Missions End Midland Series with Matinee Victory 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Sunday afternoon. Despite being held hitless through the first three innings, the Missions offense came-from-behind to secure a series finale victory against Midland. San Antonio plated four runs across the fourth and fifth innings en route to a 4-3 win.

Jared Kollar was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The RockHounds quickly gained the lead with two runs in the top of the first inning. After retiring the first two batters, Kollar issued a walk to Max Muncy. Cameron Masterman provided the damage with a line drive home run to left field. His third long ball of the season made it a 2-0 Midland lead.

Midland put two runners on base during the top of the third inning. Brayan Buelvas began the frame with a base hit to center field. Kollar retired the next batter before walking Drew Swift. Back-to-back fly outs put an end to the inning.

The top of the fourth inning saw Midland put two runners on base once again. Jack Winkler drew a leadoff walk. Kollar sat down the next two batters before allowing a single to Sahid Valenzuela. With two runners on and two outs, Buelvas flew out to end the inning.

Ryan Cusick was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds making his return from the Injured List. Cusick, after not allowing a hit through three innings, gave up a run on two hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Leading off the inning, Jackson Merrill hit a line drive home run over the right field fence. His fourth long ball of the season cut the deficit in half.

The Missions captured the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs on two hits. Justin Farmer began the inning with a walk and stole second base. After striking out the next batter, Cusick allowed an RBI double to Juan Fernandez. David Leal took the mound for Cusick after the double. The southpaw issued a walk to Merrill before striking out Marcos Castanon. Cole Cummings drove in two runs with a double down the right field line. The Missions took a 4-2 lead.

San Antonio looked to add to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Jorge Juan, Farmer laid down a two-out bunt single. Farmer stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error. Alison Quintero struck out swinging to end the scoring threat.

Kollar’s day came to an end after five innings of work. The right-hander recorded the win after allowing two runs on four hits. He walked three batters while striking out one.

Seth Mayberry tossed a scoreless sixth inning while Lake Bachar completed a perfect seventh frame. Efrain Contreras added a scoreless eighth inning. In the ninth inning, Justin Lopez entered for the save attempt.

The save was not an easy one for Lopez as he allowed the first two runners to reach base on back-to-back base hits. William Simoneit grounded into a double play and Winkler made it to third base. Valenzuela drove him in with a single to center field. Lopez struck out Buelvas to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 4-3

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 21-24 & 58-56 on the season

• Jackson Merrill (#2 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 R, BB, K

• Jairo Iriarte (#6 Padres prospect): DNP

• Adam Mazur (#7 Padres prospect): DNP

• Ryan Bergert (#16 Padres prospect): DNP

• Marcos Castanon (#23 Padres prospect): 1-4, 2B, RBI

• Jared Kollar (Missions starter): W, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, K, HR

• Max Muncy (#10 Athletics prospect): 0-3, R, BB

• Ryan Cusick (#28 A’s prospect, RockHounds starter): L, 4.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will have the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game with the Amarillo Sod Poodles on Tuesday, August 22nd. The pitching matchups have not yet been determined. Tuesday’s First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The 2023 season is the 121st professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Postseason tickets are on sale now! Season seat memberships, as well as group tickets, for the 2023 season are available now. Call 210-675-PARK to discuss pricing for season tickets, group tickets and hospitality. Single game tickets are on sale now. The Missions Box Office will be cashless this season. Fans can purchase tickets at the box office using credit cards. For more information on the upcoming season call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.