Howell Homers, Ruiz Continues Streaking as Missions Fall to Hooks Friday Night 

SAN ANTONIO – Coming in a three-game winning streak, the San Antonio Missions had the opportunity to clinch the series victory on Friday. For the first time in the series, Corpus Christi struck first and eventually took a 7-1 lead against the Missions. Despite a three-run seventh inning from San Antonio, the Hooks held on for the win.

In the first three games of the series, the Missions offense jumped out to a lead in the first inning. In game four, they found themselves with another scoring opportunity in the top of the first. After an Esteury Ruiz strikeout, Connor Hollis, Domingo Leyba, and Yorman Rodriguez all drew walks to load the bases. Tirso Ornelas grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After a scoreless first inning, he allowed the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Shay Whitcomb began the inning with a double. Justin Dirden grounded out and advanced Whitcomb to third base. Whitcomb came around to score after Bryan Arias grounded out. The Hooks took a 1-0 lead.

Corpus Christi expanded their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Ross Adolph and Wilyer Abreu drew back-to-back walks to start off the inning. Yainer Diaz drove in Adolph with a single to center field. Luke Berryhill drove in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly. The Hooks increased their lead to 3-0.

The Hooks added their fourth run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Dirden started off the inning with a base hit. Arias and Grae Kessinger both singled and loaded the bases. Adolph grounded into a fielder’s choice and Dirden scored on the play. With the bases still loaded, Abreu grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Misael Tamarez was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. He dominated the Missions hitters and did not allow a base hit until the fourth inning. He did walk four batters while striking out five. Layne Henderson replaced Tamarez in the top of the fifth inning. The Missions welcomed Henderson to the game with a long ball. On a 2-2 count, Korry Howell left the yard with a fly ball over the left field wall. The Missions still trailed 4-1.

Corpus Christi regained their four-run lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Mosser still on the mound, Berryhill connected on a solo home run to left field. His second long ball of the year made it a 5-1 Hooks lead.

The Hooks added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. With Henry Henry on to pitch for San Antonio, Justin Dirden welcomed him to the game with a double. After a strikeout, Kessinger drove in Dirden with a single to center field. Henry loaded the bases after walking Adolph and Abreu. Kessinger came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Enmanuel Valdez. It was a 7-1 ballgame.

The Missions offense began their comeback attempt in the top of the seventh inning and scored three runs on two hits. Facing Jaime Melendez, Jorge Ona drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. After a walk to Howell, Chris Givin drove in Ona with a single to center field. After recording back-to-back strikeouts, Connor Hollis drove in two runs with a double to right field. The Missions trailed 7-4.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 10-15 on the season
• Esteury Ruiz has reached base in all 25 games played this season
• Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-2, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB
• Tirso Ornelas (#25 Padres prospect): 1-4, 2B
• Agustin Ruiz (#26 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions continue their six-game series in Corpus Christi on Saturday, May 7th. Right-hander Reggie Lawson (0-3, 13.50) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Right-hander Jose Bravo (1-0, 2.25) is scheduled to start for the Hooks. The first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Single game tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.

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