TL San Antonio Missions

Pauley's Two Hits Not Enough as Missions Drop Opener in Wichita

August 29, 2023 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Tuesday night. In their first trip to Wichita in 2023, the Missions failed to get off to a hot start. A three-run home run from Michael Helman in the third inning paved the way for a 5-2 Wichita victory.

Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After two scoreless innings, Wichita grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Jake Rucker drew a leadoff walk. Mosser retired the next batter before allowing a double to Willie Joe Garry Jr. Yoyner Fajardo grounded into a fielder's choice with Rucker being tagged out in between third and home. With two runners on and two outs, Michael Helman left the yard for a three-run home run. His first long ball of the season made it a 3-0 game.

Regi Grace was the starting pitcher for the Wind Surge. The right-hander did not allow a hit until the third inning when Ripken Reyes singled. The Missions plated their first run in the bottom of the fourth against Grace. Jakob Marsee drew a walk before being forced out at second base a batter later. Grace sat down the next batter before handing the ball off to Jordan Carr. Nathan Martorella welcomed him to the game with an RBI double. The Missions trailed 3-1.

The Wind Surge used the long ball to improve their lead in the fifth inning. With two outs in the frame, Garry Jr. hit a line drive over the right field fence for a solo home run. His third long ball of the season made it a 4-1 lead for Wichita.

San Antonio cut the deficit in half during the seventh inning. Graham Pauley began the frame with a double to left field. After stealing third base, Ethan Salas drove him in with a single to right field. Despite putting two runners on with two outs, San Antonio was left with the lone run and trailed 4-2.

Wichita added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Seth Mayberry, Fajardo singled to start the inning. The right-hander struck out the next batter for the first out. Fajardo stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by Salas. Patrick Winkel drove in Fajardo with a sacrifice fly. The Wind Surge improved their lead to 5-2.

Aaron Rozek, who pitched the eighth inning for Wichita, returned to the mound for the ninth inning. Pauley began the inning with a base hit to right field. The southpaw struck out Juan Fernandez for the first out of the frame. Salas flew out to left field for the second out. After advancing to second on a defensive indifferent, Pauley moved to third base on a wild pitch. Cole Cummings flew out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

* Final Score: 5-2

* With the loss, San Antonio falls to 25-27 & 62-59 on the season

* Gabe Mosser (Missions starter): L, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR

* Regi Grace (Wind Surge starter): ND, 3.2 IP, H, ER, BB, 4 K

Prospect Recap

* Ethan Salas (#1 Padres prospect, #5 MLB): 1-4, RBI, E

* Jackson Merrill (#2 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 0-4, R, 2 K

* Robby Snelling (#3 Padres prospect, #64 MLB): Scheduled to pitch Wed., August 30th

* Jairo Iriarte (#6 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, September 2nd

* Adam Mazur (#7 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Thursday, August 31st

* Nathan Martorella (#10 Padres prospect): 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2 K

* Graham Pauley (#11 Padres prospect): 2-3, 2B, R, BB, SB

* Jakob Marsee (#12 Padres prospect): 0-3, BB

* Ryan Bergert (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Friday, September 1st

* Marcos Castañon (#23 Padres prospect): 0-4, 2 K

* Marco Raya (#4 Twins prospect): Scheduled to pitch Friday, September 1st

* Tanner Schobel (#7 Twins prospect): 0-3, 2 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Wednesday, August 30th. Left-hander Robby Snelling (0-0, 2.45) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Left-hander Jaylen Nowlin (3-0, 1.57) is scheduled to pitch for the Wind Surge. Wednesday's first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the San Antonio Missions Statistics



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