Milone Triples, Watson Delivers as the Missions Secure Series Opening Win 

SAN ANTONIO – Tuesday night marked the first time the Wichita Wind Surge played at the Nelson Wolff Stadium and just the seventh game all-time between the Missions and Wind Surge. The Missions gained an early advantage thanks to a three-run first inning highlighted by a two-run triple from Thomas Milone. On the mound, Nolan Watson delivered a quality start and Jose Quezada converted the save. The Missions take game one of the series with a 4-3 final score.

Casey Legumina was the starting pitcher for the Wind Surge. The Missions got off to a strong start and scored three runs off the right-hander in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs in the inning, Yorman Rodriguez hit a single to extend the inning. After issuing a walk to Webster Rivas, Thomas Milone legged out a triple to right field and scored both runners. Juan Fernandez drove in Milone with a double to left field. The Missions took an early 3-0 lead.

The Missions added an insurance run in the bottom of the second inning. Ripken Reyes started off the inning and reached base on a fielding error by Anthony Prato. After a ground out, Connor Hollis drove in Reyes with a base hit to center field. The Missions improved their lead to 4-1.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After two scoreless innings, the Wind Surge plated a run off Watson in the top of the third inning. DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. singled to start the inning. He advanced to third base following a ground out and a balk. Ernie Yake drove in the run with a ground out to second base. Wichita cut the lead to 4-1.

Watson settled in nicely following the third inning. He lasted six innings while allowing one run on three hits. Without issuing a walk, he struck out eight batters during the outing. Carlos Belen took over for Watson in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Wind Surge continued their comeback attempt in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Belen, Edouard Julien hit a single and Prato drew a walk to start the inning. Jair Camargo loaded the bases after reaching base on a single. Fred Schlichtholz came on to pitch for Belen following the Camargo hit. Chris Williams drove in Julien with a sacrifice fly to right field. The second run of the inning scored on a ground out from Cole Sturgeon. Wichita cut the deficit to 4-3.

Jose Quezada entered the game in the top of the ninth inning looking for his second save of the season. He struck out two of the three batters faced to secure the save.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 51-44 (overall), 13-15 (2nd half) on the season

• Connor Hollis extends hit streak to 13 games, on-base streak to 20 games

• Webster Rivas: 20-game on-base streak (all 20 games he has played with the Missions)

• Kevin Kopps (#10 Padres prospect): DNP

• Reggie Lawson (#12 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#18 Padres prospect): 0-3, BB, GIDP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Wednesday, August 3rd. Right-hander Henry Henry (2-0, 5.84) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. The Wichita Wind Surge have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Wednesday’s game. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

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. Playoff tickets for September 22nd are available now. Single game tickets 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.