Moises Lugo Punches Out Seven as Missions Take Series Against Corpus Christi 

SAN ANTONIO – With the help of a five-run inning and a terrific relief appearance from Moises Lugo, the San Antonio Missions clinched the series victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks. Final score from Sunday night was 8-2.

Jose Bravo was the starting pitcher for Corpus Christi. The Missions attacked him early and scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning. Connor Hollis began the inning with a double down the right field line. After striking out Thomas Milone, Bravo allowed an infield single to Yorman Rodriguez. Webster Rivas flew out to right field for out number two. On the play, a throwing error from Wilyer Abreu in right field allowed both runners to advance. Hollis scored on a single from Juan Fernandez to give the Missions a 1-0 lead.

Brandon Komar was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After a scoreless first inning, he allowed the Hooks to tie the game in the top of the second inning. After issuing a one-out walk to Alex McKenna, Grae Kessinger drove him in with a double to left field.

After being held scoreless in the third and fourth innings, the Hooks used the long ball to take the lead in the top of the fifth inning. With a 0-2 count, Kessinger hit a line drive over the left field wall for a solo home run. His ninth homer of the season gave Corpus Christi a 2-1 lead.

San Antonio bounced back and regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Missions plated five runs on four hits. The inning started off with a walk to Wyatt Ulrich followed by a hit-and-run single from Ripken Reyes. With runners on the corners, Reyes stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Ulrich scored on a wild pitch from Bravo. Hollis drove in Reyes with a single to center field. After a pitching change, Thomas Milone drew a walk. With two outs in the inning, Webster Rivas hit a double down the right field line to plate two runs. Juan Fernandez drove in Rivas with a double of his own. The Missions took a 6-2 lead.

The Missions improved their lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Facing Michael Horrell, Rivas drew a one-out walk. After recording the second out of the inning, Jorge Ona laced a double to left field. Ulrich drove in Rivas on an infield single to second base. On the play, Ona came around to score on a throwing error from Shay Whitcomb. The Missions improved their lead to 8-2.

Komar lasted 4.2 innings for the Missions while allowing two runs on five hits. Moises Lugo shined out of the bullpen for San Antonio. In 3.1 innings of work, he struck out seven batters while issuing one walk and allowing no runs and no hits. Jose Quezada tossed a scoreless ninth inning to clinch the victory.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 48-40 (overall), 10-11 (2nd half) on the season
• Kevin Kopps (#13 Padres prospect): DNP
• Reggie Lawson (#16 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#22 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will have the day-off on Monday before hitting the road for a six-game series against the Midland RockHounds. The series begins on Tuesday, July 26th. The pitching matchups have not yet been announced. First pitch is expected at 6:30 p.m. from Momentum Bank ballpark.

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. Playoff tickets for September 22nd are available now. 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.