Ruiz Continues On-Base Streak as Missions Stumble Saturday Night 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions had the opportunity to clinch the series victory ahead of their Saturday night matchup with the Arkansas Travelers. Arkansas had other plans as they scored three runs in the fourth inning and held the Missions to just two runs. With some insurance runs along the way, Arkansas came out victorious with a 6-2 final score.

Thomas Eshelman made his return to San Antonio on Saturday night. The veteran right-hander began the year with the Missions before making three appearances with Triple-A El Paso. He looked sharp early on and did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. The fourth proved to be a tough one for Eshelman as Arkansas scored three runs on three hits to take the first lead of the game. Kaden Polcovich got things started with a base hit followed by a Jack Larsen walk. With two outs in the inning and runners on the corners, Zach DeLoach doubled to score Polcovich. Cade Marlowe followed that up with a two-RBI single. The Travelers took a 3-0 lead.

Levi Stoudt was the starting pitcher for Arkansas. The Missions offense struggled against the right-hander in the first three innings, only recording two hits and being held scoreless. San Antonio ended the shutout bid in the bottom of the fourth inning. Esteury Ruiz hit a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Domingo Leyba drove him on a sacrifice fly. Leyba was robbed of extra bases as Arkansas right fielder, Jack Larsen, made a leaping grab at the wall. The Missions trailed 3-1.

Arkansas added an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs in the inning, Joe Rizzo extended the inning with a base hit. Polcovich hit a single to put two runners on base. Jack Larsen drove in Rizzo with a single to left field. The Travelers improved their lead to 4-1.

Ryan Lillie replaced Eshelman before the top of the sixth inning. After tossing two scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh, the Arkansas offense tallied two runs against him in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out in the inning, Larsen reached base after a throwing error from Lillie. Larsen hit a slow roller in front of home plate and Lillie failed to make the play. Jack Scheiner was the next batter and he capitalized by hitting a two-run home run. His fourth long ball of the season made it a 6-1 ballgame.

The Missions began cutting into the deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Braden Shipley, Korry Howell drew a one-out walk. He stole second base and advanced to third after a throwing error from catcher Jake Anchia. Esteury Ruiz drove in Howell with a sacrifice fly. The Missions trailed 6-2.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 14-18 on the season
• Esteury Ruiz has reached base in all 32 games played this season
• Korry Howell (#14 Padres prospect): 1-2, R, BB
• Tirso Ornelas (#25 Padres prospect): 0-3, K
• Agustin Ruiz (#26 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday, May 15th. The Missions have not yet announced a starter for Sunday’s game. Right-hander Stephen Kolek (1-1, 3.00) is scheduled to start for the Travelers. First pitch will be at 2:05 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.