Missions Drop 4th of July Series Opener to Frisco 

SAN ANTONIO – In front of a sellout crowd on Independence Day, the Missions welcomed the Frisco RoughRiders to Wolff Stadium for the beginning of a six-game homestand. The Missions pitching staff struggled throughout the game against the talented Frisco offense. The RoughRiders plated 11 runs on 13 hits while the Missions were left scoreless on five hits. Frisco spoils the Missions 4th of July with an 11-0 victory.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After a scoreless first inning, the Frisco RoughRiders scored the first run of the game in the top of the second inning. Watson allowed a lead-off walk to Kellen Strahm and a single to David Garcia. After recording the first out of the inning, Strahm came around to score after a single from Trey Hair. Frisco took a 1-0 lead.

The RoughRiders added another run in the top of the third inning. Dustin Harris began the inning with a base hit. After striking out the next batter, a wild pitch allowed Harris to advance to second base. Blaine Crim drew a walk and then Harris successfully stole third base. Harris came around to score on a groundout from Strahm. Frisco improved their lead to 2-0.

Frisco significantly improved their lead in the top of the sixth inning after scoring six runs on four hits. After allowing back-to-back walks to start off the inning, Watson was replaced by Lake Bachar. He struck out the next batter before walking Dustin Harris to load the bases. Justin Foscue drove in a run with a single to right field. Crim drove in two runs with a single to left field. After allowing his second walk of the inning, the bases emptied and three runs scored on an infield single from Garcia. On the play, there was a collision at first base and a throwing error was chard on Connor Hollis. Juan Fernandez, the Missions first baseman, was removed from the game shortly after the incident. Frisco’s lead grew to 8-0.

Avery Weems was the starting pitcher for the RoughRiders. He made it through the first three innings without much trouble but had to pitch out of a jam in the bottom of the fourth inning. Weems walked Domingo Leyba and allowed a single to Tirso Ornelas. The Missions loaded the bases after Jorge Ona drew a walk. With the bases loaded and two outs, Thomas Milone grounded out to end the inning.

The RoughRiders added their ninth run of the game in the top of the fifth inning. Jonathan Ornelas started off the inning with a double to left field. He quickly came around to score on a single from the next batter, Dustin Harris. The Missions trailed 9-0.

San Antonio had another scoring opportunity in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out in the inning, Ornelas drew a walk and Ona hit a double. The Missions loaded the bases after Milone drew a walk. With the bases loaded and one out, Chandler Seagle grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Frisco continued to improve their lead in the top of the seventh inning. With Kevin Kopps on the mound, Josh Stowers reached base on a one-out single. Ornelas drew a walk to move Stowers into scoring position. After recording the second out of the inning, Foscue drove in Stowers with a double to left field. The Missions trailed 10-0.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 40-34 on the season
• 4th time being shutout this season
• Kevin Kopps (#13 Padres prospect): 2.0 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 3 K
• Reggie Lawson (#16 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#22 Padres prospect): 1-3, BB, K

The San Antonio Missions continue their six-game homestand with the Frisco RoughRiders on Tuesday, July 5th. Right-hander Brandon Komar (0-2, 6.55) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Left-hander Cody Bradford (5-5, 6.44) is scheduled to start for the RoughRiders. 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. 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.