Henry’s Strong Start Not Enough as Missions Stumble in Midland 

SAN ANTONIO – Receiving the spot start on Sunday, Missions reliever Henry Henry turned in one of his finest outings of the season. With both offenses struggling through the first innings, it was up in the air for which team would take the series finale. Once the bullpen got involved, the Midland offense gained a four-run advantage before the Missions could score their first run. Despite a late comeback attempt, the Missions lose Sunday’s game by a final score of 5-2.

Henry Henry was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. The right-hander tossed three shutout innings while allowing three hits and striking out three batters. Henry allowed two of those hits in the first inning, but recovered to leave the runners stranded.

After being held scoreless into the fourth inning, the RockHounds took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. With Fred Schlichtholz on the mound, he struck out the first batter before hitting Brett Harris with a pitch. Jeremy Eierman hit a double and William Simoneit was intentionally walked. With the bases loaded and one out, Sahid Valenzuela grounded out and Harris came around to score. Midland took a 1-0 lead.

Ty Damron was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds. The southpaw did not allow his first hit of the game until the top of the sixth inning. Ripken Reyes hit a one-out single to end the no-hit bid. After recording the second out of the game, Juan Fernandez hit a single to move Reyes into scoring position. Domingo Leyba flew out to end the inning.

Midland extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. With Moises Lugo on the mound, Harris hit a lead-off home run to left field. After retiring the next batter, Simoneit also left the yard for a solo home run. Lugo struck out the next batter for out number two before allowing a single to Chase Calabuig and a walk to Mickey McDonald. With two on and two outs, Marty Bechina drove in a run with a single to left field. Midland improved their lead to 4-0.

The Missions plated their first runs of the game in the top of the eighth inning. With Damron still in the game, Chandler Seagle drew a walk and Reyes hit a single for his second hit of the night. After striking out Connor Hollis, Damron was replaced with Wandisson Charles. Charles retired the first batter he faced before allowing a two-RBI single to Domingo Leyba. San Antonio trailed 4-2. Damron finished the game with nine strikeouts and two runs allowed in 7.1 innings pitched.

The RockHounds added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. With Carlos Belen on the mound, he started off the inning with a strikeout of Simoneit. The right-hander allowed three consecutive singles to Valenzuela, Calabuig, and McDonald. On the McDonald base hit, Valenzuela came around to score. Midland extended their lead to 5-2.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 40-33 on the season
• Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP
• Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 0-4, K

The San Antonio Missions return to Nelson Wolff Stadium on Monday, July 4th to begin a six-game homestand with the Frisco RoughRiders. Right-hander Nolan Watson (1-3, 6.52) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Frisco has not yet announced their pitcher for tomorrow’s game. The HEB 4th of July Celebration presented by Bud Light begins at 6:05 p.m. Fans will be treated to a postgame concert from Kevin Fowler. Following his performance, fans will also be treated to a patriotic fireworks display.

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.