Kaiser Drives in Four as Missions Clinch Series Victory in Frisco 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions entered Sunday night with the chance to clinch the series victory against the Frisco RoughRiders. The Missions used plate vision and the long ball on their way to defeating the RoughRiders and taking four of six from Frisco. After scoring four runs in the second inning, Brandon Dixon and Connor Kaiser each went yard in the fourth inning. San Antonio gets the win with a final score of 7-5.

Antoine Kelly was the starting pitcher for the RoughRiders. The southpaw was making his second career Double-A start. He struggled with command and allowed four runs to score in the top of the second inning. Juan Fernandez began the inning by drawing a walk and stealing second base. Dixon drew a walk to put two runners on base. After an automatic strikeout via pitch clock violation, Ripken Reyes grounded into a fielder’s choice with Dixon out at second base. Reyes stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Kaiser drove in both runners with a single to left field. Domingo Leyba drove in Kaiser after legging out a triple to right field. Leyba came around to score on a wild pitch from Kelly. The Missions took a 4-0 lead.

Henry Henry was the starting pitcher for the Missions. He was making his second start of the series after pitching in game one of the series on August 9th. After two scoreless innings, he allowed four runs in the bottom of the third inning. Scott Kapers drew a leadoff walk and Jonathan Ornelas singled. Jax Biggers hit a single and loaded the bases. Blaine Crim drove in the first two runs with a single to center field. After allowing a single to Kellen Strahm, Henry retired the next two batters. However, he issued a walk to Josh Stower which allowed the third run of the inning to score. Felix Minjarez came on to pitch following the free pass. He walked Miguel Aparicio to allow the fourth run of the inning to score. It was a 4-4 ballgame.

San Antonio used the long ball to regain the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Facing Kevin Gowdy, Dixon hit a solo home run to left-center field. This was his seventh of the season and the second consecutive game for Dixon with a homer. After recording the first out of the inning, Reyes reached base with a base hit. Kaiser drove him in with a two-run home run. His seventh long ball of the season made it a 7-4 Missions lead.

Frisco added their fifth run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. On the second pitch of the inning, Ornelas unloaded a 451-foot home run to left field. His 13th homer of the season cut the lead to 7-5.

San Antonio had a chance to add to their lead in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Joe Barlow, Dixon began the inning with a double to right field. He was left stranded at third base following a strikeout and two ground outs.

The Missions had another scoring opportunity in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Grant Wolfram, Fernandez drew a walk with one out in the inning. Dixon reached base on a fielder’s choice. Ethan Skender singled to right field to put two runners on base with two outs. Reyes struck out swinging to end the inning.

San Antonio loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning but failed to score. Facing Marc Church, Leyba singled before the right-hander issued walks to Tirso Ornelas and Rodriguez. With the bases loaded and one out, Webster Rivas struck out swinging and Fernandez flew out to end the inning.

In relief of Henry, Minjarez allowed the solo home run to Ornelas and just one other hit during his 2.1 innings on Sunday. He issued two walks while striking out two batters. Grant Gavin struck out two batters during a scoreless sixth inning. Edwuin Bencomo retired all six batters he faced in two scoreless innings while striking out one batter.

Lake Bachar entered the game in the bottom of the ninth in attempts for his second save of the season. He retired the first two batters before allowing a double to Acuna. The right-hander struck out David Garcia to end the game.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 18-21 (2nd half), 56-50 (overall) on the season

• Kevin Kopps (#9 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#16 Padres prospect): 0-4, BB, 2 K

• Noel Vela (#23 Padres prospect): DNP

• Moises Lugo (#30 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will have the day-off on Monday before continuing their road trip on Tuesday, August 16th. The Missions will begin a six-game series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The pitching matchups have not yet been announced. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Arvest Ballpark.

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. Playoff tickets for September 22nd are available now. Single game tickets 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.