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Howell Homers, Drives in Three as Missions Drop Opener in Springfield 

August 8, 2023

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday night. Entering Tuesday’s game on a seven-game win streak, the Missions squared off with Springfield for the first time this season. The clubs traded homers during the early part of the game with

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday night. Entering Tuesday’s game on a seven-game win streak, the Missions squared off with Springfield for the first time this season. The clubs traded homers during the early part of the game with Korry Howell driving in three with a long ball in the second inning. Springfield captured the lead in the fourth inning and did not look back on their way to a 5-4 victory.

Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. Springfield struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. After retiring the first batter he faced, Mosser allowed a solo home run to Thomas Saggese. His 17th long ball of the season made it a 1-0 game.

Wilfredo Pereira was the starting pitcher for the Cardinals. After a scoreless first frame, the right-hander surrendered the lead in the top of the second inning. Marcos Castanon started the rally with a one-out base hit. Cole Cummings drew a walk to put two runners on base. After retiring the next batter, Korry Howell lifted a fly ball over the left field fence for a three-run home run. His fourth long ball of the year made it a 3-1 Missions lead.

The home run derby continued as Springfield connected for their second solo home run in the second inning. With one man down, Arquimedes Gamboa hit a line drive over the right field wall. His eighth homer of the season cut the deficit in half.

Springfield regained the lead with three runs on four hits in the fourth inning. Pedro Pages began the frame with a towering home run to left field. Chandler Redmond and Gamboa each singled to put two runners on base. After Gamboa stole second base, Noah Mendlinger singled and drove in both runners. The Cardinals took a 5-3 lead.

The Missions added their fourth run of the game in the top of the fifth inning. Howell began the frame with a bunt single. Pereira set down the next two batters before Howell stole second base. Jackson Merrill capitalized and drove in Howell with a double. The Missions trailed 5-4.

Mosser’s night came to an end during the fifth inning. Facing three batters, he walked one and was replaced by Raul Brito. Brito walked Pages before ending the inning with a strikeout.

Pereira’s night came to an end after six innings of work. The right-hander allowed four earned runs on five hits while striking out five batters. Matt Svanson took over for Springfield in the seventh inning.

Brito pitched out of a bases loaded dilemma in the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out in the frame, Mike Antico reached base with a single. Brito sat down the next batter before issuing walks to Redmond and Gamboa. Mendlinger struck out to end the scoring threat.

In the top of the ninth inning, Andre Granillo entered the game looking for his 13th save. He retired the first batter before issuing a walk to Cummings. Granillo recorded the second out with Howell stepping up to the plate. During the at-bat, Cummings stole second base. Howell struck out swinging to end the ballgame.

Post-Game Notes

  • Final Score: 5-4

  • With the loss, San Antonio falls to 16-18 & 53-50 on the season

  • Reyes: 41 HBP (Three shy of single-season MiLB record)

  • Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 2-4, 2 2B, RBI, K

  • Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Thursday, August 10th

  • Jairo Iriarte (#10 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, August 12th

  • Korry Howell (#12 Padres prospect): 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, SB, 2 K

  • Ryan Bergert (#22 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Friday, August 11th

  • Tirso Ornelas (#27 Padres prospect): DNP (Transferred from Triple-A pre-game)

  • Brandon Valenzuela (#28 Padres prospect): 0-4

  • Marcos Castanon (#30 Padres prospect): 1-4, R

  • Gabe Mosser (Missions starter): L, 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, 4 K, 3 HR

  • Thomas Saggese (#8 Cardinals prospect): 1-3, HR, RBI, R, BB

  • Wilfredo Pereira (Cardinals starter): W, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 K, HR

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Wednesday, August 9th. Left-hander Daniel Camarena (1-6, 7.31) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Connor Lunn (4-5, 5.00) is scheduled to pitch for the Cardinals. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Hammons Field.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The 2023 season is the 121st professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Postseason tickets are on sale now! Season seat memberships, as well as group tickets, for the 2023 season are available now. Call 210-675-PARK to discuss pricing for season tickets, group tickets and hospitality. Single game tickets are on sale now. The Missions Box Office will be cashless this season. Fans can purchase tickets at the box office using credit cards. For more information on the upcoming season call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.