San Antonio Drops Series Finale in Sunday Night Battle 

SAN ANTONIO – The Missions three-game winning streak came to an end Sunday night after a 10-6 loss to the Springfield Cardinals. San Antonio still wins the series after winning four of the six games this series.

Following their Saturday night sweep of Springfield, the Missions offense picked up where they left and took an early lead Sunday night. Eguy Rosario drew a lead-off and advanced to second base on his 20th stolen base of the season. With two outs, Michael Curry drove in Rosario with an RBI single to right field. It was Curry’s 13th run batted in this season.

The reason Curry was in the starting lineup was due to a pre-game lineup change. Around six p.m., it was reported that the San Diego Padres reached a deal to acquire Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier. Included in that deal, pending a physical, is Jack Suwinski.

Prior to the game, Esteury Ruiz was activated from the Injured List and was in the starting lineup for the first time since June 13th.

In his first at-bat in the second inning, Ruiz hit a 402-foot line drive home run to extend the Missions lead to 2-0. It was his second home run of the season and first one since May 26th.

After being shutout for four innings, the Springfield Cardinals put up a crooked number in the fifth inning and took their first lead since Wednesday night. Facing Ethan Elliott, Delvin Perez reached on a single to lead off the game. Ivan Herrera was the next batter and tied the game with his sixth home run of the season. After Alec Burleson reached on an Eguy Rosario error, Elliott was replaced by Henry Henry.

On the first pitch thrown by Henry, Luken Baker drove in Burleson with an RBI double to left field. His hit gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead. Following a walk to Malcom Nunez, Nick Dunn drove in two runs with a double to left field. Springfield extended their lead to 5-2.

The Missions used a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut into the deficit. Rosario reached on a single and advanced to second base on his 21st stolen base of the year. Ben Ruta drove in Rosario with an RBI single to right field. Ruta advanced to second on the throw home. Lastly, Jose Azocar drove in Ruta with an RBI single to make it a 5-4 ballgame.

Dylan Rheault replaced Henry Henry heading into the sixth inning. Springfield increased their lead after scoring three runs against the tall right-hander. After loading the bases on two walks and a single, Burleson drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Nunez drove in a run with an RBI single. The third run of the inning scored on a balk from Rheault.

Dwanya Williams-Sutton, who replaced Ruiz in the sixth inning, hit a 445-foot home run over the center field batter’s eye in the bottom of the sixth inning. His second home run of the year made it an 8-5 game. The Missions added another run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Azocar singled and then advanced to third base on a pickoff attempt throwing error. He later scored on a fielding error from Nick Dunn.

Joe Beimel was the new pitcher for San Antonio coming into the eighth inning. The Cardinals added two more runs against the left-hander to increase their lead to 10-6. Luken Baker hit a two-run home run over the left field wall.

The Missions had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Facing Jacob Bosiokovic, he loaded the bases after walking Azocar, Kyle Overstreet, and Allen Cordoba. With two outs, Springfield turned to Ramon Santos to face Juan Fernandez. After a battle at the plate, Santos struck out Fernandez to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 35-36 on the season
• Eguy Rosario (#18 Padres prospect): 1-2, 2 R, 2 SB, BB, K
• Ethan Elliott Pitching Line: L, 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 6 K
• Missions outfielder Jack Suwinski reportedly traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of game time

The Missions will have a scheduled day off on Monday before heading to Amarillo for a six-game series against the Sod Poodles. The pitching matchups have yet to be determined. First pitch for Tuesday, July 27th is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 115th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Tickets are on sale now at the Wolff Stadium Box Office or online at samissions.com. Season seat memberships are available now by calling 210-675-PARK (7275).

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