Ona and Leyba Leave the Yard as Missions Fall to Soddies 

SAN ANTONIO – The Missions saw their two-game win streak snapped by Amarillo as the Sod Poodles pulled out a 5-3 victory on Friday night. Two solo home runs from Jorge Oña and Domingo Leyba along with a strong start from Nolan Watson were not enough as Amarillo evened up this six-game series.

Both starting pitchers held the opposing offenses quiet until the Missions got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning. Korry Howell led off the frame with a double and came home on a run-scoring groundout by Yorman Rodriguez. For Rodriguez, that is now nine consecutive games with an RBI.

In his third start of the year for the Missions, Watson did not give up a run across a season-high four innings. He was replaced by Brandon Komar, who made his first appearance for San Antonio since being transferred from High-A Fort Wayne. Nick Dalesandro gave Komar a rude welcome, lining a game-tying double down the right field line in the top of the fifth inning.

Oña wasted no time claiming the lead back for San Antonio. He belted a solo home run onto the left-field berm to put the Missions back up 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Sod Poodles responded again, however, as Juan Centeno and Roby Enriquez hit a pair of doubles to even things up at two in the top of the seventh inning. Komar nearly escaped the seventh inning with a tie intact. Leandro Cedeno skied a flyball to deep left-center field with the bases loaded and two outs, but Howell lost the ball in the lights and it dropped in for a double. This brought three runs around and put Amarillo up 5-2.

Fred Schlichtholz, in his 2022 Missions debut, tossed 1.1 scoreless innings. He along with Angel Felipe kept Amarillo off the scoreboard. The Missions then put together a rally in the bottom of the ninth. Domingo Leyba blasted a solo home run to right field. The comeback attempt fell just short as Blake Rogers wrapped up his fourth save of the season. Amarillo claimed a 5-3 victory.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio improves to 32-27 on the season
• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 1-4, 2B, R, SB
• Kevin Kopps (#14 Padres prospect): DNP
• Reggie Lawson (#17 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#23 Padres prospect): 2-3, BB, SB, K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Amarillo Sod Poodles on Saturday, June 18th. Right-hander Reggie Lawson (1-4, 6.75) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Left-hander Blake Walston (2-2, 6.82) is scheduled to pitch for the Amarillo Sod Poodles. First pitch is expected for 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.