Career Nights from Ornelas and Watson Highlights a Sunday Shutout 

SAN ANTONIO – One night after being shutout for the second time in the series, the San Antonio Missions responded with a shutout of their own on Sunday night. Tirso Ornelas carried the offense with a career high five runs driven in. He also hit a home run and double during the game. On the mound, Nolan Watson tied his career high with nine strikeouts in six innings. He allowed just one hit and one walk. The Missions finished the homestand with a 10-0 shutout victory.

Jack Leiter, the Texas Rangers’ #1 prospect, was the starting pitcher for the Frisco RoughRiders. The Missions offense jumped out to an early lead after plating four runs on two hits. Leiter issued a lead-off walk to Connor Hollis before retiring the next two batters. After stealing second base, Hollis came around to score on an RBI double from Yorman Rodriguez. Webster Rivas drew a walk to extend the inning. Tirso Ornelas improved the lead with a two-run home run to right field. The Missions took a 4-0 lead.

San Antonio increased their lead and forced Leiter out of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Chandler Seagle got the hit parade started with a one-out single. After Connor Hollis reached base by catcher’s interference, Thomas Milone connected on a three-run home run over the right field wall. His third long ball of the season made it a 7-0 lead. The Missions recorded back-to-back singles following the home run and Leiter was removed from the game.

The Missions added another run in the bottom of the third inning. With Avery Weems on the mound, Jorge Ona reached base on a fielding error from Dustin Harris. After retiring the next two batters, Hollis drove in Ona with a single to right field. The Missions held an 8-0 advantage.

The offense continued to add runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Domingo Leyba and Yorman Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. After a strikeout, Ornelas drove in both runners with a double to left field. San Antonio improved their lead to 10-0.

Nolan Watson was the starting pitcher for the Missions. He put together one of the strongest outings of his career. Watson tossed six shutout innings while allowing just one base hit, one walk, and striking out nine batters. He ties Reggie Lawson for the most strikeouts by a Missions pitcher this season. It was the second time in Watson’s career that he has struck out nine batters (6/3/18).

Jose Quezada struck out two batters during a scoreless seventh inning. Fred Schlichtholz allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth inning. Kevin Kopps finished up the game with a scoreless appearance in the ninth inning.

Post-Game Notes

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 42-37 (overall), 4-8 (2nd half) on the season
• 4th shutout victory of the season
• Nolan Watson: W, 6.0 IP, H, BB, 9 K (T-Career High)
• Kevin Kopps (#13 Padres prospect): 1.0 IP, H
• Reggie Lawson (#16 Padres prospect): DNP
• Tirso Ornelas (#22 Padres prospect): 2-5, HR, 2B, 5 RBI (Career High), R

The San Antonio Missions will have the day-off on Monday before hitting the road for a six-game series against the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Game one of that series begins on Tuesday, July 12th. The pitching matchups have not yet been determined. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Hodgetown.

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. 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.