Missions Waste 16 hits in Extra-Inning Loss
San Antonio could not hold onto an early four-run lead as they fell to Tulsa 6-4 in 10 innings Thursday night at Wolff Stadium.
Missions' starter Leonel Campos came out firing Thursday, retiring the Drillers in order in each of his first three innings. The right-hander, who allowed just one hit, finished the contest with a career-high eight strikeouts in a career-high four and two-thirds innings.
After being held in check themselves for the first two innings by Tulsa starter Carlos Hernandez, San Antonio put together a three-run bottom of the third. Two batters after Cory Spangenberg's leadoff single, Rymer Liriano drove in the game's first run with a double to left. Catcher Austin Hedges drove in the second run when he followed with a single to center. Lee Orr capped the rally with an RBI single to left center.
Cody Overbeck pushed the Missions' lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI single of his own.
However, Tulsa turned the game around in the top of the sixth, erupting for four runs on five hits against a trio of San Antonio relievers.
The Missions had a golden chance to take the lead back in the bottom of the seventh when they loaded the bases with two outs against reliever Nate Striz. Unfortunately for San Antonio, the Tulsa reliever escaped the jam by striking out Adam Buschini.
In the top of the eighth, the Drillers wasted a chance of their own as Missions' reliever Frank Garces struck out pinch-hitter Jayson Langfels with the bases loaded.
After both teams failed to score in the ninth the game moved to extras.
The Drillers, without the benefit of a hit, managed to plate two runs on reliever Luis De La Cruz (3-6) in the top of the 10th via a wild pitch and a passed ball.
Kraig Sitton (3rd save) set the Missions down in order in the bottom of the frame to complete the Drillers' comeback victory. Nelson Gonzalez (4-2) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief.
San Antonio (45-39, 9-5) and Tulsa (45-38, 7-7) wrap up their three-game series Friday as part of the H-E-B Fourth of July Celebration presented by Bud Light and Caliente Harley-Davidson. First pitch is set for 5:05 PM. James Needy (5-3, 2.20) will get the ball for the Missions, while the Drillers counter with fellow righty Jon Gray (7-3, 3.76). Following the game there will be a special concert featuring country star Kevin Fowler before the night concludes with a fireworks extravaganza.
Notes: Before the game, the San Diego Padres announced that OF Reymond Fuentes was transferred to Triple-A El Paso. In 42 games with the Missions this season, Fuentes was hitting .324 (55-for-170) with six doubles, two triples, four homers, 17 RBI, 25 runs scored and 12 steals (13 attempts). Replacing Fuentes on the Missions' roster is RHP Justin Hancock, who had been on the DL since April 19 with a strained flexor muscle in his right arm. In three starts earlier this season for San Antonio, Hancock was 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Hancock is scheduled to start on Sunday vs. Springfield.