Missions Secure 4th Consecutive Victory

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday night. The Missions notched their fourth consecutive win with an 8-4 performance on Thursday. Marcos Castanon led the way with three hits and an RBI. Meanwhile, Adam Mazur and Lake Bachar combined for four innings and eight strikeouts.

Kyle Tyler was the starting pitcher for the Travelers. The Missions began the game with a run on one hit. Ripken Reyes drew a walk in the top of the first inning. After retiring the next two batters, Reyes stole second base and Daniel Johnson drew a walk. Marcos Castanon drove in Reyes with a base hit to right field. San Antonio took a 1-0 lead.

Adam Mazur was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander allowed two batters to reach in the first inning. Spencer Packard reached base on a one-out single. After striking out the next bater, Mazur allowed a single to Alberto Rodriguez and Packard advanced to third base. Robert Perez Jr. struck out to end the scoring threat.

The Missions added to their lead with two runs in the second inning. With two outs in the frame, Brandon Valenzuela drew a walk and Reyes was hit by a pitch. Jackson Merrill drove in both runners with a double to right field. San Antonio improved their lead to 3-0.

Mazur’s night came to an end after two innings of work. He struck out four batters while allowing two hits. Jose Espada took over in the third inning.

San Antonio made it a 5-0 ballgame with two runs in the fourth inning. Valenzuela drew a one-out walk. After setting down Reyes, Tyler allowed a base hit to Merrill. Michael De La Cruz drove in two runs with a double to center field.

Arkansas plated three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Isiah Gillam started the frame with a triple to right-center field. Rodriguez drove him in with a sacrifice fly. With two outs in the inning, Kaden Polcovich drew a walk. Connor Hoover lifted a two-run home run over the right field wall. His fifth long ball of the season made it a 5-3 game.

The Travelers threatened to cut into the deficit in the bottom of the fifth inning. With one batter retired, Jonatan Clase tripled. Espada left him stranded after striking out the next two batters.

The Missions added an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Rob Kaminsky, Valenzuela reached base with a one-out single and Reyes was hit by a pitch. Merrill reached base on a fielder’s choice with Valenzuela advancing to third base. Merrill stole second base and Valenzuela came in to score on a throwing error from Arkansas catcher Jake Anchia. The Missions had a 6-3 advantage.

San Antonio used the long ball in the eighth inning to make it a 7-3 ballgame. Facing A.J. Puckett, Korry Howell hit a one-out home run over the left field fence. It was his third long ball of the season. Juan Fernandez made it an 8-3 game with a sacrifice fly the following frame.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 8-4

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 13-17 & 50-49 on the season

• Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R, SB, K

• Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): ND, 2.0 IP, 2 H, 4 K

• Jairo Iriarte (#10 Padres prospect): DNP

• Korry Howell (#12 Padres prospect): 1-4, Solo HR, K

• Ryan Bergert (#22 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, August 5th

• Brandon Valenzuela (#28 Padres prospect): 1-2, 3 R, 2 BB, SB

• Marcos Castanon (#30 Padres prospect): 3-5, RBI, 2 K

• Jonatan Clase (#10 Mariners prospect): 1-5, 3B, 4 K

• Kyle Tyler (Travelers starter): L, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 4 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Friday, August 4th. The Missions have not yet announced their starting pitcher. Right-hander Shawn Semple (2-4, 5.28) is scheduled to pitch for the Travelers. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Dickey-Stephens Park.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The 2023 season is the 121^st 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.