
Missions Drop Opener to Midland, Magic Number Down to One
June 21, 2023 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Tuesday night. San Antonio entered tonight's game with a chance to clinch the first half division title with a win and an Amarillo loss in Corpus Christi. The Hooks did their part in defeating the Sod Poodles. However, the Missions allowed five runs in the first inning en route to a 7-4 defeat. San Antonio's magic number to clinch now sits at one.
Jose Espada was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The RockHounds offense got off to a hot start with five runs on three hits and forcing Espada out of the game in the first inning. Midland loaded the bases with a single and two walks to start the game. Greg Deichmann reached base on a fielder's choice and Lawrence Butler was forced out at home. After striking out the next batter, Shane McGuire drove in two runs with a base hit. Lazaro Armenteros hit a three-run home run to left field to make it a 5-0 game. Jose Quezada took over for Espada and retired Sahid Valenzuela to end the game.
Blake Beers was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds. After a scoreless first inning, San Antonio plated four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Daniel Johnson singled and Juan Fernandez drew a walk. After executing a double steal, Johnson scored on a throwing error from Shane McGuire. Fernandez came in to score on a sacrifice fly from Michael De La Cruz. Cole Cummings drew a walk following the sacrifice fly. After recording the second out, Beers allowed a two-run home run to Chandler Seagle. Beers was replaced by David Leal after the long ball. The Missions trailed 5-4.
Quezada tossed 2.1 innings without allowing a run. The right-hander gave up a hit and struck out one batter. Justin Lopez lasted two innings without allowing a run. Lopez walked two while striking out one batter.
San Antonio had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Facing Leal, Seagle doubled to begin the frame. Ripken Reyes moved Seagle to third base with a sacrifice bunt. Seagle was left stranded after a ground out and a fly out.
Bobby Milacki took over in the top of the sixth inning and had to pitch out of trouble. The right-hander issued a walk and a base hit to the first two batters he faced. Milacki left them stranded after a fly out and back-to-back strikeouts.
The Missions once again had a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Coker, Juan Fernandez doubled with one out in the inning. De La Cruz flew out and Cummings lined out to end the inning.
Midland plated an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. Milacki retired the first two batters before giving up a double to Brett Harris. Harris scored on a base hit from Darell Hernaiz. The RockHounds improved their lead to 6-4.
The Missions had two runners on in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Durbin Feltman, Pedro Castellanos was hit by a pitch with one out. With two outs in the frame, Fernandez singled and Castellanos moved into scoring position. With the go-ahead run at the plate, De La Cruz flew out to end the scoring threat.
The RockHounds made it a 7-4 ballgame in the top of the ninth inning. Facing James Bourque, Michael Guldberg drew a lead-off walk. He advanced to second base after tagging up on a fly out and then advanced to third base on a ground out. He came in to score on a base hit from Hernaiz.
Post-Game Notes
* Final Score: 7-4
* With the loss, San Antonio falls to 35-29 on the season
* With Amarillo's loss in Corpus, Missions Magic Number is 1
* Missions Offense: 8th consecutive game with a home run
* Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, June 24th
* Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): DNP
* Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 0-4
* Jose Espada (Missions starter): L, 0.2 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, K, HR
* Lawrence Butler (#7 Athletics prospect): 2-5, K, CS
* Blake Beers (RockHounds starter): ND, 1.2 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, HR
The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday, June 21st. Right-hander Efrain Contreras (3-4, 5.68) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jack Cushing (1-2, 5.94) is scheduled to pitch for the RockHounds. Wednesday's first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.
Texas League Stories from June 21, 2023
- Drillers Fail to Win Despite Ryan's Five No-Hit Innings - Tulsa Drillers
- Missions Clinch First Half South Division Title - San Antonio Missions
- Evan Carter Has Big Night, Frisco Falls to Springfield - Frisco RoughRiders
- Lunn Strikes Out Career-High 9, Cards Win 6-2 - Springfield Cardinals
- Clase Clutch and Gilliam Goes Deep Twice in Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Surge Drop Game at Home - Wichita Wind Surge
- CC Makes It Two in a Row - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Wind Surge Get Homecoming Victory - Wichita Wind Surge
- Travs Tripped in Series Opener at Wichita - Arkansas Travelers
- Large First Fuels Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Drop Opener to Midland, Magic Number Down to One - San Antonio Missions
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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