TL San Antonio Missions

Missions Comeback Attempt Falls Short in Sunday Finale

Published on June 25, 2023 under Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions concluded their series against the Midland RockHounds on Sunday afternoon. On a warm afternoon at Nelson Wolff Stadium, the first half of the 2023 season officially came to an end. With hopes of splitting the series with Midland, the Missions allowed four runs across the first three innings and failed to complete the comeback. A three-run eighth inning from Midland was the final blow. Midland claimed an 8-4 victory.

Jackson Wolf was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The southpaw allowed a run in the top of the first inning. Drew Swift began the game with a triple to right field. He scored on a sacrifice fly from Brett Harris. Midland took an early 1-0 lead.

The RockHounds added two more runs in the top of the second inning. With one out in the frame, Denzel Clarke doubled to left field. After recording the second out of the inning, Michael Gulderg hit an RBI triple to center field. He came in to score courtesy of a fielding error from Ray-Patrick Didder. The Missions trailed 3-0.

Blake Beers was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds. After a scoreless first inning, San Antonio plated a run on two hits in the second inning. Pedro Castellanos hit a one-out single. Cole Cummings drove in Castellanos with a double to right field. The Missions cut the deficit in half.

Midland added an insurance run in the top of the third inning. Wolf issued a lead-off walk to Harris, and he advanced to second base on a stolen base. With two outs in the inning, Lazaro Armenteros singled and Harris came in to score. Midland improved their lead to 4-1.

The Missions plated their second run of the game in the bottom of the third inning. Tirso Ornelas got things started with a one-out single. He advanced to second base on a ground out from Juan Fernandez. Daniel Johnson drove in Ornelas with a base hit to right field. The Missions trailed 4-2.

Jackson Wolf exited after five innings of work. James Bourque tossed a scoreless sixth inning. Justin Lopez pitched out of a jam in the seventh inning. He issued back-to-back walks to start the frame. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position. A line out and pop out resulted in the runners being stranded.

The comeback attempt continued for the Missions in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing Austin Briggs, Jake Perez was hit by a pitch with two outs and extended the inning. Kervin Pichardo drew a walk to place two runners on base. Calvin Coker took over on the mound. Ripken Reyes singled and Perez came in to score. San Antonio trailed 4-3.

Midland extended their lead with three runs in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Jason Blanchard, William Simoneit drew a one-out walk. Guldberg singled before the two runners executed a double steal. On the play, a throwing error from Fernandez allowed Simoneit to score. After issuing a walk, Swift doubled and drove in Guldberg. Swift later scored on a wild pitch from Blanchard. Midland held a 7-3 lead.

Alek Jacob pitched the top of the ninth inning for the Missions. He allowed a solo home run from Denzel Clarke.

Brian Howard pitched the bottom of the ninth for the RockHounds. Ray-Patrick hit a solo home run to left field. His fifth long ball made it an 8-4 ballgame.

Post-Game Notes

* Final Score: 8-4

* With the loss, San Antonio falls to 37-32 on the season

* 1st series loss since Tulsa in early May

* First Half of the season has concluded, Second half begins on Wednesday

* Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): L, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R (3 ER), BB, 2 K

* Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): 1.0 IP, Solo HR, K

* Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 1-4, R

* Lawrence Butler (#7 Athletics prospect): DNP

* Blake Beers (RockHounds starter): W, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R (ER), 5 K

The San Antonio Missions will have the day off on Monday and Tuesday before beginning another homestand on Wednesday, June 28th with the Frisco RoughRiders. The pitching matchups have not yet been determined. Wednesday's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

Check out the San Antonio Missions Statistics

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