San Antonio Drops Game Five to RockHounds 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Saturday night. After taking the first three games of the series, the Missions have now dropped back-to-back games to the RockHounds. The Missions were held to four hits while being shutout 9-0 on Saturday night. The Missions have one more chance to claim the series victory on Sunday afternoon.

Jackson Wolf was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The southpaw surrendered the lead in the bottom of the first inning. With one out in the frame, Lawrence Butler and Brett Harris each singled and Butler advanced to third base. Darell Hernaiz made it three consecutive base hits and Butler scored the first run of the game.

Ryan Cusick was the starting pitcher for the RockHounds. The right-hander pitched out of a scoring threat in the top of the second inning. Connor Hollis drew a walk and Luis Aviles Jr. walked two batters later. With two runners on and one out, Chandler Seagle flew out and Aviles Jr. was picked off to end the inning.

The RockHounds added to their lead with two runs in the bottom half of the third inning. Denzel Clarke started the frame by legging out a triple. Butler drove in Clarke with a base hit to right field. Clarke advanced to third base following a caught stealing and a throwing error from Pedro Castellanos. Brett Harris grounded out and Clarke came in to score. The Missions trailed 3-0.

Midland significantly increased their lead in the fifth inning with four runs on four hits. William Simoneit and Clarke started the inning with back-to-back singles. After retiring the next batter, Wolf was replaced by Kevin Kopps. Harris doubled and drove in two runs. Kopps loaded the bases later in the inning after issuing two walks. With the bases loaded and two outs, Logan Davidson singled and drove in two runs. The Missions trailed 7-0.

Cusick, after struggling with command earlier in the game, was nearly untouchable during the remainder of his outing. He did not allow a base hit until the top of the sixth inning when Michael De La Cruz doubled with two outs. He finished the night with one hit allowed, three walks issued and five strikeouts.

Midland made it a 9-0 ballgame in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Kevin Kopps, Clarke hit a one-out double. Clarke finished the night a home run shy of the cycle. Butler followed with a double to score Clarke. Hernaiz drove in Butler with a single to center field.

The Missions third chance to score came in the top of the ninth inning. Facing Durbin Feltman, De La Cruz drew a walk and Connor Hollis hit a two-out single. Brantley Bell grounded into a force out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 9-0

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 19-19 on the season

• 5th shutout loss of the season

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect, Missions Starter): L, 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, BB, 5 K

• Alek Jacob (#26 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#28 Padres prospect): 0-4, K

• Lawrence Butler (#8 Athletics prospect): 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R, K, CS, PO

• Ryan Cusick (RockHounds Starter): W, 6.0 IP, H, 3 BB, 5 K

The San Antonio Missions will wrap-up their six-game series with the Midland RockHounds on Sunday, May 21st. Right-hander Duncan Snider (0-2, 3.90) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Royber Salinas (1-2, 6.08) is scheduled to pitch for the RockHounds. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Momentum Bank Ballpark.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The 2023 season is the 121st professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Season seat memberships, as well as group tickets, for the 2023 season are available now. Call 210-675-PARK to discuss pricing for season tickets, group tickets and hospitality. Single game tickets are on sale now. The Missions Box Office will be cashless this season. Fans can purchase tickets at the box office using credit cards. For more information on the upcoming season call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.