Valenzuela’s 2-Run Homer Lifts Missions Past Naturals 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a three-game homestand against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday night. In their first game since the All-Star Break, and with six new players on the roster, the Missions got off on the right track with a 4-2 victory. Brandon Valenzuela and Korry Howell each homered and Jackson Merrill tripled in his Double-A debut.

Jose Espada was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The right-hander needed to pitch out of a jam in the top of the first inning. Tyler Tolbert began the ballgame with a base hit to left field. Diego Hernandez followed with a single of his own. Peyton Wilson drew a walk to load the bases. Espada left the bases loaded after striking out the side.

Noah Cameron was the starting pitcher for the Naturals. Newcomer Jackson Merrill helped the Missions grab the lead in the bottom of the first inning. With one out in the frame, Merrill legged out a triple in his first Double-A debut. He came in to score on a double from Juan Fernandez. The Missions took a 1-0 lead.

San Antonio added to their lead in the bottom of the second inning. Michael De La Cruz began the frame with a double down the left field line. A passed ball from Luca Tresh allowed De La Cruz to advanced to third base. Brandon Valenzuela launched his first homer of the season over the left field wall. The Missions increased their lead to 3-0.

The Missions put runners in scoring position in the third inning. After retiring the first batter of the frame, Cameron allowed a double to Daniel Johnson. Marcos Castanon drew a walk to put two runners on with one out. Johnson was picked off at second base for the second out. De La Cruz extended the inning with an infield single. Valenzuela flew out to left field and the inning came to an end.

San Antonio hit their second home run of the night in the bottom of the fourth inning. Korry Howell hit a line drive over the left field fence for his first homer of the season. For Howell, it was his first long ball since June 24, 2022. The Missions held a 4-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Espada struck out five batters across three scoreless innings of work. He allowed one walk and four hits. Raul Brito took over pitching duties in the fourth inning.

The Naturals had a chance to end the shutout in the top of the sixth inning. Brito allowed a walk and a base hit to start the inning. After striking out the next batter, Lake Bachar took the mound for San Antonio. The Illinois native left the inherited runners in scoring position after retiring the next two batters.

Bachar allowed one hit across two innings of work and handed the ball off to Jason Blanchard in the top of the eighth inning. The southpaw allowed back-to-back singles with one out. With two outs in the frame, Northwest Arkansas plated two runs on a single from Parker Bates. The Missions held a 4-2.

In the top of the ninth inning, Jose Quezada entered the game for the save attempt. Quezada walked Tolbert to start the inning. Hernandez grounded into a 6-3 double play. Peyton Wilson grounded out to end the game.

Post-Game Notes

• Final Score: 4-2

• With the loss, San Antonio improves to 6-7 & 43-39 on the season

• Jackson Merrill (#1 Padres prospect, #10 MLB): 1-4, 3B, R, K

• Adam Mazur (#6 Padres prospect): DNP

• Jairo Iriarte (#11 Padres prospect): DNP

• Korry Howell (#13 Padres prospect): 1-3, HR, RBI, R, K

• Jackson Wolf (#16 Padres prospect): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, July 15th

• Ryan Bergert (#24 Padres prospect): DNP

• Brandon Valenzuela (#29 Padres prospect): 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, K

• Jose Espada (Missions starter): ND, 3.0 IP, 4 H, BB, 5 K

• Noah Cameron (NWA starter, #20 Royals prospect): L, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The San Antonio Missions will continue their three-game homestand with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Saturday, July 15th. Left-hander Jackson Wolf (8-7, 3.49) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Chandler Champlain (0-2, 8.18) is scheduled to pitch for the Naturals. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Nelson Wolff Stadium.

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. Postseason tickets are on sale now! 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.