Missions Edge RockHounds 1-0 in Opener
One errant pitch was the difference in the Missions' 1-0 win over the RockHounds in Wednesday night's series opener.
It was another night of great pitching at Wolff Stadium, with San Antonio's Matt Wisler and Midland's Sean Murphy on top of their games. Though pitching dominating the night, the Missions had golden opportunities to score in both the third and fourth innings. In the third, San Antonio loaded the bases with one out, but Murphy struck out Tommy Medica and then induced Johan Limonta to hit into an inning-ending ground out. The following inning, the Missions put runners on second and third with two outs, but second baseman Cory Spangenberg grounded out, ending the threat.
San Antonio finally broke through in the seventh when they greeted reliever Frank Gailey (1-2) with three straight singles by Robert Kral, Jeudy Valdez and Spangenberg to load the bases. Next batter Rico Noel was then struck by Gailey's 1-0 pitch, allowing Kral to score the game's lone run.
The one-run lead held thanks to another sensational effort by the San Antonio pitching staff, with Wisler and relievers Clay Zavada, Matt Branham (2-0), Jeff Ibarra and Matt Stites combining on a three-hit shutout. It was the Missions' ninth shutout of the season, which ties them with Arkansas for the second most in the Texas League. Wisler allowed the three hits, while striking out four over five, running his scoreless innings streak to a club-high 13. Stites picked up his 12th save of the season with a perfect ninth.
San Antonio (50-38, 12-7) and Midland (41-48, 8-11) resume their series Thursday on Cricket Dollar Night presented by News 4 WOAI. Right-hander Donn Roach (6-8, 4.19) will take the hill for the Missions, while the 'Hounds will counter with Drew Granier (2-1, 2.00). First pitch is set for 7:05 PM.
Notes: San Antonio has won nine of their last 10 games. Before the game former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams threw out the ceremonial first pitch.