Merrill's First Big Fly Overshadowed by Frisco Victory
Published on July 20, 2023 under Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series against the Frisco RoughRiders on Thursday night. Despite back-to-back home runs from Jackson Merrill and Michael De La Cruz, the Missions dropped game three to the RoughRiders on Thursday. San Antonio plated three runs on nine hits while Frisco scored 10 runs on 10 hits.
Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander was making his first start for the club since May of 2022. After a scoreless first inning, he failed to make it out of the second frame after allowing five runs. Trevor Hauver and Thomas Saggese began the frame with base hits. Josh Hatcher reached base on a fielding error and Hauver came in to score. Following a fielder's choice, Liam Hicks singled and Saggese came in to score. The third run of the game scored on an error from Jackson Merrill. Lastly, Luisangel Acuna drove in two runs with a base hit to center field. The Missions trailed 5-0.
The RoughRiders added their sixth run of the game in the third inning. Saggese, on a ground ball back to pitcher Jose Espada, reached third base on a throwing error from the right-hander. He came in to score on a sacrifice fly from Hatcher.
Ryan Garcia was the starting pitcher for the RoughRiders. After allowing just one hit through three innings, he allowed three runs on three hits in the fourth inning. On the first pitch of the inning, Merrill hit his first career Double-A homer. Michael De La Cruz left the yard for back-to-back homers. Daniel Johnson drew a walk and stole second base. Marcos Castanon drove in Johnson with a single to center field. The Missions trailed 6-3.
San Antonio had a chance to cut into the deficit in the fifth inning. Facing Grant Wolfram, Merrill began the frame with a base hit and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. After retiring the next two batters, and with Merrill at third base, Castanon drew a walk to keep the inning alive. Cole Cummings struck out swinging to end the inning.
After being held hitless since the second inning, the RoughRiders plated three runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Adam Mazur, Aaron Zavala hit a solo home run with two outs in the inning. Acuna singled to keep the inning alive. Evan Carter connected on a two-run home run over the right field wall. The Missions trailed 9-3.
Post-Game Notes
* Final Score: 10-3
* With the win, San Antonio falls to 7-11 & 44-43 on the season
* Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #10 MLB): 3-5, HR, RBI, R, K, E
* Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): ND, 1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 K, 2 HR
* Jairo Iriarte (#11 Padres prospect): DNP
* Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 0-4, K, PO
* Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect: Scheduled to pitch Friday, July 21st
* Ryan Bergert (#24 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Sunday, July 23rd
* Brandon Valenzuela (#29 Padres prospect): 1-3, BB, K
* Gabe Mosser (Missions starter): L, 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R (2 ER), BB
* Evan Carter (#1 Rangers prospect, #6 MLB): 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB, E
* Luisangel Acuna (#3 Rangers prospect, #45 MLB): 2-5, 2 RBI, R, SB
* Ryan Garcia (Frisco starter): ND, 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Frisco RoughRiders on Friday, July 21st. Left-hander Jackson Wolf (8-8, 3.39) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Nick Krauth (2-6, 6.59) is scheduled to pitch for the RoughRiders. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Riders Field.
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