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San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Takes Down Drillers in Series Opener

May 31, 2022 - Texas League (TL)
San Antonio Missions News Release


SAN ANTONIO - Tuesday night marked the first matchup between the Missions and Drillers since August, 2018. With both teams entering the contest with winning records, the fans at Nelson Wolff Stadium were treated to a pitcher's duel for most of the night. The Missions scored one run in the second and two in the eighth inning. After pitching out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth, the Missions won 3-1.

Gavin Stone was the starting pitcher for the Tulsa Drillers. After pitching a scoreless first inning, the Missions were able to plate a run and take an early lead. With one out in the inning, Thomas Milone hit a single into right field. Milone advanced to second base on a stolen base as Juan Fernandez was striking out at the plate. With Milone in scoring position and two outs, Tirso Ornelas hit a single to center field and scored Milone. The Missions took an early 1-0 lead.

Matt Waldron was the starting pitcher for the Missions. He continued his stellar month of May and dominated the Tulsa offense on Tuesday. The knuckle-baller allowed just three singles through the first six innings of play. He did not allow a runner to advance to second base. Waldron was replaced by Michel Baez after the sixth inning. He allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four batters.

Despite allowing a run in the second inning, Stone bounced back to put together a strong outing of his own. The right-hander allowed just two hits from the third inning through the sixth. He collected nine strikeouts throughout the outing without issuing a walk. He was replaced by Jose Hernandez heading into the seventh inning.

Missions catcher Juan Fernandez entered Tuesday night's game with a nine-game hitting streak. After hitting a single in the bottom of the seventh inning, he extended his hitting streak to 10 games. This is a new career best for Fernandez who had previously recorded a nine-game hitting streak one other time in his career.

The Missions had a chance to improve their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. With Nick Robertson on the mound, Chandler Seagle and Connor Kaiser drew back-to-back walks. Esteury Ruiz advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Tulsa elected to intentionally walk Connor Hollis to load the bases. Korry Howell, who replaced Domingo Leyba after he was ejected, struck out for out number two. Yorman Rodriguez added some insurance runs with an infield single. Seagle and Kaiser both scored on the infield hit. The Missions improved their lead to 3-0.

Baez picked up right where Waldron left off and retired all three batters in the top of the seventh inning. Alek Jacob contributed with a scoreless eighth inning. The right-hander walked one batter and struck out one batter.

Angel Felipe came on to pitch the ninth inning and attempted to convert his fifth save. With one out in the inning, he allowed a walk to James Outman and a single to Ryan Ward. Felipe then walked Andy Pages to load the bases. After a brief visit from pitching coach Pete Zamora, Jacob Amaya grounded into a fielder's choice to plate a run before recording the final out of the game. The Missions defeated Tulsa by a score of 3-1.

Post-Game Notes

With the win, San Antonio improves to 24-22 on the season

10-game hitting streak for Juan Fernandez (new career high)

Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 0-1, K (Entered in the 7th after Leyba's ejection)

Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP

Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP

Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 2-3, RBI

Matt Waldron (#27 Padres prospect): W, 6.0 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 K

Esteury Ruiz (#29 Padres prospect): 1-3, SAC Bunt

Michel Baez (Rehab Assignment): Hold, scoreless 7th inning, retired all three batters faced

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday, June 1st. Right-hander Thomas Eshelman (2-2, 4.78) is expected to start for the Missions. Right-hander Clayton Beeter (0-2, 5.04) is expected to start for the Drillers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Single game tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.

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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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