Five-Run 3rd Inning Propels Missions to Friday Night Victory 

SAN ANTONIO – Instead of waiting until the ninth inning or extra innings, the Missions offense got to work early on against the Travelers. San Antonio plated five runs during the third inning to take a commanding lead. They added four more runs throughout the evening on their way to a 9-1 victory. The pitching staff allowed just two hits which is their fewest allowed in a game this season.

Reggie Lawson was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. After pitching a scoreless first inning, he had to pitch out of trouble in the top of the second inning. With one out in the inning, Jack Larsen hit a ground-rule double. After recording the second out, Matt Scheffler drew a walk to put two runners on base. Lawson responded by getting a ground out and leaving the runners stranded.

Peyton Alford was the starting pitcher for the Arkansas Traveler. After two scoreless innings, the Missions offense came alive in the bottom of the third and scored five runs off the left-hander. Connor Kaiser was hit by a pitch and Agustin drew a walk to start the inning. After a sacrifice bunt from Seagle, Esteury Ruiz hit a single and scored Kaiser. Agustin Ruiz scored after Connor Hollis reached base on a fielder’s choice. The bases became loaded after Domingo Leyba drew a walk. Juan Fernandez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Thomas Milone picked up his first RBI with a single down the left field line. Lastly, Korry Howell hit a single to score the fifth run of the inning. The Missions took a 5-0 lead.

The Arkansas Travelers began their comeback attempt in the top of the fourth inning. Jack Scheiner drew a one-out walk and Cade Marlowe hit a single. Scheiner advanced to third base on the base hit. Arkansas accomplished a double steal with Scheiner stealing home and Marlowe stealing second base. Matt Scheffler drew a walk to put two runners on with two outs. After a mound visit from Phillip Wellman, Lawson ended the inning by getting a fly out. The Missions had a 5-1 lead.

Devin Sweet replaced Alford after the third inning. He had no issues in the fourth inning, but the Missions scored an insurance run off the right-hander in the bottom of the fifth inning. Connor Hollis hit a double to right field. The Travelers right fielder and second base lost the ball in the lights and let it fall to the grass. Hollis came around to score after Fernandez hit a sacrifice fly. The Missions improved their lead to 6-1.

San Antonio added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Kaiser drew a one-out walk and advanced into scoring position with a stolen base. Seagle drove in Kaiser with a double to left field. Esteury Ruiz drove in Seagle with a single to make it an 8-1 Missions lead.

Nolan Watson, in relief of Lawson, pitched his longest outing of the season. He tossed three shutout innings while allowing no hits, walking two batters, and striking out three batters. Watson collected his first win of the season.

San Antonio continued to improve their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. With Rob Kaminsky on the mound, Esteury Ruiz hit a lead-off double. Hollis advanced Ruiz to third with a base hit to right field. Fernandez continued his hot streak with an RBI single to score Ruiz. The Missions improved their lead to 9-1.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 14-17 on the season
• Esteury Ruiz has reached base in all 31 games played this season
• Fewest hits allowed by the Missions pitching staff this season
• Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
• Reggie Lawson (#18 Padres prospect): ND, 4.0 IP, ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 3 K
• Tirso Ornelas (#25 Padres prospect): DNP
• Agustin Ruiz (#26 Padres prospect): 0-3, R, BB

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday, May 14th. Right-hander Thomas Eshelman (1-1, 6.46) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Right-hander Levi Stoudt (3-3, 5.40) is scheduled to start for the Travelers. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

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. Single game tickets are available now and 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.

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