Skender Leaves the Yard During Missions Series Opening Loss to Corpus 

SAN ANTONIO – Despite a first inning home run from Ethan Skender, the Corpus Christi Hooks tallied four home runs on Tuesday night against the Missions. The Hooks came out victorious in the series opener by a final score of 9-4.

With the blowing out to right field, the Missions offense took advantage of that in the bottom of the first inning. Ethan Skender lifted a fly ball over the right field wall for a solo home run. It was his third home run of the year and first since joining the Missions.

Carlos Belen made his first career start on Tuesday night. After pitching a scoreless first inning, he ran into some trouble in the second inning. David Hensley began the inning with a double. After recording a ground out, Enmanuel Valdez connected on a two-run home run to right field. For Belen, it was just his second homer allowed this season, both against Corpus Christi. The Missions trailed 2-1.

The Corpus Christi Hooks extended their lead in the top of the fifth inning. Facing Brandon Komar, Cesar Salazar led-off the inning with a solo home run. Following the long ball Komar walked Ross Adolph and Corey Julks. A wild pitch from Komar moved both runners into scoring position. Following a ground out, a second wild pitch allowed Adolph to score. Lastly, Scott Schreiber drove in Julks with an RBI single to right field. The Hooks held a 5-1 lead.

The Missions began their comeback attempt in the bottom of the sixth inning. The three-run inning began with back-to-back to Skender and Eguy Rosario. Skender came around to score on an RBI single from Kyle Overstreet. After a strikeout, Juan Fernandez drew a walk and loaded the bases. Rosario came around to score after a bases loaded walk to Agustin Ruiz. Lastly, Michael Curry drove in a run after reaching on a fielder’s choice. The Missions trailed 5-4 after six innings of play.

Corpus Christi added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning. After striking out the first batter of the inning, Julks was hit by a pitch. Joe Perez capitalized and hit a two-run home run to right field. Corpus Christi held a 7-4 lead.

The Hooks improved their lead in the top of the ninth inning thanks to another home run ball. Facing Nick Kuzia, Scott Schreiber began the inning with a base hit. Kuzia bounced back to strike out the next two batters. However, Valdez had other plans as he hit his second home run of the night.

Post-Game Notes

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 55-60 on the season
• Eguy Rosario (#15 Padres prospect): 0-3, R, BB, K
• Agustin Ruiz (#27 Padres prospect): 1-3, RBI, BB, K

The San Antonio Missions continue their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Wednesday, September 15th. Right-hander Tyler Viza (1-2, 4.37) is scheduled to start for the Missions. Right-hander Brandon Lawson (1-5, 4.53) is the scheduled starter for Corpus Christi. First pitch will be at 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).