Bergert Fans Eight as Missions Win 6th Straight 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday night. Entering on a five-game win streak, the Missions continued their winning ways thanks to a two-run first inning and a stellar performance from Ryan Bergert. Pitching as the piggy-back to Jairo Iriarte, Berget stole the show by striking out eight batters in 5.2 scoreless innings. The Missions secured their season shutout win of the season and look for the series sweep on Sunday.

Allan Saathoff was the starting pitcher for the Travelers. The Missions offense struck first with two runs off the right-hander in the first inning. Ripken Reyes began the game with a base hit before stealing second and third base. After striking out the next batter, Michael De La Cruz drove in Reyes with a sacrifice fly. Daniel Johnson made it a 2-0 ballgame with his 10th long ball of the season.

Jairo Iriarte was the starting pitcher for the Missions making his first Double-A start. The talented right-hander allowed two baserunners in the bottom of the first inning. Spencer Packard reached base on a one-out single. With two outs in the frame, Alberto Rodriguez singled and Packard advanced to third base. Iriarte struck out Robert Perez Jr. to end the scoring threat.

Iriarte's night came to an end during the second inning. The right-hander allowed a lead-off single and a one-out walk. Ryan Bergert took the mound for the Missions and inherited two runners on with one out. A fly out and a strikeout put an end to the inning.

Arkansas threatened to score in the bottom of the third inning. With one out in the frame, Isiah Gillam and Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles. Perez Jr. hit a fly ball to center field. Gillam attempted to score from third and Johnson threw him out at home.

Saathoff found his groove after the first inning and did not allow a baserunner in the second or third innings. Mike Flynn followed his lead with two perfect innings of relief. San Antonio rebounded and scored a run in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Collin Kober, Reyes was hit by a pitch with one out. Jackson Merrill drove him in with a double to left field. The Missions improved their lead to 3-0.

Bergert shined for the Missions in his first relief appearance at the Double-A level. The right-hander allowed two hits in 5.2 innings of work while striking out eight batters.

Efrain Contreras converted his first save of the season after pitching the eighth and ninth innings. Contreras allowed one hit while striking out three batters.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 3-0

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 15-17 & 52-49 on the season

• Reyes: 40 HBP (Four shy of single-season MiLB record)

• Six-Game Winning Streak (new season-high)

• 7th Shutout victory of the season

• Johnson: 10 HR is new team high, breaking tie with Tirso Ornelas

• Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2 K

• Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): DNP

• Jairo Iriarte (#10 Padres prospect): ND, 1.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K

• Korry Howell (#12 Padres prospect): 0-3, K

• Ryan Bergert (#22 Padres prospect): W, 5.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K

• Brandon Valenzuela (#28 Padres prospect): 0-3, 2 K

• Marcos Castanon (#30 Padres prospect): 1-4

• Jonatan Clase (#10 Mariners prospect): 0-4, 2 K

• Allan Saathoff (Travelers starter): L, 3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday, August 6th. Left-hander Daniel Camarena (1-6, 7.31) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jimmy Joyce (0-1, 3.60) is scheduled to pitch for the Travelers. First pitch is slated for 1:35 p.m. from Dickey-Stephens Park.

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.