Rodriguez Homers, Drives in Two as Missions Fall to Midland on Saturday Night

July 2, 2022

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions offense jumped out a lead in the top of the first inning but quickly surrendered the lead in the bottom of the first inning. After regaining the lead in the fifth inning, the Missions bullpen allowed three runs in the bottom of the

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions offense jumped out a lead in the top of the first inning but quickly surrendered the lead in the bottom of the first inning. After regaining the lead in the fifth inning, the Missions bullpen allowed three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to give control back to Midland. The RockHounds bullpen held off the Missions and clinched a 5-4 victory.

David Leal was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds. The Missions jumped on the southpaw for two runs on three hits in the top of the first inning. Connor Hollis started the game with a double. After a strikeout, Domingo Leyba drove in Hollis with a double to left field. After recording the second out of the inning, Leal allowed Leyba to score after Tirso Ornelas singled to right field. The Missions took a 2-0 lead.

Osvaldo Hernandez was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. He surrendered the early lead in the bottom half of the first inning. Mickey McDonald started off the inning with a base hit and advanced to second base on a balk. After recording the first out of the inning, Hernandez allowed a two-run home run to Logan Davidson. His 10th long ball of the season tied the game at 2-2.

Both offenses were left stagnant over the next three innings. The Missions offense came to life in the top of the fifth inning and regained the lead with two runs. Thomas Milone drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second base on a stolen base. After a strikeout, Yorman Rodriguez hit a two-run home run to left field. His eighth long ball of the season made it a 4-2 Missions lead.

The RockHounds bounced back and regained the lead with three runs on two hits. With Mason Fox on the mound, McDonald began the inning with a double. Fox loaded the bases after allowing back-to-back walks to Brett Harris and Davidson. Jordan Diaz drove in two runs with a single to right field. After retiring the next two batters, Fox loaded the bases once again after walking William Simoneit. Davidson came around to score after Fox allowed a walk to Hansen Lopez. Midland took a 5-4 lead.

Both clubs remained off the scoreboard through the final four innings. For Midland, Nick Highberger tossed 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out three batters. Austin Briggs converted his fifth save of the season. For the Missions, Michel Baez struck out four batters in two scoreless innings. Jose Quezada retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning.

Post-Game Notes

With the loss, San Antonio falls to 40-32 on the season
Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP
Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP
Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 2-3, RBI, BB

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Sunday, July 3rd. Right-hander Nolan Watson (1-3, 6.52) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Left-hander Ty Damron (2-4, 4.70) is scheduled to start for the RockHounds. First pitch is expected at 6:05 p.m. from Momentum Bank Ballpark.

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.