Hollis Collects Three Hits as Missions Tame the RockHounds in Series Opener 

SAN ANTONIO – Coming off a series victory against Arkansas, and a combined no-hitter on Sunday, the Missions began a six-game homestand with the Midland RockHounds. Despite starter Gabriel Morales leaving the game early, the Missions were carried by big performances from Esteury Ruiz and Connor Hollis. With the help of Tom Cosgrove and Angel Felipe in the later innings, the Missions take down the RockHounds in game one by a final score of 5-2.

Gabriel Morales was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. The southpaw faced some trouble in the top of the first inning. After recording the first two outs of the inning, Morales allowed a double to Jonah Bride. Bride ended up at third base after a wild pitch from Morales. Logan Davidson drew a walk to extend the inning. The next batter was Jordan Diaz who hit a line drive towards second baseman Domingo Leyba. Leyba made a diving stop and then the throw to first to keep Midland off the board and end the inning.

David Leal was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds and he was making his second career Double-A start. The Missions got to the southpaw in the bottom of the first inning and scored the first run of the game. Esteury Ruiz began the inning by hitting a ground ball to third baseman Logan Davidson. Davidson was charged with a throwing error trying to get Ruiz at first and the Missions outfielder ended up at third base because of the play. Connor Hollis drove in Ruiz with a single to left field. The Missions took a 1-0 lead.

Morales was forced to make a quick exit during the top of the second inning. After a leading off to Jeremy Eierman, Morales retired the next two batters. During an at-bat with Chase Calabuig, Morales was removed from the game after an apparent leg injury. He was replaced by Henry Henry.

The Missions nearly extended their lead in the bottom of the second inning. With two outs in the inning, Chandler Seagle reached base on a bunt single. Esteury Ruiz copied Seagle and legged out a bunt single as well. He has reached base in all 34 games this season. Hollis hit a single and Seagle attempted to score. On the play, he was thrown out at home on a throw from Max Schuemann.

The RockHounds took their first lead of the game in the top of the third inning. Zack Gelof, the third ranked Athletics prospect according to MLB.com, started the inning with a single. Jonah Bride unloaded on a two-run home run over the left field wall. His fourth long ball of the year made it a 2-1 Midland lead.

San Antonio evened things up in the bottom of the sixth inning. Yorman Rodriguez hit a one-out single and then advanced to second base on a passed ball. Rodriguez advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Jorge Ona drove in Rodriguez with a single to left field. The Missions and RockHounds were tied up at 2-2.

The Missions regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing Chase Cohen, Seagle drew a two-out walk to extend the inning. A wild pitch from Cohen moved Seagle to second. Esteury Ruiz lined a double into right field to score Seagle. Hollis followed that up with an RBI single and scored Ruiz. San Antonio took a 4-2 lead.

The Missions added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Nick Highberger, Juan Fernandez hit a two-out double to keep the inning alive. Korry Howell drove in Seagle with a single to right field. The Missions improved their lead to 5-2.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 16-18 on the season
• Esteury Ruiz has reached base in all 34 games played this season
• Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-4, RBI, 2 K
• Tirso Ornelas (#25 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tom Cosgrove improves to 5-0 in his Double-A career, dating back to 2021

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday, May 18th. Right-hander Matt Waldron (1-1, 4.15) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Right-hander Ryan Cusick (1-3, 7.78) is scheduled to start for the RockHounds. 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.