San Antonio could not overcome a hot start from Tulsa in its 6-2 loss Friday night before 5,879 at Wolff Stadium.Getting the ball for the Missions in Friday's series opener was highly touted right-hander Michel Baez. The No. 7 prospect in the San Diego system (according to MLB.com) arrived to
San Antonio could not overcome a hot start from Tulsa in its 6-2 loss Friday night before 5,879 at Wolff Stadium.
Getting the ball for the Missions in Friday's series opener was highly touted right-hander Michel Baez. The No. 7 prospect in the San Diego system (according to MLB.com) arrived to Double-A after an impressive campaign at High-A Lake Elsinore, where he went 4-7 with a 2.91 ERA and a K:BB of 92:33 over 17 starts.
However, in his Double-A debut, Baez was greeted rudely by the first-place Drillers. Baez fell behind 3-0 after one following a Jacob Scavuzzo RBI-single and a Cael Brockmeyer two-run homer to left.
It did not get much better for Baez in the second as Scavuzzo pushed the Tulsa lead to six when he cleared the bags with a double to deep center.
The big early lead was more than enough for winning starter Mitchell White, who allowed just two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks, while striking out six over six innings. San Antonio's runs against White (3-6) came on a Taylor Kohlwey single in the fourth and a throwing error by shortstop Gavin Lux in the sixth. Buddy Reed scored both of the runs for the Missions in addition to doubling twice.
Another bright spot for San Antonio Friday was the impressive strikeout total for the pitching staff. Baez (0-1) and relievers Colby Blueberg and Gerardo Reyes combined on a club, season-high 17 strikeouts. Baez fanned eight against three walks in his four and two-thirds innings. The relievers combined on four and a third innings of two-hit ball.
San Antonio (23-24, 65-52) resumes its three-game series with Tulsa (27-20, 61-56) Saturday on Star Wars Night benefiting the Alzheimer's Association. Emmanuel Ramirez will get the ball for the Missions in his Double-A debut. The Drillers will counter with fellow righty Tony Gonsolin (4-0, 2.89). The Missions will be wearing special Storm Trooper jerseys that will be auctioned off throughout the night with all the proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association. Stick around after the game for the best fireworks show in town.
Notes: Before the game, All-Star hurler Logan Allen was promoted to Triple-A El Paso, fellow lefty Danny Sexton was transferred to Class A Fort Wayne and rejoining the club from High-A Lake Elsinore was righty Trevor Megill.
