Missions Offense Struggles in Loss to Cubs

SAN ANTONIO - The Iowa Cubs used a deadly combination of stellar starting pitching and long balls to defeat the Missions Monday night 5-3. The Missions' home streak ends at 14 games and David Freitas' on-base streak ends at 22 games.
The Iowa Cubs struck first in the top of the second inning. After a single from Jim Adduci, Adduci stole second base, and scored on an RBI double off the bat of Robel Garcia. Two batters later, opposing pitcher Alec Mills helped himself out with an RBI single to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
The Missions responded in the bottom of the third inning. Starting pitcher Bubba Derby hit a double to straight away center and then advanced to third on a passed ball. Missions outfielder Trent Grisham drove Derby in with an RBI single. His 10th run batted in since joining the Missions. The Missions trailed 2-1.
Cubs infielder Phillip Evans put Iowa back up by two runs after a solo home run in the fifth inning. The long ball was his 11th of the season.
Two innings went past before anymore runs were scored. The Cubs added some insurance runs in the top of the eighth courtesy of a two-run home run from catcher Taylor Davis. The Cubs took a 5-1 lead with Davis' home run.
The Missions added a run in the bottom of the eighth inning thanks to a throwing error from Adduci. Jacob Nottingham came around to score after he led off the inning with a walk. San Antonio scored another run in the bottom of the ninth. Nate Orf scored all the way from second on a wild pitch from Cubs reliever James Norwood.
Bubba Derby was the starting pitcher for the Missions in Monday night's ballgame. After struggling in the early innings, Derby found a groove in the middle innings. His pitch count led him to a semi-early exit. Derby lasted 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits. He also walked three batters and struck out five. With the loss, he falls to 3-5 on the season.
In his first game back with the Missions since being optioned down, third baseman Travis Shaw went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Alec Mills got the start for the Iowa Cubs Monday night and he was nearly untouchable. Mills lasted seven innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, walked one, and struck out seven batters. With the win, he improves to 5-2.
Carl Edwards, Jr. made his first rehab appearance for the Iowa Cubs. He was only able to get one out before being replaced with James Norwood. Edwards Jr. allowed one unearned run on one hit, with one walk and one strikeout.
The Missions continue their five-game series with the Iowa Cubs Tuesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Right-hander Burch Smith (6-3, 2.63) will start for the Missions. The Iowa Cubs have yet to announce their starter for Tuesday's game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Post-Game Notes
-With the loss, San Antonio falls to 51-33 on the season.
-San Antonio's home-run streak ends at 14 games.
-Going 0-for-5, David Freitas' on-base streak ends at 22 games.
2019 is the 118th season of baseball in San Antonio and first as the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Single game tickets are on sale now at the Wolff Stadium Box Office or online at samissions.com. Season seat memberships are available now by calling 210-675-PARK (7275).