Missions Comeback Attempt Falls Short in Series Finale 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions concluded their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Sunday afternoon. After trailing 2-0 and 5-2, the Missions plated runs in the eighth and ninth in an effort to complete the comeback against Midland. However, the series finale went to the RockHounds by a final score of 5-4.

It was a rematch of game one’s pitching matchup with Duncan Snider facing off against Royber Salinas. Snider surrendered the lead in the bottom of the first inning. Denzel Clarke began the frame with a double. Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run home run. His fourth long ball of the season made it a 2-0 ballgame.

The Missions had their first scoring opportunity in the top of the second inning. With two outs in the frame, Ray-Patrick Didder drew a walk and stole second base. Luis Aviles Jr. popped out to end the threat.

Snider pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the second inning. After retiring the first two batters, Snider allowed a double to Shane McGuire and then walked Clarke. Butler grounded into a force out to end the inning. Snider would be replaced by Justin Lopez to begin the third inning.

San Antonio placed two runners on base in the top of the fourth inning. Juan Fernandez kept the inning alive with a two-out single. Michael De La Cruz drew a walk to put himself on base. Didder struck out looking to leave the runners stranded.

The Missions capitalized on a scoring opportunity and tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. Aviles Jr. started off the inning with a bunt single. After a strike out, Aviles Jr. stole second base. Following a Ripken Reyes single, Aviles Jr. came in to score on a wild pitch from Salinas. Reyes, after advancing to second on the wild pitch, stole third base. He scored on a sacrifice fly from Tirso Ornelas. The game was tied 2-2.

Midland regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after scoring three runs on three hits. Facing Seth Mayberry, Darell Hernaiz and Logan Davidson drew back-to-back walks. Chase Calabuig singled and loaded the bases. After striking out the next batter, Mayberry allowed a two-run single to William Simoneit. Jason Blanchard took over for Mayberry and allowed an RBI double to Shane McGuire. The Missions trailed 5-2.

San Antonio began its comeback attempt in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Trey Supak, Tirso Ornelas singled to start the frame. With one out in the inning, Daniel Johnson doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Juan Fernandez grounded out and Ornelas came in to score.

The Missions, down 5-3 in the top of the ninth inning, had a chance to tie or take the lead. Facing Grant Holman, Aviles Jr. and Jorge Ona hit back-to-back singles with one out. After retiring the next batter, Holman allowed an RBI single to Ornelas. With runners on the corners and two outs, Pedro Castellanos struck out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 5-4

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 19-20 on the season

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): DNP

• Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): 2.0 IP, 2 H, K

• Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 2-3, 2 RBI, BB, SB, SF

• Duncan Snider (Missions Starter): ND, 2.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, K, HR

• Lawrence Butler (#7 Athletics prospect): 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, K

• Royber Salinas (#16 A’s Prospect, RockHounds Starter): ND. 5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

The San Antonio Missions will have the day off on Monday before returning home on Tuesday, May 23rd for a six-game series against the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The pitching matchups have not yet been determined. 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. 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.