Winning again in walk-off fashion
Fans at Wolff Stadium always seem to pick up the intensity when the Missions wear the colorful uniforms of their alter egos -- the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio.It's almost as if a mini-fiesta breaks out as soon as the team takes the field and the cold beverages start to
Fans at Wolff Stadium always seem to pick up the intensity when the Missions wear the colorful uniforms of their alter egos -- the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio.
It's almost as if a mini-fiesta breaks out as soon as the team takes the field and the cold beverages start to flow.
The visiting Memphis Redbirds tried to spoil the party on Thursday night, but the Tyler Saladino-led Chanclas kept the festivities going with yet another ninth-inning rally to secure a 4-3 victory.
Saladino sent the crowd of 4,623 into a tizzy with a two-out, two-run double to clinch the win in the opener of a five-game series.
After the Chanclas/Missions won in walk-off fashion for the fifth time this season, manager Rick Sweet explained in historical terms why it's become so hard for opposing teams to get the 27th out in close games against his team.
"We have been known for this for the last two or three years," said Sweet, who has managed the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A squad for six seasons, including the last four at Colorado Springs. "If you came to our town, hey, (out No.) 27 was tough to get."
The Missions won in the bottom of the ninth twice previously against Memphis, on April 9 and 10, in the first two home games of their first season in the Pacific Coast League.
In both games, Mauricio Dubón picked up the game-winning hit in 6-5 victories.
Twice within the past two weeks, Jake Hager produced the game-winners at Wolff, once on May 5 in a 10-9 victory over the Round Rock Express and again on May 7 in a 1-0 decision in 10 innings against the New Orleans Baby Cakes.
This time it was Saladino, who victimized former Missions pitcher Tommy Layne.
Layne entered the game for the Redbirds in the bottom off the ninth, trying to protect a 3-2 lead, but he couldn't close the door.
A walk, a pinch-hit single by Hager, and another walk loaded the bases and set the table for Saladino, who came to the plate and immediately got behind in the count, 0-2.
The most curious play of the night started to unfold on the next pitch when Layne threw a ball in the dirt that bounced up and hit Saladino in the leg.
Home plate umpire JJ January didn't see it that way.
Even though replay showed the ball bouncing and hitting Saladino's lower leg, which should have forced in a game-tying run, January called it a ball.
It was a call that created a pause in the action as both Saladino and Sweet, coming on to the field, tried to get an explanation.
"I asked all kinds of things," Saladino said. "I asked if he could ask for help (from an umpire in the field). I asked why he didn't think it hit me. It did hit me. He said it didn't. I told him, 'It really did.' But he saw it differently."
The Chanclas counted several players as standouts against the Redbirds. First of all, Nate Orf homered for the fifth time this year in the bottom of the second for a 1-0 lead.
After the Redbirds answered with solo homers by Tyler O'Neill and Adolis García to take a 3-2 advantage in the sixth, Missions relievers Alex Wilson and Jay Jackson shut out the visitors the rest of the way.
Wilson worked the seventh and eighth innings and Jackson the ninth. After that, the Missions went to work in their last at bat with typical flair.
David Freitas drew a one-out walk. Hager, pinch hitting, flared a single into left field, and then Dubon walked on eight pitches to load the bases.
Saladino, getting a good look at Layne's repertoire from the on-deck circle because of all the pitches thrown to Dubon, answered with the game-winning hit.
"We just got a team of grinders," Saladino said. "We all play for the same reason. We play good baseball. We try not to give anything away or take anything for granted. We're just a good group of grinders."
As a team, the Missions rank third to last in the PCL with a .248 batting average. But after their latest victory, they're 36 of 107 for a .336 average in the ninth inning.
Incidentally, they're also 5-1 as the Flying Chanclas.
"It's a fun night to play," Orf said. "The fans are totally into it. I think we all look forward to (Chanclas nights on) Thursdays. The fans are into it, and hopefully, we keep winning."
Orf also applauded "clutch performances" from his teammates in tight spots late in games.
"Whether it's pinch hits like Hager had tonight (or) the at bat by Dubon -- Saladino had one of the more mature at bats I've seen in awhile to walk us off -- it's always fun to see something magical like that," Orf said.
PCL standings
American Southern Division - Round Rock 25-14, San Antonio 23-17, New Orleans 21-20, Oklahoma City 13-25.
American Northern Division - Iowa 25-16, Memphis 21-19, Omaha 18-22, Nashville 13-26.
Hiura's journey
After being called up to the major leagues on Tuesday, former Missions batting star Keston Hiura is 2 for 12 in three games with the Milwaukee Brewers, all on the road against the Phillies.
He was 2 for 3 in his first game, but he's been 0-for-9 since then, including 0-for-5 with four strikeouts on Thursday.
Hiura's spot on the Brewers' roster may not be permanent, as the Brewers brought him up to play in place of infielder Travis Shaw, who is on the 10-day injured list.
Nottingham in the show
Playing in the big leagues for the second year in a row, catcher Jacob Nottingham came off the bench for the Brewers in the ninth inning of an 11-3 victory against the Phillies on Thursday afternoon.
Milwaukee called up Nottingham from the Missions after Brewers' backup catcher Manny Piña went on the injured list.
Pitching staff bolstered
Burch Smith and Aaron Wilkerson have re-joined the Missions. The two were in the Missions' opening-week starting rotation and helped the team get off to a fast start, but both later were called up to the Brewers.
Smith on Thursday was optioned back to the Missions after the San Antonio native worked three games in relief for the parent club.
Wilkerson, a Fort Worth native, has pitched twice for the Missions since returning on May 7 from Milwaukee on a rehabilitation assignment.
He was officially optioned back to the Triple-A club on Monday.
The duo's return is good news for the Missions, as Smith has produced a 3-1 record a 1.37 earned run average in five starts, while Wilkerson is 1-0 with an 0.87 ERA in four starts.
Starting rotation
The Missions plan to start Jimmy Nelson (on rehabilitation assignment) on Friday, Zack Brown on Saturday, Wilkerson on Sunday and Smith on Monday.
Mexican League Returns to San Antonio on March 28-30
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 31, 2025 — The San Antonio Missions, playing as the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio, will host the Acereros de Monclova of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) in an exhibition series at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Games are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Friday, March 28, and
Padres Unveil 2025 San Antonio Missions Coaching Staff
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 17, 2025 — The San Antonio Missions, in accordance with the San Diego Padres, are thrilled to announce their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Luke Montz returns for his third consecutive season as manager. Joining Montz is pitching coach Jeff Andrews, who will also be in
Missions in the Bigs - 2024
73 Players Across 28 Teams SAN ANTONIO – Year in and year out, Missions players are leaving their mark on Major League Baseball. The Missions have an illustrious history dating back to 1888. Over that time, players like Adrian Beltre, Pedro Martinez, Joe Morgan, Mike Piazza, Brooks Robinson and Fernando
2025 Home Game Times Announced
Home Opener Friday, April 4th at 7:05 p.m. Against Amarillo SAN ANTONIO – The official game times for the San Antonio Missions 2025 season have been announced. The Missions will host the Amarillo Sod Poodles for opening night at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, April 4th. San Antonio will play most
Banana Ball Coming to Wolff Stadium in 2025
Texas Tailgaters to Play the Party Animals on September 12th and 13th SAN ANTONIO – Nelson Wolff Stadium will host Banana Ball on Friday, September 12th and Saturday, September 13th of 2025. This was announced during the Banana Ball World Tour City Draft Thursday night. The Texas Tailgaters will square
Henry Baez Named Padres MiLB Pitcher of the Year
Former Missions OF Tirso Ornelas Named MiLB Player of the Year SAN ANTONIO – The San Diego Padres announced Sunday their 2024 MiLB Player and Pitcher of the Year. Missions pitcher Henry Baez and former Missions outfielder Tirso Ornelas were each recognized for their performances this season. Baez, 21, made
San Antonio Ends the Season with A Victory
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions concluded the 2024 season on Sunday. The club finished the season on a high note with a 9-5 victory over the Springfield Cardinals. With a strong start from Daniel Camarena, plus a four-run sixth inning, the Missions defeated the Cardinals. San Antonio finished
Mears Leaves the Yard in Saturday Night Defeat
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals Saturday night. Both clubs were held scoreless until the fifth inning when Springfield plated three runs. Joshua Mears homered for the second straight night to cut the deficit to 3-2. Matt Svanson converted his 27th
Three-Run 7th Inning Lifts Missions Past Cardinals
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals Friday night. In a 1-1 game, the Missions plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. With an insurance run in the eighth inning, San Antonio secured a 5-2 victory. Braden Nett was
Baez Tosses Another Quality Start in Thursday Night Victory
SAN ANTONIO – The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio returned to Wolff Stadium Thursday night for the final time this season. Henry Baez continued his brilliance and recorded his fifth win of the season on Thursday. San Antonio plated four runs in the fourth inning paving the way for a
Krob Tosses Quality Start in Wednesday Night Defeat
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their final series of the 2024 season Wednesday night. Despite a quality start from Austin Krob, the Missions dropped their second consecutive contest to the Cardinals. Springfield claimed a 2-1 victory. The Missions put to go-ahead run on base in the ninth
Vilar Homers and Doubles in Game One Loss
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions began their final series of the 2024 season Tuesday night. After claiming the series victory in Tulsa, the Missions welcomed the Springfield Cardinals to Wolff Stadium. The Cardinals plated seven runs on 15 hits en route to a game one victory. Sam Whiting
Missions Claim First Series Victory Since Early July
San Antonio Falls to Tulsa in 11-Inning Thriller
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Tulsa Drillers Saturday night. The two clubs needed 11 innings to determine a winner. In the bottom of the 11th inning, Donovan Casey drove in Noah Miller with a single to left field. The Missions held a
Henry Baez Deals, Missions Run Away from Drillers Late
TULSA, Okla. – A tight game through seven innings blew up late when the San Antonio Missions scored six runs in the eighth inning on the way to a 9-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers. For San Antonio, the victory results in a three-game win streak for the first time
Don't sleep on these loaded MiLB teams
Following last Friday’s second Opening Day, all four full-season levels of Minor League Baseball are officially playing their 2024 regular seasons. That has given us a few days to take in and digest rosters across Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Single-A to determine the best of the best. Some are loaded
Get to know Padres player development's Allison Luneborg
PEORIA, ARIZ – Prospects like Ethan Salas and Jackson Merrill are a large part of why the Padres have the No. 4 farm system in baseball. But there are many folks behind the scenes who also help make the organization shine. One of them is Allison Luneborg. The Ohio native
Hall of Fame trio's road to greatness began in MiLB
The walls of Cooperstown are about to get a little more crowded. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced Tuesday night that Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton would be inducted in to the baseball Hall of Fame as the Class of 2024. Players must have their names checked
The quirkiest mascots from across the Minors
Standing out in the Minor Leagues requires talent, commitment and persistence. If you've got none of those things, a ridiculous costume might do. The world of the Minors is filled with all kinds of characters -- from prospects making pro debuts to rehabbing Major League veterans -- but perhaps none
Salas, Snelling highlight Padres' Organization All-Stars
Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization and honors the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in each farm system. Next up in our 2023 Organization All-Stars series are the San Diego Padres. 2023 organization summary: Triple-A El Paso:
Copa celebrations bring la Diversión
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights an aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. This edition celebrates the unique ballpark entertainment that lives up to the spirit of the Copa program. Check out our look at the similar
17-year-old Salas heading to Double-A (report)
Ethan Salas won’t turn 18 years old until June 2024. But the Padres' top prospect continues to rise up the Minor League ranks. Salas, MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 prospect, has been promoted to Double-A San Antonio, according to multiple reports. The club has not confirmed the news. The 17-year-old catcher
Fans recall first Minor League experiences
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.
The best of the Padres' Minor League ballparks
The Minor League Ballpark Guides series presented by Wyndham brings all the most fun features of Minors ballparks across America (and one in Canada!) onto your desktop, tablet or mobile device, whether you're interested in taking a virtual tour from where you sit or planning a trip to catch some
20 for ‘22: Looking back on a monumental year
It’s been two seasons since the Minor Leagues’ transformation into its current shape. Some clubs are settled into new surroundings while others continue to build on their illustrious histories. An expanded Minor League schedule and the elevation of many teams to full-season play have brought about cumulative franchise records –