Wolf Strikes Out 11 as Missions Put Away Hooks 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Friday night. With the help of a career-best performance from Jackson Wolf, the San Antonio Missions began the weekend with a 4-2 victory. Wolf tied his career high with 11 strikeouts across seven innings of work. Meanwhile, the offense plated four runs on 10 hits against the Hooks.

Rhett Kouba was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. In the top of the first inning, the Missions had a runner in scoring position. With one out in the frame, Michael De La Cruz singled to right field. He advanced to second base on a ground out from Juan Fernandez. Kouba left him stranded after getting Daniel Johnson to fly out deep to right field.

Jackson Wolf was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The southpaw had to pitch out of danger in the first inning. With one out in the frame, Joey Loperfido doubled and stole third base. Wolf struck out the next two batters to leave Loperfido stranded.

The Missions scored the first run of the game in the top of the second inning. Ray-Patrick Didder began the inning with a double. Didder advanced to third base on ground out from Cole Cummings. Pedro Castellanos drove him in with a single to right field. San Antonio took a 1-0 lead.

The Hooks tied the game in the bottom half of the third inning. After retiring the first batter of the frame, Garrett Wolforth singled to left field. Kenedy Corona drove in Wolforth with a double down the left field line. A line out and a strikeout left Corona stranded at second base. The game was tied 1-1.

San Antonio regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Justin Farmer drew a one-out walk and stole second base. On the play, he advanced to third base on a throwing error from Wolforth. Farmer came in to score on a sacrifice bunt from Ripken Reyes. The Missions took a 2-1 lead.

Kouba lasted six innings for the Hooks before handing the ball off to Jonathan Sprinkle. The right-hander allowed two runs (one earned) while allowing five hits and one base on balls. Kouba also struck out two batters along the way.

The Missions added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. With one out in the frame, Castellanos doubled and advanced to third on a passed ball. After striking out the next batter, a wild pitch from Sprinkle allowed Castellanos to score the third run of the game.

The Hooks had a chance to cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jordan Brewer began the frame with a base hit. Wolf struck out the next two batters before Brewer stole second base. The southpaw recorded his 11th strike out and ended the inning.

Wolf tied his career high with 11 strikeouts across seven innings of work on Friday. The southpaw allowed one earned run on four hits while walking one batter. Wolf recorded his seventh quality start of the season.

The Missions continued to improve their lead in the eighth inning. Reyes began the frame with a double to left field. De La Cruz drove in Reyes with a single to center field. San Antonio improved their lead to 4-1.

Lake Bachar took the mound for the Missions in the eighth inning. The Hooks plated a run on three hits against the right-hander. J.C. Correa and Wolforth hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. After a fly out, Bachar walked Corona to load the bases. Zach Daniels drove in Correa with a single to right field. On the play, Wolforth was thrown out at home by Farmer. Bachar struck out Brewer to end the inning. The Missions held a 4-2 advantage.

Jose Quezada entered the game for San Antonio in the ninth inning. The right-hander retired all three batters he faced to secure the 4-2 victory.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 4-2

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 5-5 & 42-37 on the season

• Jackson Wolf: Tied career high with 11 strikeouts

• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): DNP

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): W, 7.0 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 11 K

• Brandon Valenzuela (#29 Padres prospect): 0-4, 2 K

• Drew Gilbert (#1 Hooks prospect, #73 MLB): DNP (Participating in Futures Game)

• Colin Barber (#3 Hooks prospect): 0-3, BB, 2 K, CS

• Rhett Kouba (Hooks starter): L, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R (ER), BB, 2 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Saturday, July 8th. Right-hander Bobby Milacki (0-0, 3.75) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Left-hander Julio Robaina (7-4, 4.01) is scheduled to pitch for the Hooks. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Whataburger Field.

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 will go on sale Thursday, July 6th at 10:00 a.m. 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.