RockHounds Fall in Final Game in San Antonio

By Bob Hards

July 19, 2018

A chapter in Texas League history ended Wednesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio as the Missions defeated the RockHounds, 6-2, in the last-ever meeting between the franchises in the Alamo City.
The Missions snapped a 2-2 tie with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With two on and two out, RockHounds third baseman Nate Mondou made a terrific diving stop on Taylor Kohlwey's sharp one-hopper, but his throw to first base was wide and both base runners scored.
San Antonio took a 1-0 lead in the last of the first on consecutive two-out singles from Josh Naylor, Ty France and Kyle Overstreet (RBI) with the game's next three runs coming via the long ball.
Seth Brown hit a monster shot over the right field scoreboard in the second ... San Antonio's Webster Rivas answered with a solo shot on the first pitch of the home half of the second ... and Richie Martin gave the 'Hounds a 2-2 tie in the fourth on his drive to left-center.
Beginning with the last of the fourth, the Missions scored the last five runs of the game, with four of the five runs unearned.
San Antonio took the series, 3-games-to-1 with Logan Allen earning his 10^th win and lowering his ERA to 2.66. The Missions left-hander leads the Texas League in both categories.

Notables
Eli White saw a 15-game on-base streak go by the boards on an 0-for-4 night.
Richie Martin (1-for-4, solo HR) has hit in five straight games, going 8-for-19 (.421).
Downright Historic
Wednesday night's game was the final meeting between the two franchises in San Antonio. The rivalry between the Missions and Cubs/Angels/RockHounds is the most prolific in Texas League history (1,436 meetings through the end of the series) but, with the San Antonio franchise moving to the (AAA) Pacific Coast League in 2019, Wednesday's meeting was the final ever in San Antonio. The clubs will meet twice more (a pair of four-game series) at Security Bank Ballpark (August 2-5 and 28-31).
I'm Not Tim Kurkjian Or Anything, Just Sayin' ...
In 33 innings (32.2 to be precise) at the Double-A level, Parker Dunshee has walked three batters (against 36 strikeouts). All three batters who drew walks have scored. Parker, although now 1-3 after taking Wednesday's loss, has a solid 3.58 ERA in five Double-A starts.
Baseball is goofy. Seth Brown had two hits Wednesday. The first was an absolutely majestic home run that cleared the scoreboard in right field. The other was a dribbler to third base that rolled to a stop before reaching the infield dirt.
Great Match-Up
The pitching match-up in Thursday's series opener is outstanding. Corpus Christi's starter is Hector Perez, a top 10 prospect for the Astros, and one who can hit triple-digits on the radar gun. The RockHounds will counter with left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Fresh off his appearance as the World Team's starting pitcher in the All-Star Futures game, Jesus is one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He has not allowed a run in four starts … has allowed one run (unearned) in his last five … and has allowed one earned run in his last six (31.0 innings … 0.29 ERA).

Next Game
Thursday, June 19      vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
Security Bank Ballpark           7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00)
"Thirsty" Thursday - - half-price beverages
- First of a four-game series and homestand
- Radio: NewsTalk 550 with Bob Hards ... airtime 6:47 p.m.
Probable Starters
CC: Hector Perez      (RH, 0-0, 4.50)
RH: Jesus Luzardo (LH, 6-3, 2.54)
The Weekend Begins Thursday at Security Bank Ballpark
Four-game series versus Corpus Christi Hooks (7:00 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday)
Thursday          July 19           Thirsty Thursday
Friday     July 20          Adult Jersey Night
Saturday           July 21           Postgame Fireworks
Sunday July 22          Family Day (2:00 first pitch)