Down on the Farm: September 10- TinCaps Even Their Series, Missions Eliminated
A fantastic run for the San Antonio Missions has come to an end.
After winning the first and second halves of the season, the Missions dropped their series to the Rock Hounds. Midland has won three consecutive Texas League titles and is the first team to reach the Texas League finals in four consecutive seasons since the 1983-87 Jackson Mets. The Athletics’ affiliate looked all but out of it in game four as the Missions held a late lead. The bullpen, which has been fantastic all season, let the team down. That is how it goes in the game of baseball. You are only as good as your next at bat, or your next pitch thrown. Past success does not guarantee glory in the present.
In the deciding game five, Jacob Nix took the mound for the Friars’ Double-A team. He allowed three runs (two earned) in his first two innings pitched, but settled down nicely after that, throwing five shutout innings. Nix threw 98 pitches on the night and struck out five batters.
Offensively, the Missions did little. A solo homer by Fernando Tatis was the only run scored by the Missions. The team recorded two measly hits on the night as they seemed unmotivated at the plate. Javier Guerra went 0-3 with three K’s, as the shortstop continues to be extremely hot and cold. Guerra can be frustrating to watch firsthand. The 4-1 loss was sad, being that the Missions really never put up a fight in this pivotal game five of the series. The season had many positives though, and the fans are certainly excited for the 2018 season.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps continue to battle as they evened up their series in Dayton Ohio. The Dragons got the win yesterday, as they took advantage of a throwing error late in the game to pull out a victory. In game two, Brad Zunica, Marcus Greene Jr., and Reggie Lawson led the TinCaps. Lawson was solid in his five shutout innings of work. The right-handed pitcher struck out five in that time, while walking three and allowing four base hits. Osvaldo Hernandez came in to relieve him, and the Cuban right-handed pitcher went two perfect innings, striking out five batters.
Brad Zunica and Marcus Greene Jr. went back-to-back in the second inning, and that was all Fort Wayne needed in the 6-0 victory. That was only the fifth time that the Dragons were held scoreless this season. Game three will be on Monday at 4:00 PM, in Ohio. Andrew Jordan is set to throw for the Dragons, while the TinCaps have yet to name a starter for the game.
El Paso will start their series with Memphis on Tuesday, in Tennessee.
San Antonio Missions Lost 4-1
Jacob Nix 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K
Fernando Tatis Jr. (1-4) HR, RBI, Run
Javier Guerra (0-3) 3 K’s
Fort Wayne TinCaps Won 6-0
Reggie Lawson 5 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Brad Zunica (1-3) HR, 2 RBI, Run, BB
Marcus Greene Jr. (1-3) HR, 2 RBI, Run, BB
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.