San Antonio Uses the Long Ball to Clinch Series Victory in Frisco 

Missions Pitchers Punch Out 17 Batters

SAN ANTONIO – With outstanding pitching performances and home runs from Agustin Ruiz and Kelvin Melean, the Missions took down Frisco on Sunday night. With the 3-1 victory, they clinch the series victory against the RoughRiders.

It was an uneventful first inning between the Missions and RoughRiders. However, it was the Missions who put the first run on the board in the top of the second inning. With one out in the inning, Dwanya Williams-Sutton and Juan Fernandez hit back-to-back singles. On the Fernandez base hit, Williams-Sutton advanced to third base. Agustin Ruiz drove in Williams-Sutton with a sacrifice fly. The Missions took an early 1-0 lead.

The RoughRiders bounced back in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. Facing Pedro Avila, Blaine Crim started the inning with a double. Avila recovered by striking out the next two batters. However, J.P. Martinez drove in Crim with an RBI single to right field.

The Missions regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning. With one out in the inning, Agustin Ruiz hit a line drive home run to right field to make it a 2-1 ballgame. It was his sixth long ball since joining the Missions. With two outs in the inning, Kelvin Melean connected on a solo home run to center field. His first Missions homer made it a 3-1 Missions lead.

Pedro Avila put together one of the best outings for a Missions starter this season. He pitched a season-high five innings while striking out nine batters. He joins Adrian Martinez as the only Missions pitchers to strike out nine batters in a game this season. He allowed one earned run on three hits and recorded his first win of the season.

Moises Lugo made his first appearance out of the bullpen for the Missions. In two innings following Avila, Lugo struck out four batters and allowed just one base hit.

Mason Fox came on to pitch the eighth inning for San Antonio. Fox picked up right where Avila and Lugo left off and struck out the side. Jose Quezada pitched the ninth inning and converted his 18th save of the season.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 55-59 on the season
• Eguy Rosario (#15 Padres prospect): 0-3, BB, K
• Agustin Ruiz (#27 Padres prospect): 1-2, HR, R, 2 RBI, SF, BB, K
• Pedro Avila: W, 5.0 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 9 K (Tied for most by a Missions pitcher this season)

The San Antonio Missions will have the day off on Monday, September 13th before returning home to face the Corpus Christi Hooks. The six-game, final homestand will begin on Tuesday, September 14th. The pitching matchups have yet to be determined. First pitch on Tuesday will be at 7:05 p.m.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 115th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Tickets are on sale now at the Wolff Stadium Box Office or online at samissions.com. Season seat memberships are available now by calling 210-675-PARK (7275).

---