Photo: Missions Baseball/WOAI
After allowing four runs in the first inning, the Missions offense came through in the clutch and took a late lead in the ninth inning. San Antonio comes back to win with a final score of 8-5.
Following last night’s victory, the Corpus Christi Hooks put up a crooked number in the first inning. Facing Pedro Avila, the Hooks scored four runs on three hits. Corey Julks provided the first big blow of the inning when he connected on a two-run home run. Emmanuel Valdez provided the second dose of damage when he drove in two runs on a single to right field.
The Missions responded by scoring two runs of their own in the top of the second inning. Allen Cordoba led off the inning with a single. Kyle Overstreet was the next batter and he singled as well. Cordoba came around to score after Michael Curry reached base on a fielding error from Joe Perez. After a sacrifice bunt from Dwanya Williams-Sutton, Overstreet scored on a sacrifice fly from Kelvin Melean.
Corpus Christi added an insurance run in the bottom of the third inning. After recording two outs, Avila allowed a triple to David Hensley. In a full count battle with Cesar Salazar, Salazar came out victorious with an RBI ground-rule double. Avila was replaced by Henry Henry following Salazar’s double. The Hooks extended their lead to 5-2.
The Missions had a scoring opportunity in the top of the fourth inning. Williams-Sutton singled to left field with one out in the inning. During Juan Fernandez’s at-bat, Williams-Sutton stole second base. Fernandez advanced him to third after hitting a single to right field. With runners on the corners and one out, Melean grounded into an inning-ending double play.
San Antonio recovered from their missed opportunity and tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. Esteury Ruiz led off the inning with his fifth home run of the season. Eguy Rosario hit his 22nd double of the season. Cordoba drove in Rosario with an RBI double to left field. Overstreet tied the game with an RBI double of his own. Jon Olczak replaced R.J Freure on the mound and retired the last batters of the inning.
The Missions had multiple chances to take the lead in the top of the sixth inning. Juan Fernandez doubled to start the inning. On a sacrifice bunt attempt from Melean, Fernandez was thrown out at third base. Esteury Ruiz drew a walk to place two runners on base. Agustin Ruiz reach on a fielder’s choice with Melean advancing to third base. A walk to Rosario loaded the bases. Cordoba grounded out to leave all three runners stranded.
San Antonio’s offense took their first lead of the night courtesy of a three-run ninth inning. Olivier Basabe drew a one-out walk followed by a single from Michael Curry. Williams-Sutton put the Missions ahead with an RBI single. After a fly out from Fernandez, Curry scored on a wild pitch from Felipe Tejada. Melean made it an 8-5 game with an RBI single.
Post-Game Notes
- With thewin, San Antonioimproves to43-49 on the season
- Eguy Rosario (#15 Padres prospect):1-4, 2B, BB, R, 2 K
- Agustin Ruiz (#27 Padres prospect):0-5, 3 K
The San Antonio Missionscontinue their six-game series at Corpus Christi on Friday, August 20th. Right-hander Moises Lugowill make his Double-A debut for the Missions. He will be opposed by right-hander Brett Daniels (4-6, 6.43) for the Hooks.First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.