Watson Tosses Quality Start as Missions Put Away Hooks 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their seven-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. After trailing 2-0, the Missions offense plated five runs highlighted by a home run from Pedro Castellanos. Nolan Watson pitched the second consecutive quality start and collected his first win of the season. San Antonio wins by a final score of 5-2.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander surrendered the lead in the top of the first inning. Quincy Hamilton started the game by hitting a single on the first pitch of the night. After a fly out, Shay Whitcomb drove in Hamilton with a double to right-center field. Corpus Christi took an early 1-0 lead.

The Hooks improved their lead in the top of the second inning. C.J. Stubbs drew a walk and J.C Correa singled to start the frame. Chad Stevens hit a double to drive in Stubbs. The Hooks had a 2-0 lead.

Aaron Brown was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. After a scoreless first inning, the Missions captured the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Connor Hollis drew a walk and Tirso Ornelas hit a single to start the frame. With Hollis on third base, Michael De La Cruz drove him in with a sacrifice fly. Brown retired the next batter before issuing a walk to Ray-Patrick Didder. Ripken Reyes doubled to right field and scored Ornelas and Didder. The Missions took a 3-2 lead.

San Antonio added an insurance run in the bottom of the third inning. Leading off the inning, Pedro Castellanos hit a line drive over the left field wall. His fifth long ball of the season made it a 4-2 Missions lead.

The Missions continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. With Blair Henley on the mound, Daniel Johnson started off the frame with a base hit. Hollis reached base on a fielder’s choice as Johnson was forced out at second base. Ornelas hit a single and Hollis advanced to third base. Michael De La Cruz reached base on a fielder’s choice and Ornelas came in to score. San Antonio held a 5-2 lead.

For the second consecutive night, the Missions starters recorded a quality start. Following Efrain Contreras, Watson tossed six innings on Friday while allowing two runs on seven hits. He collected his first win of the season.

Justin Lopez tossed a scoreless seventh inning while striking out two batters. Kevin Kopps entered the game in the top of the eighth inning. He converted the save attempt after completing two scoreless innings.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 5-2

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 14-16 on the season

• 2nd consecutive quality starts for Missions pitching

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch May 14th

• Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 2-3, R, K

• Nolan Watson (Missions Starter): W, 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K

• Drew Gilbert (#1 Astros prospect): 1-4

• Colin Barber (#3 Astros prospect): DNP

• Aaron Brown (Hooks Starter): L, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their homestand with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Saturday, May 13th. The two clubs will play a doubleheader with game one starting at 5:05 p.m. Daniel Camarena (0-1, 16.88) and Adrian Chaidez (0-0, 10.80) are the probable starters for game one. The Missions have not yet designated a starter for game two. Right-hander Peyton Plumlee (0-1, 24.00) is scheduled to pitch game two for the Hooks.

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. 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.