Merrill’s Two-Hit Game Not Enough as Missions Drop Opener 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Tuesday night. In their first game at the Wolff since the month of July, the Missions were unsuccessful in getting back to their winning ways as Midland secured a 6-2 victory.

Gabe Mosser was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander had to pitch out of a jam in the top of the first inning. Drew Swift began the game with a base hit to right-center field. Mosser retired the next batter before issuing a walk to Shane McGuire. The Pennsylvania native sat down the next two batters to end the scoring threat.

Midland put another runner in scoring position in the top of the second inning. With one out in the frame, Caeden Trenkle singled into center field. Trenkle advanced to second base on a ground out from Sahid Valenzuela. Brayan Buelvas struck out to keep the shutout alive.

The RockHounds once again placed a runner in scoring position in the fourth inning. Mosser retired the first two batters before allowing a double to Jack Winkler. Trenkle lined out to finish the frame.

Royber Salinas was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds. The right-hander retired the first 10 batters he faced. Jackson Merrill ended the perfect game bid with a single to left field in the fourth inning. Merrill advanced to second base on a ground out from Marcos Castanon. Daniel Johnson grounded out and left Merrill stranded.

San Antonio ended the shutout with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Michael De La Cruz began the frame with a walk. Salinas sat down the next two batters before giving up a base hit to Korry Howell. Juan Zabala hit a ground ball to shortstop Max Muncy who misplayed the ball. On the play, De La Cruz scored and Howell advanced to second base. David Leal took over for Salinas and allowed an RBI single to Ripken Reyes. The Missions took a 2-0 lead.

Midland ended the shutout with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Facing Raul Brito, Winkler doubled to start the frame. After setting down the next batter, Valenzuela singled and Winkler advanced to third base. Swift drove in Winkler with a base hit to right field. Midland cut the deficit in half.

The RockHounds captured the lead in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Seth Mayberry, Shane McGuire began the inning with a bunt single. On the first pitch of the next at-bat, Lazaro Armenteros lifted a fly ball over the left field wall for a two-run home run. His 10th long ball of the season made it a 3-2 lead for Midland.

Midland used the long ball to improve their lead in the top of the ninth inning. The inning started with Buelvas reaching on a fielding error from Merrill. Swift drew a walk to put two runners on base. Max Muncy homered to left field and gave the RockHounds a 6-2 advantage.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 6-2

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 19-21 & 56-53 on the season

• Reyes: 43 HBP (Tied for single-season MiLB record)

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

• Jairo Iriarte (#6 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, August 19th

• Adam Mazur (#7 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Thursday, August 17th

• Ryan Bergert (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Friday, August 18th

• Marcos Castanon (#23 Padres prospect): 0-3, BB, K (Ejected in 8th inning)

• Gabe Mosser (Missions starter): ND, 5.0 IP, 4 H, BB, 4 K

• Max Muncy (#10 Athletics prospect): 1-5, HR, 3 RBI, R, 3 K, E

• Royber Salinas (#27 A’s prospect, RockHounds starter): ND, 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, BB, 6 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game homestand with the Midland RockHounds on Wednesday, August 16th. Left-hander Daniel Camarena (1-6, 7.13) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. The RockHounds have not yet announced their starting pitcher. Wednesday’s First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

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.