Kevin Kopps Delivers Solid Start as Missions Stumble Against the Hooks 

SAN ANTONIO – Entering Friday night’s game, the San Antonio Missions had lost the first three games of their series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. This meant tonight’s game was a must-win to salvage a series split. The first four innings were a pitcher’s duel between Kevin Kopps, Noel Vela and Jose Bravo. The Hooks broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning. Corpus Christi added two more runs in the seventh on back-to-back home runs. The Missions dropped their fourth consecutive game with an 8-0 shutout loss.

Kevin Kopps was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio and was making his second career start. Corpus Christi threatened to take the lead in the top of the first inning. With one out in the inning, Quincy Hamilton drew a walk and stole second base. He advanced to third base on a ground out from Luke Berryhill. Kopps left him stranded after getting Shay Whitcomb to ground out.

Jose Bravo was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. After pitching a scoreless first inning, San Antonio had a chance to take the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Yorman Rodriguez began the inning with a base hit. Juan Fernandez struck out looking for the first out of the inning. Webster Rivas hit a double to place two runners in scoring position. However, Jorge Ona and Joshua Mears both struck out swinging the end the inning.

Corpus Christi found themselves with another scoring opportunity in the top of the third inning. Kopps began the inning and issued a walk to Grae Kessinger. He stole second base but was thrown out trying to steal third. With two outs, C.J. Stubbs singled to extend the inning. Kopps attempted a pickoff but Stubbs advanced to second base on a fielding error from Rodriguez. He walked Hamilton before being replaced by Noel Vela. Berryhill went after the first pitch from Vela and flew out to right field to end the inning.

A terrific defensive play from San Antonio saved a run from scoring in the top of the fourth inning. Will Wagner hit a one-out double and immediately placed himself in scoring position. After recording the second out of the inning, Vela allowed a single to Cesar Salazar. On the play, Wagner attempted to score from second base. Right-fielder Ripken Reyes threw him out at home to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Corpus Christi took the lead after scoring five runs on five hits. Kessinger began the inning with a single and Bryan Arias drove him in with a double. Stubbs reached base on a single and Berryhill singled to left field to load the bases. A wild pitch from Vela allowed Arias to score. Shay Whitcomb drove in two more with a double to left field. He then stole second base and Wagner drew a walk. Salazar drove in Whitcomb with a double to right field. On the play, Wagner attempted to score from first base. He was thrown out at home on a relay from Reyes to Domingo Leyba to Rivas. Corpus Christi took a 5-0 lead.

The Hooks used the long ball to increase their lead in the top of the seventh inning. Facing Edwuin Bencomo, Hamilton began the inning with a home run to center field. Berryhill made it back-to-back homers with a fly ball to right-center field. Their lead improved to 7-0.

San Antonio attempted to end the shutout in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing Jojanse Torres, Rivas started off the inning with a base hit before being replaced by Tyler Malone. After striking out the next two batters, Ripken Reyes singled and Hollis drew a walk to load the bases. Tirso Ornelas bounced into a fielder’s choice to end the inning.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 25-30 (2nd half), 63-59 (overall) on the season

• Ripken Reyes: 7th and 8th outfield assists since joining the Missions

• 9th shutout loss of the season

• Noel Vela (#12 Padres prospect): L, 2.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

• Joshua Mears (#16 Padres prospect): 0-3, BB, 3 K

• Tirso Ornelas (#20 Padres prospect): 0-4, K

• Kevin Kopps (#25 Padres prospect): ND, 2.2 IP, H, 3 BB, 2 K (2nd Career Start)

• Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Saturday, September 3rd. Right-hander Thomas Eshelman (3-4, 4.55) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Adrian Chaidez (4-3, 5.80) is scheduled to pitch for the Hooks. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff 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. 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.