Missions Throw Combined No-Hitter 

Bachar, Lugo, Belen, Kopps Pitch 15th 9.0 Inning No-Hitter in Missions History

SAN ANTONIO – History was made at Nelson Wolff Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The San Antonio Missions pitched a combined no-hitter against the Arkansas Travelers. This was the 15th 9.0 inning no-hitter in Missions history and the first since Logan Allen and Jason Jester in 2018. This is the first 9.0 inning no-hitter for the Missions at The Wolff since Kyle Llyod’s no-hitter on May 13th, 2017.

Stephen Kolek, game one’s starter, was the starter today for the Arkansas Travelers. The Missions nearly took the lead off Kolek in the bottom of the first inning. Esteury Ruiz legged out a bunt single and advanced to second base with his 23rd stolen base of the season. He advanced to third base after a wild pitch. Ruiz was eventually thrown out at home trying to score on a ground ball hit to second base. After getting a runner on third base with one out, the Missions were left scoreless.

The Missions offense did grab ahold of the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Thomas Milone started off the inning with a single to right field. Tirso Ornelas drove in Milone on what turned out to be an interesting chain of events. Ornelas hit a line drive off of second baseman Kaden Polcovich. The ball ended up in right field and allowed Milone to score. On the play, Ornelas ended up at third base after a throwing error from Zach DeLoach. Ornelas scored after Korry Howell hit a sacrifice fly. The Missions took a 2-0 lead.

Lake Bachar was the starting pitcher for the San Antonio Missions. He was making his first appearance since August 28th, 2019 when he played for the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The right-handed was terrific in his return to the mound as he pitched three perfect innings while striking out two batters. He ended up throwing 26 pitches with 18 of those were for strikes. He was replaced by Moises Lugo at the start of the fourth inning.

San Antonio two insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Yorman Rodriguez hit a lead-off single and Milone drew a walk. Connor Kaiser laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position. Ornelas drove in Rodriguez with a sacrifice fly. Howell drove in Milone with a double down the left field line. The Missions improved their lead to 4-0.

Moises Lugo picked up where Bachar left off and continued the perfect game bid. Lugo lasted three innings without a baserunner. He struck out three batters along the way and recorded his second win of the season. Carlos Belen came on to pitch for the top of the seventh inning.

Belen continued the perfect game bid into the eighth inning. After recording the first two outs of the inning, he allowed a walk to Cade Marlowe to put an end to the perfect game attempt. Belen was able to finish out the inning and keep the no-hitter intact.

Kevin Kopps came out to pitch the ninth inning. He recorded a ground out, a fly out, and then walked Joe Rizzo. Kopps ended the game and sealed the no-hitter by striking out Kaden Polcovich.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 15-18 on the season
• Esteury Ruiz has reached base in all 33 games played this season
• Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, SF, K
• Kevin Kopps (#15 Padres prospect): Scoreless 9th inning to seal the no-hitter
• Tirso Ornelas (#25 Padres prospect): 1-3, 2B, R, RBI, SF
• Lake Bachar (First game since August 28, 2019): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 2 K (26 P, 18 S)
• 15th 9.0 inning no-hitter in Missions history

The San Antonio Missions will have the day-off on Monday before welcoming the Midland RockHounds to Nelson Wolff Stadium. The six-game homestand will begin on Tuesday, May 17th. The Missions have not yet announced their starter for game one. Left-hander David Leal (2-1, 2.67) is scheduled to start for the RockHounds. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

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.