Missions Clinch First Half South Division Title

June 21, 2023 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday night. With a victory over the RockHounds, the Missions punched their ticket for the 2023 Texas League Postseason. The Missions clinched the First Half South Division Title for the second consecutive season. Final score from Wednesday's game was 5-0.

Jack Cushing was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds. After a scoreless first inning, the Missions plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. With one out in the frame, Juan Fernandez reached base on a throwing error by Cushing. On the play, Fernandez made it to second base. After striking out Pedro Castellanos, Cole Cummings drove in Fernandez with a base hit to right field. San Antonio took a 1-0 lead.

Efrain Contreras was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After two innings of work, the right-hander had his hands full in the top of the third inning. Midland loaded the bases with one out after a double, single and a walk. Brett Harris popped out for out number two and Darell Hernaiz grounded out to leave all three runners stranded.

The Missions added to their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Ray-Patrick Didder began the frame with a base hit. After retiring the next batter, Tirso Ornelas homered to right field. Daniel Johnson followed that with a single to right field. A wild pitch moved Johnson into scoring position. Cushing recorded the second out of the inning before a fielding error allowed Johnson to come in to score. San Antonio improved their lead to 4-0.

Contreras once again pitched out of trouble in the top of the fourth inning. The right-hander issued back-to-back walks to Deichmann and Denzel Clarke. Contreras left them stranded after striking out the next two batters and recording a ground out.

The Missions added their fifth run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cummings drew a walk to start the frame. He advanced to second base on a ground out. Cummings came in to score on a base hit from Didder. The Missions held a 5-0 advantage.

Contreras was done for the night after five innings of work. He allowed three hits and three walks without allowing a run. The right-hander struck out eight batters and notched his fourth win of the season. Kevin Kopps took the mound in the sixth inning.

Kopps pitched a scoreless sixth inning while striking out two batters. Alek Jacob contributed with two scoreless innings and Nick Hernandez finished the game with a scoreless ninth inning.

Post-Game Notes

Final Score: 5-0

With the win, San Antonio improves to 36-29 on the season

Clinched second consecutive First Half Division Title and spot in the postseason

Missions Offense: 9th consecutive game with a home run

5th shutout win of the season for the Missions

Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, June 24th

Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): 2.0 IP, H, 4 K

Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R

Efrain Contreras (Missions starter): W, 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K

Lawrence Butler (#7 Athletics prospect): 1-4, BB

Jack Cushing (RockHounds starter): L, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R (3 ER), BB, 2 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Thursday, June 22nd. Right-hander Nolan Watson (3-3, 3.57) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jack Perkins (0-0, 5.79) is scheduled to pitch for the RockHounds. Wednesday's first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

San Antonio Missions celebrate win

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• Drillers Fail to Win Despite Ryan's Five No-Hit Innings - Tulsa Drillers
• Missions Clinch First Half South Division Title - San Antonio Missions
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