Kaiser Leaves the Yard, Missions Drop Series Opener in Midland 

SAN ANTONIO – Following a series victory against the Wichita Wind Surge, the Missions held 3-1 lead against the Midland RockHounds in the fifth inning. The RockHounds came roaring back and outscored the Missions 9-0 throughout the remainder of the game. The Missions dropped their series opener on Tuesday night with a 10-3 final score.

Colin Peluse was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds. The Missions offense gained an early advantage against the right-hander. Thomas Milone drew a one-out walk and advanced to second base with a successful stolen base attempt. He came around to score on a single from Domingo Leyba.

San Antonio used the long ball to extend their lead in the top of the third inning. Leading off the inning, Connor Kaiser hit a home run over the right field wall. His sixth homer of the season made it a 2-0 Missions lead.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. After two scoreless innings, the RockHounds cut the deficit in half during the bottom of the third inning. A throwing error from Connor Hollis allowed William Simoneit to reach base to start the inning. After a ground out advanced him to scoring position, Chase Calabuig cashed in and drove in Simoneit with a single to right field.

The Missions added an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning. With one out in the inning, Kaiser reached base on a throwing error from Brett Harris. After recording out number two, Hollis drove in Kaiser with a single to center field. The Missions had a 3-1 advantage.

Midland took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after plating three runs on four hits. With one out in the inning, Calabuig and Mickey McDonald hit back-to-back singles. After recording the second out of the inning, Watson allowed a double to JJ Schwarz to score Calabuig and McDonald. Moises Lugo came on to relieve Watson. He allowed the third run of the inning to score after giving up a single to Jordan Diaz. Midland took a 4-3 lead.

Midland improved their lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. With Lugo still in the game, McDonald singled and stole second base. After striking out Harris, Lugo allowed a home run to Schwarz. His third long ball of the season made it a 6-3 Midland lead.

The RockHounds continued to increase their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Felix Minjarez, making his Double-A debut, allowed a lead-off single to Marty Bechina. After inducing a double play, he surrendered a solo home run to Sahid Valenzuela. Following the homer, he allowed back-to-back singles to Calabuig and McDonald. Both runners came in to score on a double from Harris. After a wild pitch, Schwarz drove in Harris with a single to right field. The Missions trailed 10-3.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 38-30 on the season
• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): DNP
• Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP
• Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 1-4, K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday, June 29th. Right-hander Brandon Komar (0-1, 10.80) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Left-hander Hogan Harris (0-0, 0.00) is scheduled to start for the RockHounds. First pitch is expected at 6:30 p.m. from Momentum Bank 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. 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.