Sports stats



TL1 San Antonio Missions

Missions two-hit by Midland in 11-inning loss

September 10, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
San Antonio Missions News Release


The Missions knew that if they could keep the game close against Graham Godfrey, they might have a chance to steal Game One. They did just that, but could get absolutely nothing going offensively, falling 1-0 in 11 innings to Midland at Wolff Stadium Wednesday night in the first game of the best-of-five Texas League Division Series.

The teams played to a scoreless tie through nine innings, with the offenses combining for just five hits. Starters Ernesto Frieri and Graham Godfrey combined on a majestic pitcher's duel to set the tone.

Godfrey lasted 6.2 innings, allowing just a single hit while walking three and striking out five. He worked out of jams in the first and sixth innings to make it through his fourth start in San Antonio this year without having allowed an earned run.

"I just don't know," admitted Missions skipper Terry Kennedy of the reason why Godfrey has been so dominant in San Antonio. "He's got good command, changes speeds pretty well. But we keep saying all those things about him and we still can't figure him out."

On the other side, Frieri was every bit Godfrey's equal, finishing seven strong innings of two-hit ball, walking just one while fanning six. The two pitchers had been the best on their respective staffs against their opponents, but each brought his game to a new level under the post-season pressure.

"He was great," said Kennedy of his ace. "They all did great. It was a pretty well-played game on both sides."

Midland finally broke through against Evan Scribner (0-1), on for his second inning of work in the top of the 11th inning. Josh Horton singled with two out, and Josh Donaldson followed with a shot to the gap in right-center. Sawyer Carroll cut the ball off in front of the warning track, but the relay from Lance Zawadzki was not in time to get Horton as he slid in with the game's only run.

The Missions threatened in the bottom half, as Eric Sogard was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. But on a pitch to Cedric Hunter that bounced well in front of home plate, Sogard tried to take second base and was thrown out on a bang-bang play by Donaldson. Cedric Hunter would follow with a ringing double over center fielder Corey Brown's head that might have scored the tying run. Logan Forsythe then walked on four pitches, but Craig Cooper grounded into the game-ending 4-6-3 double-play.

Hunter had both of the Missions hits, both doubles, and walked twice as well to reach base four times on the night. After struggling with his mechanics much of the season, the center fielder seems to have regained the form that helped him to the highest hit total in all of the minor leagues in 2008.

"He can make contact, but he's not a guy who is going to hit the ball out of the park," explained Kennedy. "He's taking more pitches and he's changed his weight distribution to help get on top of the ball more."

Brandon Gomes tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief of Frieri to push the game to extra innings. Gomes has not allowed a run since August 7th, and only one since July 14th, a stretch of 27.1 innings over 24 appearances.

Jared Lansford worked the final 1.1 innings, allowing a hit and a walk to earn the victory.

The two teams meet again tomorrow night for Game Two, with Midland righty Travis Banwart (10-5, 4.89) taking the hill against Missions righty Will Inman (6-5, 3.40) at 7:05 pm.

W: Lansford (1-0); L: Scribner (0-1); S: None; HR: None

Check out the San Antonio Missions Statistics



Texas League Stories from September 10, 2009


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.

OurSports Central