Four-Run 7th Inning Propels Missions to Victory

September 2, 2023 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Saturday night. After being held scoreless the previous night, the Missions offense scored five runs on nine hits on Saturday night to secure a 5-3 victory.

Jairo Iriarte was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander allowed two baserunners during the bottom of the first inning. After striking out the first two batters, Iriarte allowed back-to-back singles to Tanner Schobel and Alex Isola. Jake Rucker grounded into a fielder's choice to end the scoring threat.

Pierson Ohl was the starting pitcher for the Wind Surge. After a perfect first inning, the Missions put two runners in scoring position in the top of the second inning. Marcos Castanon began the frame with a base hit to center field. After retiring the next batter, Ohl allowed a double to Cole Cummings. With two runners in scoring position, Ethan Salas lined out and Connor Hollis grounded out.

The Wind Surge plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Seth Gray drew a walk to begin the frame. Alerick Soularie grounded out and Gray moved to second base. Willie Joe Garry Jr. drove in Gray with a single to center field. Wichita took a 1-0 lead.

Wichita had two more runners on base during the third inning. Michael Helman singled to start the inning. On the play, he was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double. Schobel, the next batter, singled to left field. After retiring the next batter, a wild pitch from Iriarte allowed Schobel to advance into scoring position. He struck out Rucker to end the frame.

San Antonio tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. On the first pitch of the inning, Cummings homered to right field. His eighth long ball of the season made it a 1-1 game.

Iriarte's night came to an end after the fourth inning. He allowed one run on five hits while walking one batter. The right-hander struck out six batters along the way. He was replaced by Raul Brito in the fifth inning.

The Wind Surge regained the lead off Brito in the bottom of the sixth inning. Isola doubled to start the frame. Rucker drove in Isola with a triple to right field. After walking Seth Gray, Brito threw a wild pitch which allowed Rucker to score. Wichita gained a 3-1 lead.

The Missions took the lead in the top of the seventh inning with four runs on just one hit. Facing Regi Grace, Cummings was hit by a pitch and Juan Fernandez drew a walk to start the frame. Connor Hollis loaded the bases after drawing a walk. Jordan Carr took over on the mound. A wild pitch allowed Cummings to score. Korry Howell drew a walk to load the bases. Ripken Reyes, attempting a squeeze bunt, resulted in Fernandez being forced out at home. Jackson Merrill drove in two runs with a double to right field. Lastly, Nathan Martorella grounded out and Reyes came in to score. The Missions took a 5-3 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Lake Bachar returned to the mound after pitching the eighth. The right-hander retired the first batter before issuing a walk to Patrick Winkel. Yoyner Fajardo singled to put two runners on base. Michael Helman grounded into a double play to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

* Final Score: 5-3

* With the win, San Antonio improves to 28-28 & 65-60 on the season

* Jairo Iriarte (Missions starter): ND, 4.0 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K

* Pierson Ohl (Wind Surge starter): ND, 5.2 IP, 6 H, ER, K, HR

Prospect Recap

* Ethan Salas (#1 Padres prospect, #5 MLB): 0-1 (Removed after the 2nd inning)

* Jackson Merrill (#2 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI

* Robby Snelling (#3 Padres prospect, #64 MLB): DNP

* Jairo Iriarte (#6 Padres prospect): ND, 4.0 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K

* Adam Mazur (#7 Padres prospect): DNP

* Nathan Martorella (#10 Padres prospect): 1-4, RBI

* Graham Pauley (#11 Padres prospect): DNP

* Jakob Marsee (#12 Padres prospect): DNP

* Ryan Bergert (#16 Padres prospect): DNP

* Marcos Castañon (#23 Padres prospect): 2-4, K

* Marco Raya (#4 Twins prospect): DNP

* Tanner Schobel (#7 Twins prospect): 2-4, K

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Sunday, September 3rd. Right-hander Jared Kollar (2-1, 5.13) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Travis Adams (4-9, 5.48) is scheduled to pitch for the Wind Surge. Sunday's first pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m.

San Antonio Missions' Jairo Iriarte in action

Texas League Stories from September 2, 2023

• Sod Poodles Take Control of Series, Beat RockHounds 6-4 - Amarillo Sod Poodles
• Tulsa Receives Another Loss to Travelers - Tulsa Drillers
• Gusto & Co. Spin 1-0 Gem - Corpus Christi Hooks
• Hooks Win Another One-Run Game - Frisco RoughRiders
• Redmond Hits 29th Homer; Cards Power Past Nats, 10-8 - Springfield Cardinals
• Surge Give Up Game Five After Missions Rally - Wichita Wind Surge
• Four-Run 7th Inning Propels Missions to Victory - San Antonio Missions
• Tolbert Homers, Naturals Cage Cards 6-3 Friday - 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.

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