Rodriguez Leaves the Yard as Missions Drop Series Opener to Corpus 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a six-game series with their regional rivals from Corpus Christi. Inclement weather throughout the day forced the game time to 7:25 p.m. rather than 7:05 p.m. The Hooks offense slugged four home runs on their way to an 11-4 series opening victory. Shay Whitcomb drove in eight of those runs with two home runs. Yorman Rodriguez provided some power for the Missions with his 12th long ball of the season.

Brandon Komar, who was originally scheduled to pitch Sunday’s game, was the starting pitcher for the Missions on Tuesday. After a scoreless first frame, he allowed the Hooks to take the lead in the top of the second inning. Joe Perez began the inning with a double. The next batter was Shay Whitcomb. The Hooks infielder unloaded on a two-run home run to center field. His 17th long ball of the season made it a 2-0 lead for Corpus Christi.

The Hooks added to their lead and scored twice in the top of the third inning. With two outs in the inning, Luke Berryhill hit a single to extend the inning. Perez reached base with a double and put two runners in scoring position. Whitcomb drove in two more runs with a double to left field. Corpus Christi improved their lead to 4-0.

The top of the fourth inning saw the Hooks significantly increase their lead by scoring six runs on five hits. C.J. Stubbs began the inning with a solo home run to left field. After retiring the next batter, Komar allowed three consecutive singles to Bryan Arias, Ross Adolph and Quincy Hamilton. Berryhill drew a walk and scored Arias. Felix Minjarez came on to pitch following the bases loaded walk. Minjarez struck out the next batter before allowing a grand slam to Whitcomb. His second home run of the night made it a 10-0 lead.

Cody Deason was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. He dominated the Missions offense and allowed just one base hit through the first four innings of the game. San Antonio did have a scoring opportunity in bottom of the third. Kelvin Melean picked up the first hit of the game for the Missions and Joshua Mears drew a walk. With the first two runners on base, Jorge Ona struck out and Connor Hollis grounded into a double play.

Corpus Christi made it an 11-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Minjarez allowed a home run to Perez on the first pitch of the at-bat. This was his fourth long ball of the season.

San Antonio utilized the long ball to score their first runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Cesar Gomez, Hollis drew a one-out walk and Tirso Ornelas hit a single. After retiring the next batter, Yorman Rodriguez hit a three-run home run to left field. His 12th homer of the season made it an 11-3 ballgame.

In five innings of work, Deason allowed just one base hit while issuing three walks and striking out four batters. He recorded his fourth win of the season.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 25-27 (2nd half), 63-56 (overall) on the season

• Noel Vela (#12 Padres prospect): DNP

• Joshua Mears (#16 Padres prospect): 0-2, BB, 2 K

• Tirso Ornelas (#20 Padres prospect): 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB

• Kevin Kopps (#25 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Wednesday, August 31st. Right-hander Nolan Watson (4-5, 6.14) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jayden Murray (0-1, 4.50) is scheduled to pitch for the Hooks. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

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.