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TL1 San Antonio Missions

Naturals Escape Ninth-Inning Jam to Take Opener

May 24, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
San Antonio Missions News Release


San Antonio could not take advantage of a great comeback opportunity in the bottom of the ninth as they dropped a 2-1 decision to Northwest Arkansas in Tuesday night's series opener at Wolff Stadium.

The last time the Missions played a game in the Alamo City, Michael Kelly fired seven innings of one-run ball against Corpus Christi. Kelly got the ball again in Tuesday's homestand opener and was once again very solid.

The right-hander allowed just one run again Tuesday against the Naturals, scattering seven hits and a pair of walks over five and a third innings. For the third time in as many starts at the Double-A level, Kelly struck out six batters.

Northwest Arkansas broke a scoreless tie against Kelly in the top of the sixth when catcher Zane Evans hit into run-producing fielder's choice.

Naturals starter Jake Junis was sharp himself Tuesday, allowing just two hits and two walks, while fanning six in his five innings of work. The Missions took advantage of Junis' departure in the bottom of the sixth with Nelson Ward's solo homer to right off Evan Beal (2-0).

The game did not remain tied for long, however, as Logan Moon led off the seventh with a homer to left off reliever Kyle McGrath (0-1).

Northwest Arkansas kept the lead the rest of the way, but not without a major scare in the bottom of the ninth. The Missions loaded the bases with just one out for Yeison Asencio. Reliever Kevin McCarthy (8th save) got behind 2-0 in the count before escaping trouble when Asencio banged into a game-ending, 1-6-3 double play.

San Antonio (13-31) resumes its three-game series against Northwest Arkansas (21-23) Wednesday with a special 11:05 AM start time. Kyle Lloyd (1-0, 4.63) will get the ball for the Missions, while the Naturals counter with fellow righty Ashton Goudeau (0-0, 0.00).

Notes: It was an active day of moves for the Missions as San Diego announced several transactions, affecting its Double-A affiliate's roster. RHPs Louis Distasio and Ben Paullus arrived to San Antonio from Lake Elsinore. Paullus threw a scoreless inning Tuesday night in his Missions debut. In addition, catcher Ricardo Valenzuela (0-for-3) returned to the club from Triple-A El Paso. INF Chase Jensen was placed on the DL.

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