Missions Road Report - 6/27
Game Story
Josh Donaldson's two-run double in the bottom of the eighth was the key hit in the RockHounds four-run rally in a come-from-behind, 6-4 win over the Missions last night at Citibank Park before a crowd of 5,404 in Midland.
The comeback spoiled a brilliant outing by Missions left-hander Nathan Culp who allowed only two runs on eight hits in seven effective innings, leaving with San Antonio leading 4-2.
The Missions scored all four of their runs in a five-hit fourth - on Cedric Hunter's RBI single, Eric Sogard's sac-fly and Craig Cooper's two-out, two-run single - all off Midland starter Graham Godfrey.
San Antonio's normally faithful bullpen failed in the eighth with Mike DeMark allowing a one-out single by Adrian Cardenas followed by Chris Carter's RBI double to cut the Missions lead to 4-3. Following a walk to Alex Valdez, Evan Scribner came on and give up Donaldson's two-run double and a Michael Affronti RBI-single to cap the four-run rally.
Jon Hunton (1-2) picked up the win in relief with two scoreless innings, and Steven Sharpe notched his first save.
Mike Demark (0-2) suffered the loss after allowing his first earned runs (three in the eighth) in his last 26.2 innings pitched.
M-notes
Missions are a Texas League 16-9 in the month of June ... Midland leads the season series 10-8 ... Seth Johnston leads all Missions with 13 RBI versus the RockHounds this season ... Mitch Canham has 10 RBI versus the 'Hounds ... Major League Baseball announced today that three Missions will represent the San Diego Padres at the XM Futures game on Sunday, 1:00 p.m. (CST) July 12 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis ... Missions' manager Terry Kenedy and right-hander Mat Latos will play for the US Team; Missions' outfielder Luis Durango will compete for the World Team.
Next up:
Tonight at Citibank Ballpark, Missions' right-hander Ernesto Frieri (7-3, 3.00) will oppose Midland right-hander Travis Banwart (5-3, 4.30) in the third game of the series. Game time: 6:00 p.m. KKYX 5:40 p.m