Three Hits from Ornelas Not Enough as Missions Comeback Attempt Falls Short in Midland 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions took an early lead after scoring in the top of the first inning. The RockHounds chipped away at the lead until the eighth inning. A solo homer from Zack Gelof gave Midland a 3-2 lead heading into the ninth inning. San Antonio loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning but left all three runners stranded to end the game. Midland takes game two by a final score of 3-2.

Hogan Harris was the starting pitcher for the Midland RockHounds. The Missions offense got to the southpaw in the top of the first inning and scored a run on two hits. After striking out Connor Hollis to start the game, he allowed a base hit to Tirso Ornelas. After recording the second out of the inning, Domingo Leyba reached base on a double and scored Ornelas. On the play, Midland center fielder Michael Guldberg attempted to make a diving catch but failed to make the play. The failed catch allowed the RBI double. The Missions took an early 1-0 lead.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. Trouble with pitch command created a scoring opportunity for the RockHounds in the bottom of the first inning. After retiring the first two batters, Watson allowed a walk JJ Schwarz and he hit Jordan Diaz with a pitch. Logan Davidson grounded out to end the inning.

The Missions had a chance to improve their lead in the top of the third inning. Ornelas began the inning with a base hit. Leyba was hit by a pitch to place two runners on base. Harris retired the next three batters to leave Ornelas and Leyba stranded.

San Antonio capitalized on a scoring opportunity in the top of the fourth inning. After striking out the first batter of the inning, Harris walked Ripken Reyes before being replaced by Matt Milburn. Milburn struck out Chandler Seagle before allowing a base hit to Connor Hollis. Ornelas drove in Reyes with a single to right field. For Ornelas, it was his third hit in four innings and it improved the Missions lead to 2-0.

Following the hit batter, Watson retired nine batters in a row. This streak came to an end in the bottom of the fourth inning as the RockHounds cut the lead in half. With two outs in the inning, Logan Davidson and Brett Harris hit back-to-back singles. Davidson came around to score on a single from Marty Bechina. The Missions had a 2-1 advantage.

Watson’s night ended after four innings of work. He allowed one earned run on three hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Fred Schlichtholz took over in the bottom of the fifth inning. The southpaw added two scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Carlos Belen took the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning.

For Midland, Harris allowed two runs on four hits in 3.1 innings of work. Milburn tossed 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and recording two strikeouts. Bryce Conley took over in the top of the seventh inning.

Midland evened up the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. Belen retired the first two batters before allowing a single to William Simoneit. A double from Sahid Valenzuela scored Simoneit and tied the game at 2-2.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Missions had a chance to regain the lead. Facing Conley, Juan Fernandez was hit by a pitch and Reyes hit a single to left field. After striking out Seagle for the second out of the inning, Charles Hall came on to pitch for Conley. Hollis grounded out to end the inning and stranded both runners.

The RockHounds used the long ball to gain the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. On the second pitch of the inning, Zack Gelof hit a solo home run to center field off of Belen. His sixth homer of the season gave Midland a 3-2 lead.

The Missions had one last scoring chance in the top of the ninth inning. With two outs in the inning, San Antonio loaded the bases following back-to-back walks to Rodriguez and Rivas and a Fernandez hit by pitch. Wyatt Ulrich stopped up the plate with the game-tying and go-ahead runs on base. He struck out swinging to end the game.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the loss, San Antonio falls to 48-42 (overall), 10-13 (2nd half) on the season

• Connor Hollis extends his hitting streak to 10 games (career high) and on-base streak to 17 games

• Missions Offense: 1-for-10 with RISP (14 left on base)

• Kevin Kopps (#13 Padres prospect): DNP

• Reggie Lawson (#16 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#22 Padres prospect): 3-5, RBI, R

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series against the Midland RockHounds on Thursday, July 28th. Right-hander Henry Henry (2-0, 6.10) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Jeff Criswell (1-3, 3.04) is scheduled to pitch for the RockHounds. First pitch is expected at 7:00 p.m. from Momentum Bank Ballpark.

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 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.