Hollis and Howell Record Multi-hit Games as Missions Drop Series Opener to Wichita 

SAN ANTONIO – After a series victory at home against the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Missions hit the road for their first series against the Wichita Wind Surge. After starting out strong and scoring in the first inning, the Wind Surge offense proved too much for the Missions to handle. Thanks to a multi-homer night from Matt Wallner, and a four-run fifth inning, Wichita comes out on top with a 9-2 game one victory.

Following a 30-minute rain delay which pushed the initial first pitch to 7:30 p.m., the Missions offense picked up where they left off on Sunday. Connor Hollis began the game with a single to center field and advanced to second base with a stolen base. Korry Howell hit a single and advanced to Hollis to third base. Howell showed off his speed by stealing second base. Hollis scored on a sacrifice fly from reigning Texas League Player of the Week, Domingo Leyba. Missions took a 1-0 lead.

Lake Bachar was the starting pitcher for the Missions on Tuesday night. It did not take long for the Wind Surge to even things up. Leading off the inning, Matt Wallner hit a solo home run. His 14th long ball of the season made it a 1-1 ballgame.

Wichita gained their first lead of the game in the bottom of the third inning. Anthony Prato started off the inning with a double and a ground out advanced Prato to third base. Wallner drove in Prato with a single to right field. After a single from Austin Martin, Wallner came around to score on a single from Edouard Julien. The Wind Surge gained a 3-1 advantage.

Sawyer Gipson-Long was the starting pitcher for the Wind Surge. After allowing a run in the top of the first inning, he did not allow another run until the top of the fifth inning. With one out, Hollis and Howell hit back-to-back singles. Leyba made it three straight singles and scored Hollis in the process. With runners on the corners and one out, Yorman Rodriguez popped out. After Leyba stole second, Tirso Ornelas flew out and stranded two runners in scoring position. Wichita led by one run.

The Wind Surge significantly improved their lead after scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Facing Kevin Kopps, Leobaldo Cabrera hit a lead-off double. Following a strikeout and a hit by pitch, Julien hit a single to left field and scored Cabrera. Cole Sturgeon provided the big blow with a three-run home run. His fifth long ball of the season made it a 7-2 lead.

The Missions had a chance to cut into the deficit in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Steven Cruz, Rodriguez hit a single and Juan Fernandez reached base on a catcher interference. With two runners and one out, Thomas Milone popped out and Connor Kaiser struck out to end the scoring threat.

Wichita used the long ball to add on to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Mason Fox, Cabrera drew a lead-off walk. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Wallner hit his second home run of the night. The Wind Surge improved their lead to 9-2.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 34-28 on the season
• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 2-3, 2 SB, 2 HBP
• Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): 2.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, K, HR
• Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 0-5

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Wednesday, June 22nd. Right-hander Nolan Watson (1-2, 6.75) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Left-hander Kody Funderburk (6-2, 2.41) is scheduled to pitch for the Wind Surge. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Riverfront Stadium.

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.