Down on the Farm: September 8 (Margevicius Pitches Missions to Deciding Game/El Paso Rallies to Survive)

Plenty of excitement on Saturday, as both Padres’ affiliates stayed alive in their series against Astros’ farm teams. The Grizzlies and Hooks were both one game away from victory a couple of days ago, but now face game five, deciding contests in order to advance in the playoffs.

The Missions essentially won two games on Saturday and El Paso got a great start from Colin Rea to survive. Plenty of excitement.

In San Antonio, Josh Naylor hit a game-winning ground ball to second base with Buddy Reed on third, as the Missions forced a game three of their series with the Hooks later in the day. The Missions responded, as Nick Margevicius pitched very well for San Antonio.

Here is a brief look at each game.

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE
El Paso Chihuahuas

A rambunctious crowd in Fresno saw the Grizzlies rally late in the game for a run in the ninth, but it was not enough as they lost to El Paso by the score of 4-2. Colin Rea got the start and was very good for the Chihuahuas as he went 5.1 innings only allowing a run on four hits. The bullpen has his back, as El Paso received scoreless appearances from three different pitchers. Brad Wieck, Colten Brewer and Gerardo Reyes all failed to allow a run on Saturday. A late homer off of Jerry Keel leading off the ninth brought Reyes in for the save (his second of the series). In the seventh inning El Paso got all of their runs as Brett Nicholas, Raffy Lopez and Dusty Coleman all knocked in runs for the team. Sunday’s deciding game will be at 5:05 PM. No starter has been announced for El Paso yet.

Shane Peterson– (1-4) 2B, Run

Allen Craig– (1-4) Run, K

Raffy Lopez- (1-4) RBI, Run, K

Brett Nicholas- (2-4) Run, RBI

Colin Rea– 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, (83 pitches- 50 strikes)

TEXAS LEAGUE
(Friday’s Game) San Antonio Missions Won 9-8

On Friday, a thunderstorm forced game number one of this series to be continued on Saturday. Buddy Reed started the 11th on second base for the Missions (per Texas League extra innings rules) and the scenario could not have been better. He advanced to third on a soft line drive off the bat off Owen Miller for the first out of the inning. Josh Naylor then stepped to the plate and grounded out to the second baseman, who tried to nab Reed at home. Buddy Reed was safe at home and the Missions guaranteed themselves of a game three of the series later that after noon. The game itself played the night before featured a huge rally from the Missions who were down 6-0 at one point in the game.

Buddy Reed- (1-3) 3B, RBI, 3 Runs, 2 SB, 2 BB, 2 K

Hudson Potts– (1-5) 2B, Run, K

Josh Naylor– (1-5) 3 RBI, Run, BB

Peter Van Gansen– (2-4) 2B, 2 Run, RBI, BB, K

Jesse Scholtens– 3,2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (81 pitches- 52 strikes)

San Antonio Missions Won 3-1

Left handed starter Nick Margevicius was promoted from Lake Elsinore for this series and responded with a huge outing. He went seven strong innings, only allowing a single run to score on four hits and one walk. The offspeed specialist struck out seven in the game as he further proves that he has what it takes to change speed  and keep hitters off-balance. Margevicius has a great knowledge of how to pitch and does so without fear despite not being blessed with a mid to upper 90’s fastball. In the game, the Missions got a big double off the bat of Webster Rivas that scored two and put the game at 3-1 in the seventh. Travis Radke came on for the save, throwing 1.1 innings and striking out two. Game three will be on Sunday. No word yet on who the Missions’ starter will be. Michel Baez started on Wednesday and would only be on three days rest.

Owen Miller– (1-4) HR, RBI, Run, 2 K

Austin Allen– (1-3) Run, K

Peter Van Gansen– (2-2) 2B, Run, BB

Webster Rivas– (1-3) 2 RBI

Nick Margevicius– 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K (95 pitches- 63 strikes)

James Clark

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.