TL San Antonio Missions

Johnson's Homer Carries Missions Past Travelers

Published on August 2, 2023 under Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Wednesday night. Entering on a two-game win streak, the Missions continued that streak with a 3-2 victory on Wednesday. Daniel Johnson provided the fire power with a three-run home run. The pitching staff held Arkansas to two runs on just six hits. Bobby Milacki recorded the win in relief with Kevin Kopps securing the save.

Emerson Hancock was the starting pitcher for the Travelers. The right-hander loaded the bases in the top of the first inning. Ripken Reyes began the ballgame with a double to right field. Jackson Merrill drew a walk to put two runners on base. Michael De La Cruz grounded out and Reyes moved to third base. Daniel Johnson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Marcos Castanon flew out and Cole Cummings struck out to end the scoring threat.

Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. Like Hancock, Mosser had to pitch out of a jam in the first inning. With one out, Spencer Packard singled to left field. Alberto Rodriguez reached on a base hit and Packard moved to third base. Isiah Gillam grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Missions took the lead in the top of the third inning. Reyes began the frame with a base hit. After retiring the next batter, De La Cruz drew a walk to put two runners on base. Johnson hit a line drive over the right field wall for a three-run home run. His ninth long ball of the year made it a 3-0 ballgame.

Mosser had to pitch out of trouble in the bottom half of the third inning. Leo Rivas reached base on a one-out single. With two outs, Packard drew a walk. A wild pitch from Mosser allowed Rivas to advance to third base. Rodriguez flew out to left field and the inning came to an end.

Arkansas plated their first run in the fourth inning. Leading off the inning, Gilliam hit a home run to right-center field. His 18th long ball of the season made it a 3-1 game. Mosser retired the next two batters before being replaced by Bobby Milacki.

Milacki, after finishing the fourth inning, struggled with his command early in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jake Anchia and Rivas drew walks to start the frame. Milacki struck out the next batter before getting Packard to ground into a double play.

The Missions had a chance to improve their lead in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Travis Kuhn, Korry Howell and Chandler Seagle hit back-to-back singles with one out in the inning. Reyes drew a walk to load the bases. Jackson Merrill lined out and De La Cruz struck out to end the scoring threat.

Arkansas cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing Efrain Contreras, Anchia drew a walk and Rivas doubled. With one out and two runners in scoring position, Jonatan Clase grounded out and Anchia scored. The Missions maintained a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Kevin Kopps took the mound for the save attempt. The right-hander retired the first two batters before issuing a walk to Rivas. Clase grounded out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

* Final Score: 3-2

* With the win, San Antonio improves to 12-17 & 49-49 on the season

* Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #10 MLB): 0-3, 2 BB

* Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): DNP

* Jairo Iriarte (#10 Padres prospect): DNP

* Korry Howell (#12 Padres prospect): 1-4, SB, 3 K

* Ryan Bergert (#22 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Sunday, August 6th

* Brandon Valenzuela (#28 Padres prospect): 0-5, 4 K

* Marcos Castanon (#30 Padres prospect): 1-5

* Gabe Mosser (Missions starter): ND, 3.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR

* Emerson Hancock (#4 M's prospect, Travs starter): L, 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR

* Jonatan Clase (#10 Mariners prospect): 0-5, RBI, 2 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday, August 3rd. Left-hander Daniel Camarena (1-6, 7.31) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Kyle Tyler (6-7, 5.54) is scheduled to pitch for the Travelers. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Dickey-Stephens Park.

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