Dixon Homers in Return, Missions Win Close One in Frisco 

SAN ANTONIO – With a flurry of roster changes ahead of Saturday’s game, the additions to the Missions roster came in handy. Brandon Dixon, appearing in his first game for the Missions since April 27th, hit a home run and drove in two runs. Ethan Skender, after rehabbing in ACL, drove in a run in his return to the Missions. Nolan Watson put together another solid outing as the Missions took the series lead with a 5-4 final score.

Both clubs were held scoreless through the first three innings despite a scoring opportunity for Frisco in the bottom of the second inning. Frisco loaded the bases on two singles and a two-out walk. Watson left the bases loaded after inducing a fly out off the bat of Jordan Procyshen.

Zak Kent was the starting pitcher for the RoughRiders. The Missions scored the first runs of the game in the top of the fourth inning. San Antonio plated three runs on five hits. Yorman Rodriguez began the inning with a double and Webster Rivas drove him in with a single. Dixon hit a two-run home run to left-center field. His sixth long ball of the season made it a 3-0 lead.

Frisco plated two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the deficit to one run. With two outs in the inning, Luisangel Acuna hit a single and stole second base. Justin Foscue drove him in with a double to left field. Kellen Strahm drove in Foscue on a base hit to right field. Frisco cut the lead to 3-2.

In the top of the eighth inning, San Antonio added two more runs. Facing Avery Weems, Rodriguez drew a walk and Rivas singled. Skender pinch-hit for Juan Fernandez and drove in Rodriguez after hitting a line drive to right field. Skender did not receive credit for a single as Rivas was thrown out at second base. Dixon singled for his second hit of the game and advanced to scoring position on a ground out from Kelvin Melean. A wild pitch from Weems allowed Skender to score. The Missions improved their lead to 5-2.

Frisco continued the comeback attempt in the bottom of the eighth inning and scored twice. Facing Osvaldo Hernandez, Josh Stowers reached base on a fielding error and Miguel Aparicio was hit by a pitch. Moises Lugo came on to pitch for Hernandez with two outs in the inning. He allowed a single to Jonathan Ornelas and both runners scored. He struck out Acuna to end the inning. The Missions had a 5-4 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Lugo struck out the side to secure his first save of the season.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 17-21 (2nd half), 55-50 (overall) on the season

• Brandon Dixon: 1st Game with the Missions Since April 27th (2-4, HR, 2 RBI)

• Kevin Kopps (#9 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#17 Padres prospect): 1-5, 3 K

• Noel Vela (#24 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Frisco RoughRiders on Sunday, August 14th. Right-hander Henry Henry (2-0, 5.36) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Antoine Kelly (0-0, 2.45) is scheduled to pitch for the RoughRiders. First pitch is expected at 6:05 p.m. from Riders Field.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Playoff tickets for September 22nd are available now. Single game tickets can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.