Photo: Missions Baseball/WOAI
The bats were cold for the San Antonio Missions in their series opener against the Corpus Christi Hooks. They were held to three hits in a 4-1 loss Tuesday night.
The Hooks wasted no time getting a run on the board against Aaron Leasher. Pedro Leon singled and then stole second base. After a passed ball from Chandler Seagle, Leon scored on a sacrifice fly from Joe Perez.
After two scoreless innings, the Missions offense tied the game in the top of the third inning. Jose Azocar and Ben Ruta reached on back-to-back singles. Eguy Rosario drove in Azocar with a sacrifice fly. San Antonio loaded the bases later in the inning but failed to score. It was a 1-1 tie.
The Hooks regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never looked back. Ross Adolph reached base on a dropped third strike. Grae Kessinger was the next batter, and he punished the Missions with a two-run home run.
The Hooks added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing Jose Quezada, Kessinger singled and then stole second base. Leon drove in Kessinger with a single to make it a 4-1 ballgame.
Aaron Leasher was the starting pitcher for the Missions. After a string of terrific performances, Leasher recorded his fourth loss of the season. In five innings, he allowed three runs (two earned) while allowing three walks and unleashing two wild pitches.
Post-Game Notes
- With the loss, San Antonio falls to 29-31 on the season
- Eguy Rosario (#18 Padres prospect): 0-3, RBI, 2 K
- Joe Beimel: 2.0 IP, 2 K, Retired all six batters faced
The Missions continue their six-game series against Corpus Christi on Wednesday, July 14th. Left-hander Ethan Elliott will make his Double-A debut for the Missions. Right-hander Hunter Brown (1-4, 4.86) is scheduled to pitch for the Hooks. First pitch will be at 6:35 p.m.