Missions Secure First Series Sweep Since 2019 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions concluded their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon. With some timely hitting and strong performances from the bullpen, San Antonio notched their seventh consecutive win. In doing so, the Missions completed their first six-game series sweep since May of 2019. Sunday’s final score came out 6-3.

It was a rematch of the game one pitching matchup between Jared Kollar and Jimmy Joyce. It was the Travelers who scored first in Sunday’s game. In the bottom of the second inning, Isiah Gillam doubled down the left field line. After striking out the next batter for out number two, Josh Morgan singled to drive in Gilliam. Arkansas gained a 1-0 lead.

The Missions captured the lead in the top of the third inning. With one man down, Justin Farmer doubled to left field. Ripken Reyes grounded out and Farmer moved to third base. Juan Fernandez drove in Farmer with an infield single. Michael De La Cruz hit a double and Fernandez hustled around the bases to score. San Antonio took a 2-1 lead.

Arkansas regained the lead and forced Kollar out of the game in the bottom of the third inning. Leo Rivas got things going with a one-out base hit. Spencer Packard provided the damage with a two-run home run. Kollar allowed back-to-back singles while striking out one batter before exiting the game. Bobby Milacki took the mound and retired the last batter of the frame. The Travelers gained a 3-2 lead.

San Antonio fought back and regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning. With one man down, Cole Cummings singled and Brandon Valenzuela drew a walk. Korry Howell drove in both runners after legging out a triple. Joyce left Howell stranded at third after striking out the next two batters. The damage was done, however, as the Missions took a 4-3 lead.

The Missions extended their lead with two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Facing A.J. Puckett, Marcos Castanon began the inning with a double. Cummings drew a walk and a wild pitch from Puckett allowed both runners to advance. Valenzuela grounded out and Howell reached base on a fielder’s choice. On the play, Castanon was tagged out in between third and home and Cummings advanced to third base. A passed ball from Matt Scheffler allowed Cummings to score. Farmer drove in Howell with a single to right field. The Missions had a 6-3 advantage.

Milacki, in relief of Kollar, kept Arkansas off the scoreboard across 3.1 innings of work. The right-hander allowed two hits before handing the ball off to Kevin Kopps ahead of the seventh inning.

Kopps allowed two hits in two innings of work while striking out two batters. Lake Bachar entered the game in the ninth inning for the save attempt. The right-hander issued two walks while striking out one batter. With two runners in scoring position and two outs, Howell made the final out on a fly ball to the warning track in center field.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 6-3

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 16-17 & 53-49 on the season

• Reyes: 41 HBP (Three shy of single-season MiLB record)

• Seven-Game Winning Streak (new season-high)

• 1st series sweep since August 2019, 1st six-game series sweep since May 2019

• Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #9 MLB): DNP

• Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): DNP

• Jairo Iriarte (#10 Padres prospect): DNP

• Korry Howell (#12 Padres prospect): 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, R, BB, CS

• Ryan Bergert (#22 Padres prospect): DNP

• Brandon Valenzuela (#28 Padres prospect): 0-3, R, BB, 2 K

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

• Jared Kollar (Missions starter): ND, 2.2 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 K, HR

• Jonatan Clase (#10 Mariners prospect): 3-4, 2B, BB

• Jimmy Joyce (Travelers starter): L, 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, BB, 6 K

The San Antonio Missions will have the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, August 8th. The pitching matchups have not yet been determined. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. from Hammons Field.

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.