Ona Homers, Drives in Five as Missions Take Series Opener in Springfield 

SAN ANTONIO – Beginning their final regular season road trip, the Missions took on the Springfield Cardinals for the first of a six-game series. Missions outfielder Jorge Ona tied his career high for RBI in a game while nearly hitting for the cycle. After a back-and-forth few innings between the two clubs, San Antonio pulled away to clinch an 8-4 victory.

Steven Matz was the starting pitcher for the Springfield Cardinals as he was beginning a rehab assignment. The major league veteran had to pitch out of a jam in the top of the first inning. With one out in the inning, Matz issued back-to-back walks to Tirso Ornelas and Juan Fernandez. Both runners advanced into scoring position after a pickoff attempt error from Matz. He struck out Yorman Rodriguez and Webster Rivas lined out to end the inning.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. He also allowed a runner to get into scoring position in the first inning. With two outs, Jorden Walker singled to left field. He advanced to third base after stealing second base. Rivas’ throw ended up in center field and Walker moved to third base. Watson struck out Matt Koperniak to end the inning.

Watson had to pitch out of another tough situation in the bottom of the second inning. Julio E. Rodriguez and Chandler Redmond hit back-to-back singles and Rodriguez advanced to third base. Errol Robinson grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Springfield took the first lead of the game in the bottom of the third inning. After retiring the first batter of the inning, Watson allowed a solo home run to Mike Antico. His eighth long ball of the season made it a 1-0 lead for Springfield.

San Antonio captured the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Facing Domingo Robles, Joshua Mears hit a one-out double to place himself in scoring position. Jorge Ona capitalized on the opportunity and scored Mears with a single to right-center field. Ona advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Ripken Reyes. Connor Hollis drove in the go-ahead run with a base hit to left-center field. The Missions took a 2-1 lead.

Springfield tied the game in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Brady Whalen began the inning with a single followed by a groundout from Rodriguez. After retiring the next batter, Watson allowed an RBI single to Errol Robinson which scored Whalen to make it a 2-2 ballgame.

The Cardinals regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Antico led off the inning and reached base on a fielding error from Juan Fernandez. After stealing second base, Antico scored on a double from Walker. Springfield took a 3-2 lead.

The Missions continued to battle and regained the lead in the top of the sixth inning. Mears drew a leadoff walk to start the inning. Ona launched a two-run home run to right field. His eighth long ball of the season made it a 4-3 Missions lead.

The Cardinals evened up the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. With Osvaldo Hernandez on the mound, Antico drew a walk and Nick Dunn singled. Walker reached base on a fielder’s choice with Antico advancing to third base. Koperniak drove in Antico with a sacrifice fly to left field.

San Antonio used the long ball once again and regained the lead in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Connor Lunn, Reyes drew a one-out walk. Hollis took advantage of a 2-1 count and hit a two-run home run over the right field wall. His eighth homer of the season gave the Missions a 6-4 lead.

The Missions improved their lead in the top of the ninth inning. Facing Michael YaSenka, Yorman Rodriguez drew a leadoff walk. After striking out Rivas, Kelvin Melean drew a walk to put two runners on base. YaSenka struck out Mears for the second out of the inning. Ona continued his big night as he drove in two more runs with a double to left field. This was his second career five-RBI game. The Missions improved their lead to 8-4.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 27-31 (2nd half), 65-60 (overall) on the season

• Jorge Ona: 2nd career 5-RBI game (Other game came on 5/11/17)

• Noel Vela (#11 Padres prospect): DNP

• Jackson Wolf (#14 Padres prospect): DNP

• Joshua Mears (#15 Padres prospect): 1-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB, K

• Tirso Ornelas (#19 Padres prospect): 3-4, BB

• Kevin Kopps (#24 Padres prospect): DNP

• Alek Jacob (#25 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals on Wednesday, September 7th. Right-hander Henry Henry (3-1, 5.40) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Michael McGreevy (6-3, 4.57) is scheduled to pitch for the Cardinals. First pitch is expected at 6:35 p.m. from Hammons Field.

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 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.