TL San Antonio Missions

Reyes Homers, Drives in Three as Missions Defeat Hooks

Published on April 22, 2023 under Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. For the first time in the 2023 season the Missions have won consecutive games. After Evan Mendoza was placed on the Injured List, Ripken Reyes stepped in and led the way with a three-RBI performance. San Antonio claimed a Friday night victory by a final score of 6-5.

Colton Gordon was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. After a scoreless first inning of work, the Missions scored twice off of him in the second inning. Juan Fernandez and Brantley Bell began the inning with singles. Luis Aviles Jr. reached base on fielder's choice with Bell being forced out at second base. Ripken Reyes laid down a bunt single and Fernandez came in to score. Reyes, attempting to steal second base, was caught stealing. On the play, Aviles Jr. came in to score the second run of the game. The Missions took an early 2-0 lead.

San Antonio added two more runs in the top of the fourth inning. Fernandez again began the inning with a single. Gordon retired the next two batters before allowing a two-run home run to Reyes. His first long ball of the season made it a 4-0 ballgame.

Brian Gonzalez was the starting pitcher for the Missions, and he faced no trouble in the first three innings. The Hooks offense plated their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning. On the very first pitch of the inning, Joey Loperfido hit a home run to left-center field. The Missions held a 4-1 lead.

Corpus Christi cut the deficit to two runs during the bottom of the fifth inning. Kenedy Corona started the inning with a base hit and advanced to second base on an error from Reyes. Quincy Hamilton grounded out and Corona advanced to third base. Justin Lopez took over on the mound for Gonzalez with Corona at third base. Shay Whitcomb singled and drove in Corona to make it a 4-2 game.

The Missions added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. Facing Jose Betances, Aviles Jr. singled and stole second base. Reyes drew a walk and a passed ball from C.J. Stubbs moved both runners into scoring position. After a Jorge Ona strikeout, Connor Hollis hit a single to drive in a run. The Missions improved their lead to 5-2.

Corpus Christi continued their comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing CD Pelham, Whitcomb doubled and placed himself in scoring position. After striking out the next batter, Pelham allowed a single to Loperfido which scored Whitcomb. The Hooks trailed 5-3.

With Nick Hernandez on the mound, the Hooks battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Hamilton started off the inning with a single before Whitcomb grounded into a double play. Chad Stevens hit a single to extend the inning and Loperfido homered to tie the game.

In the top of the 10th inning, Tirso Ornelas was the automatic runner at second base and Devin Conn was on the mound. Fernandez wasted no time and drove in Ornelas with a single to left field. The Missions regained the lead at 6-5.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, Lake Bachar took over on the mound and Luis Santana was the automatic runner at second base. Bachar allowed a leadoff walk to J.C. Correa before striking out the next two batters. Santana stole third base and Hamilton drew a walk. With runners on the corners and two outs, Whitcomb struck out swinging to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

Final Score: 6-5 (10)

With the win, San Antonio improves to 6-7 on the season

Second extra-innings win of this series

Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 1-3, 2 BB, SB, K

Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): DNP

Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 0-5, R, K

Brian Gonzalez (Missions Starter): ND, 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR

Colin Barber (#3 Astros Prospect): DNP

Colton Gordon (#8 Astros Prospect, Hooks Starter): ND, 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Saturday, April 22nd. Right-hander Efrain Contreras (0-3, 11.12) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jaime Melendez (2-0, 4.15) is scheduled to pitch for the Hooks. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Whataburger Field.

The Missions will return home on Tuesday, April 25th for a six-game series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. For more information on this homestand, visit samissions.com or call 210-675-PARK.

Check out the San Antonio Missions Statistics

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