Missions Clinch Postseason Berth With Friday Night Victory 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions clinched their first postseason berth since 2018 with an 11-2 victory over the Wichita Wind Surge on Friday night. The Missions collected 19 hits including two home runs against the Wichita pitching staff. The Missions, with their win tonight, secured the first half title in the Texas League South Division.

Reggie Lawson took the mound for the San Antonio Missions and he was opposed by Caleb Legumina for the Wichita Wind Surge.

After a scoreless first inning, the Missions took the lead in the top of the second inning with five runs coming across the plate. Tirso Ornelas and Jorge Ona hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. Thomas Milone advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Connor Kaiser drove in both runs with a line drive single to center field. After a strikeout to Chandler Seagle, Connor Hollis was hit by a pitch. On a 2-2 count to Korry Howell, he hit a three-run home run onto the left field berm. The Missions took an early 5-0 lead.

Lawson dominated the Wind Surge early on as he allowed just one base hit through the first three innings. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Wichita had their first scoring opportunity. Matt Wallner hit a lead-off double over the head of Howell in center field. A single from Austin Martin moved Wallner to third base. Wallner scored as Kevin Merrell grounded into a double play. The Missions held a 5-1 lead.

Wichita had another chance to cut into the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kyle Schmidt began the inning with a base hit. After striking out the following batter, Lawson issued a walk to Anthony Prato. With two runners on base and one out, Lawson recorded a fly out and a strikeout to end the inning.

The Missions added an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning. Thomas Milone showed off his power with a solo home run over the right field wall. His second homer of the series made it a 6-1 lead.

San Antonio continued to add to their lead in the top of the seventh inning and added four runs on five hits. With one out, Rodriguez hit a single and Ornelas hit a double to put two runners in scoring position. Jorge Ona drove in a run with a single to center field. Ornelas came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Milone. After a single from Kaiser, Chandler Seagle drove in two runs with a double to right field. The Missions extended their lead to 10-1.

After adding a run in the eighth inning and allowing a run, the Missions had an 11-2 lead. After allowing a lead-off single, Brandon Komar retired the final three batters to finish off the game and clinch the postseason berth.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 36-29 on the season
• Clinches 1st Playoff Appearance since 2018 season
• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 2-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3 K
• Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP
• Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): W, 6.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K
• Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 4-5, 2B, 2 R, RBI
• Matt Waldron (#27 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Wichita Wind Surge on Saturday, June 25th. Right-hander Thomas Eshelman (2-4, 4.63). Right-hander Louie Varland (6-1, 3.27) is scheduled to pitch for the Wind Surge. First pitch is expected at 6:05 p.m. from Riverfront 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. 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.

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