Frisco Rallies from Five Down to Take Series
San Antonio could not hold onto an early five-run lead as they suffered a frustrating, 6-5 loss to Frisco before a Wednesday night crowd of 4,851 at Wolff Stadium.
The Missions got off to a great start Wednesday against right-hander Jake Thompson, taking a 2-0 lead in the first on a Hunter Renfroe run-producing fielder's choice and a Yeison Asencio RBI single.
San Antonio pushed its lead to five with a three-run second. Alberth Martinez drove in the first run with a single to right. Renfroe capped the rally when the followed with a two-RBI single through the hole at shortstop.
For awhile it appeared that the five runs of support would be more than enough for Missions' ace Justin Hancock, who did not allow a hit over his first three innings.
After being kept off the scoreboard again in the fourth, Frisco finally got to Hancock in the fifth, plating three runs on three hits. An inning later, the RoughRiders tied the game at five against Hancock's replacement, Stephen Kohlscheen, courtesy of run-scoring singles by both Luis Mendez and Nick Williams.
In the top of the seventh, Luis Marte completed the 'Riders comeback with an RBI single to right off southpaw Brandon Alger (3-3).
After the rocky start, Frisco pitching recovered well as Thompson and relievers Edwar Cabrera (3-1), Lendy Castillo, Cody Ege and David Martinez (14th save) limited the Missions to five hits over the final seven innings.
San Antonio (11-15, 41-55) begins a seven-game road trip Thursday with the first of four against Midland (16-10, 51-45) at Security Bank Ballpark. Bryce Morrow (1-1, 3.12) will get the ball for the Missions, while the RockHounds counter with fellow righty Parker Frazier (1-0, 0.73). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Notes: The last time the Missions wasted a five-run lead in a loss was on August 31, 2013 at Corpus Christi. Earlier in the day it was announced that OF Travis Jankowski had been promoted to Triple-A El Paso. In 73 games this season for the Missions, Jankowski was hitting .316 (89-for-282) with 11 doubles, five triples, one homer, 13 RBI, 50 runs scored and 23 steals. Jankowski departs ranked 2nd in the TL in AVG, 3rd in steals and T-3rd in triples. He debuted this afternoon for El Paso, entering the game late and going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI as the Chihuahuas rolled to a 15-2 win at Sacramento.