homer from Foscue.

San Antonio continued the comeback attempt in the top of the ninth inning. With Chase Lee on the mound, Ruiz reached base with a bunt single and advanced to second base on a throwing error from Duran. Leyba drove in Ruiz with a single to center field. Later on in the inning, Yorman Rodriguez drove in a run with a single to left field. With the go-ahead run at the plate, Jorge Ona popped out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

With the loss, San Antonio falls to 23-22 on the season

Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-3, 3B, R, BB

Tirso Ornelas (#24 Padres prospect): DNP

Esteury Ruiz (#30 Padres prospect): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SF, K

Jason Blanchard (First start since 2019): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K

Michel Baez (Rehab Assignment): L, 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB, HR

Adrian Morejon (Rehab Assignment): 1.0 IP, H, BB, K

The San Antonio Missions will have Monday, May 30th off before returning to Nelson Wolff Stadium on Tuesday, May 31st for a six-game series with the Tulsa Drillers. Right-hander Matt Waldron (1-1, 3.67) is currently expected to start for the Missions. The Tulsa Drillers have yet to announce their starter for Tuesday's game. First is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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