The San Antonio Missions’ rotation unraveled late, leading to a 5-3 loss against the visiting Wichita Wind Surge on Saturday night at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. 

The Missions (10-10) began their series against the Wind Surge (7-13) with two consecutive victories. Since then, they have dropped three straight games to put them at an even .500 win percentage on the season. 

“We’re grinding through some stuff right now,” coach Luke Montz said. “Early in the year, we were dominating on the mound, pitching well and scoring runs. It’s a long season, and we’re just continuing to pat these guys on the back, stay positive, and keep working.” 

After a scoreless opening inning, Wichita struck first in the top of the second with a sacrifice fly from center fielder Ben Ross, pushing right fielder Carson McCusker home. 

San Antonio responded two innings later when second baseman Michael De La Cruz grounded out to second base, allowing the tying run, first baseman Nathan Martorella, to score. 

The Wind Surge took back their lead in the following inning. Lead-off hitter Tanner Schoebel sliced an RBI triple into right field, scoring Jorel Ortega from second base. The following at-bat, catcher Andrew Cossetti doubled into left field, bringing in Schoebel. 

Missions’ starting pitcher Ryan Bergert was removed after surrendering the lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, San Antonio cut their deficit to one, with Juan Zabala scoring off a wild pitch from Wind Surge pitcher Jaylen Nowlin. 

Wichita continued to add to their lead in the top of the seventh with a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Jeferson Morales and a score off a wild pitch from Schobel. 

Facing a 5-2 deficit in the bottom of the eighth, De La Cruz knocked an RBI single into right field to cut Wichita’s lead to two. 

There would be no late-game rally for the Missions, though, as the offense was unable to drive in a single runner. 

San Antonio will look to split the series against Wichita. Game six is set for 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium.

Rylan Renteria

Rylan is a psychology major in his junior year at UTSA, and is currently a writer for The Paisano. As a major fan of both the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, Rylan is also very supportive of the San Antonio Spurs and all UTSA Athletics Aside from watching sports, Rylan enjoys watching horror movies, playing video games and playing intramural sports.