Tatis Fills Up the Box Score as Missions Take Game One in Frisco 

_Fernando Tatis Jr. Goes 2-for-2 with 2 XBH, 2 R in Game Three of Rehab Assignment _

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began a two-week road trip Tuesday night with a visit to Riders Field. With an early lead and a productive start from Henry Henry, the Missions were in control for most of the game. Frisco attempted a comeback in the later part of the game, but the Missions was able to provide two insurance runs down the stretch. The Missions took game one of the series with a final score of 6-5.

Despite struggling to score runs in the Wichita series, the Missions offense collected four hits and scored twice in the top of the first inning. Facing Seth Nordlin, Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a double down the left-field line to start the inning. It was his first hit since beginning his rehab assignment. Yorman Rodriguez hit a single and Tatis Jr. advanced to third base. Webster Rivas drove in the superstar infielder with a sacrifice fly. Back-to-back singles from Juan Fernandez and Jack Stronach allowed Rodriguez to score. The Missions took a 2-0 lead.

Henry Henry was the starting pitcher for the Missions. The RoughRiders used the long ball to even up the game in the bottom half of the inning. Henry issued a one-out walk to Aaron Zavala. After recording the second out of the inning, Justin Foscue hit a home run to left field. His 10th homer of the season made it a 2-2 game.

San Antonio regained the lead in the top of the second inning. With one out in the inning, Alison Quintero recorded a base hit and Tatis Jr. drew a walk. Tirso Ornelas drove in Quintero with a double to right field. Tatis came around to score on a fielder’s choice ground out from Rodriguez. The Missions took a 4-2 lead.

In the top of the fourth inning, Tatis Jr. began the inning against Nordlin. He reached base for the third time as he drew his second walk of the night. Ornelas grounded into a double play and Rodriguez popped out to end the inning.

After giving up two runs in the first inning, Henry settled in and delivered a solid outing for the Missions. He finished the night with two runs allowed on three hits in five innings of work. He issued two walks while striking out five batters. Moises Lugo took over for Henry in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Frisco cut the lead in half during the bottom of the sixth inning. Blaine Crim began the inning with a double to left-center field. After a pop out and a ground out, Crim was on third with two outs. He scored on a wild pitch from Lugo. The Missions held a 4-3 lead.

San Antonio added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. With Joe Corbett on the mound, Tatis legged out a triple to right field. He was replaced on the bases by Connor Kaiser. After a walk to Ornelas, Corbett allowed an RBI single to Rodriguez. San Antonio improved their lead to 5-3.

Frisco continued to battle back and cut the lead in half in the bottom of the eighth inning. Luisangel Acuna drew a one-out walk against Lugo. Acuna stole second base and advanced to third base on a throwing error by Rivas. Kellen Strahm drove in Acuna with a sacrifice fly. Frisco cut the deficit to 5-4.

The Missions added another insurance run in the top of the ninth inning. Facing Fer Ozuna, Kaiser began the inning with a base out before Ornelas reached base on a fielder’s choice. He advanced to second base as Rodriguez reached base on a fielding error. Rivas reached base on a fielder’s choice as Ornelas advanced to third base and Rodriguez was out at second. Fernandez drove in Ornelas with a base hit to right field. The Missions improved their lead to 6-4.

Fred Schlichtholz came on to pitch for the Missions in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was challenging for the southpaw on his way to converting the save attempt. He issued a leadoff walk to Josh Stowers and advanced to second base on a fly out to left field. He came around to score on a double from Jax Biggers. With the winning run at the plate and two outs, Crim grounded out to end the inning.

*Post-Game Notes *

• With the win, San Antonio improves to 15-19 (2nd half), 53-48 (overall) on the season

• Fernando Tatis Jr.: 2-2, 3B, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB (Batted leadoff, started at SS)

• Kevin Kopps (#9 Padres prospect): DNP

• Reggie Lawson (#10 Padres prospect): DNP

• Tirso Ornelas (#17 Padres prospect): 1-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB, GIDP, K

• Noel Vela (#24 Padres prospect): DNP

The San Antonio Missions will continue their six-game series with the Frisco RoughRiders on Wednesday, August 10th. Left-hander Ben Krauth (0-1, 6.52) is scheduled to pitch for the Missions. Right-hander Tim Brennan (4-3, 3.51) is scheduled to pitch for the RoughRiders. First pitch is expected at 7:05 p.m. from Riders Field.

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 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.