Leyba Collects Three Hits as Missions Late Comeback Attempt Falls Short in Midland 

SAN ANTONIO – Following a weekend series victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Missions hit the road for the beginning of a six-game series with the Midland RockHounds. Midland used two big innings on Tuesday night to take control of the game. After trailing 7-2, the Missions fought back in the eighth inning to cut the deficit to three runs. In the end, the RockHounds came out on top with a 7-4 victory.

Ty Damron was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds. He had to pitch out of a jam in the top of the first inning. Connor Hollis began the game with a base hit before being thrown out trying to steal second base. After recording the second out of the inning, Damron allowed a single to Domingo Leyba. A wild pitch moved Leyba into scoring position. Yorman Rodriguez grounded out to end the inning.

Reggie Lawson was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. After a scoreless first inning, the right-hander struggled in the second inning and failed to make it out of the inning. After striking out the first batter, he issued back-to-back walks to Logan Davidson and JJ Schwarz. Lawson retired the following batter before issuing a third walk of the inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Chase Calabuig drove in two runs with a single to right field. Lawson threw a wild pitch which scored the third run of the inning. After issuing two more walks, he was replaced by Kevin Kopps. Midland took an early 3-0 lead.

San Antonio plated their first run of the game in the top of the third inning. Hollis started off the inning with a double. Back-to-back groundouts from Thomas Milone and Leyba brought Hollis in to score. The Missions trailed 3-1.

Despite allowing five hits, Kopps failed to allow a run in 2.1 innings of relief. He did not issue a walk and struck out three batters.

San Antonio cut the deficit to one run in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Michael Danielak, Leyba hit a base hit to start off the inning. With two outs in the inning, Juan Fernandez hit a single to right field. On the play, Leyba came around to score on a throwing error from right fielder Calabuig.

Midland increased their lead in the bottom half of the sixth inning by scoring four runs on four hits. Facing Mason Fox, Zack Gelof drew a lead-off walk and Brett Harris hit a single. Kyle McCann drove in Gelof with a single to right field. Harris came around to score on a base hit from Jordan Diaz. Osvaldo Hernandez came on to pitch for Fox. After retiring the first two batters he faced, the final two runs scored on a single from Marty Bechina. Midland improved their lead to 7-2.

The comeback attempt continued in the top of the eighth inning for the Missions. Facing Nick Highberger, Leyba singled and Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. After Webster Rivas grounded into a double play, Fernandez reached base on a throwing error which allowed Leyba to score. Wyatt Urich drove in Fernandez with a base hit to left field. After issuing a walk to Jorge Ona, the tying run in Chandler Seagle stepped up to the plate. He struck out looking to end the inning. The Missions trailed 7-4.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 48-41 (overall), 10-12 (2nd half) on the season
• Connor Hollis: Extended hitting streak to nine games and on-base streak to 16
• Kevin Kopps (#13 Padres prospect): 2.1 IP, 5 H, 3 K
• Reggie Lawson (#16 Padres prospect): L, 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, K
• Tirso Ornelas (#22 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series against the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday, July 27th. Right-hander Nolan Watson (2-4, 6.19) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Left-hander Hogan Harris (1-0, 1.77) is scheduled to pitch 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. Playoff tickets for September 22nd are available now. 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.