Camarena Outduels Leiter as Missions Blank RoughRiders 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series against the Frisco RoughRiders Tuesday night. Daniel Camarena and Jack Leiter each tossed six innings, but it was the veteran who outperformed the youngster. Camarena allowed just one hit while Leiter allowed a solo homer in the second inning. The Missions offense added two more runs while securing their third shutout victory of the season.

Jack Leiter, the former 2nd overall pick of the Rangers, was the starting pitcher for the RoughRiders. After a scoreless first inning, Michael De La Cruz left the yard in the top of the second inning. His third home run of the season gave San Antonio a 1-0 lead.

San Antonio had a chance to improve their lead in the top of the third inning. Hollis drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Leiter left him stranded after retiring the next three batters.

Meanwhile, Leiter settled in and was nearly untouchable for the Missions offense. Besides the De La Cruz home run, Cole Cummings had the next hit for San Antonio with a sixth inning base hit. The right-hander tied his career high with six innings of work while striking out four batters.

Frisco had their first scoring opportunity in the bottom of the fifth inning. With one out, Dustin Harris drew a walk and stole second base. Harris then stole third base before Camarena could record the second out of the inning. Liam Hicks flew out to end the inning.

Daniel Camarena was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The veteran southpaw entered the game with a 10.22 ERA. Camarena outdueled Leiter as he allowed just one base hit across six innings of work. He issued one walk while striking out five batters.

Nick Starr took over for Leiter in the top of the seventh inning. Daniel Johnson began the frame with a base hit before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt from Juan Fernandez. De La Cruz singled to center field and Johnson scored the second run of the game.

Aaron Leasher took over for Camarena in the bottom of the seventh inning. After retiring the first two batters, Kellen Strahm singled and Harris drew a walk. With a chance to drive in a run, Nick Tanielu flew out to end the inning.

San Antonio had another runner in scoring position in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Theo McDowell, Ray-Patrick Didder drew a walk and Ripken Reyes advanced him on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs in the frame, Connor Hollis drew a walk to put two runners on base. Johnson popped out to end the inning.

Alek Jacob took over in the bottom of the eighth inning. The right-hander pitched out of a bases loaded jam to maintain the shutout. Hicks began the inning with a base hit. Jacob retired Jax Biggers before hitting Chris Seise with a pitch. Evan Carter singled to load the bases. Thomas Saggese grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Missions added their third run of the game in the top of the ninth inning. Juan Fernandez started the frame with a base hit before De La Cruz lined into a double play. Pedro Castellanos drew a walk to keep the inning alive. Hollis drove in Castellanos with a double down the left field line. San Antonio increased their lead to 3-0.

Jacob remained in the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to attempt a two-inning save. The right-hander retired the first two batters of the inning before allowing hits to Harris and Tanielu. With the tying run at the plate, Hicks grounded out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 3-0

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 25-22 on the season

• 3rd shutout victory of the season

• Camarena’s longest outing since 10/2/21 with El Paso

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect: Scheduled to pitch June 1st

• Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): SV, 2.0 IP, 4 H

• Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 0-4, 2 K

• Daniel Camarena (Missions Starter): W, 6.0 IP, H, BB, 5 K

• Evan Carter (#1 Rangers prospect, #9 MLB): 1-4

• Luisangel Acuna (#3 Rangers prospect, #55 MLB): DNP

• Jack Leiter (#4 Rangers prospect, #76 MLB): L, 6.0 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 4 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Frisco RoughRiders on Thursday, June 1st. Left-hander Jackson Wolf (3-5, 4.38) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Owen White (1-2, 4.24) is scheduled to pitch for the RoughRiders. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Riders 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. 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.