Johnson’s 10th Inning Grand Slam Clinches Series for Missions

April 22, 2023 – Texas League (TL) – San Antonio Missions News Release

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. In a back-and-forth game that included multiple lead changes and six combined home runs, the Missions clinched their first series victory of the year. In the 10th inning, Daniel Johnson hit a grand slam to give the Missions a 10-6 lead. After allowing a run in the bottom of the 10th, San Antonio held on for a 10-7 win.

Jaime Melendez was the starting pitcher for the Hooks. The 21-year-old surrendered the lead in the top of the first inning. Reyes drew a leadoff walk and successfully stole second base and third. The right-hander loaded the bases after issuing walks to Korry Howell and Connor Hollis. Reyes came in to score after Tirso Ornelas drew a walk. Juan Fernandez drove in the second run with a single to center field. The Missions took a 2-0 lead.

San Antonio added an insurance run in the top of the third inning. Fernandez started off the inning with a base hit. He came around to score on a triple from Daniel Johnson. San Antonio held a 3-0 lead.

Efrain Contreras was the starting pitcher for the Missions making his fourth start of the season. After two scoreless frames, Corpus Christi plated four runs in the bottom of the third inning to gain the lead. Alex McKenna began the frame with a base hit. Quincy Hamilton drove in McKenna with a double to left field. Kenedy Corona reached base with a single and Hamilton advanced to third base. After a fielder’s choice, Shay Whitcomb hit a three-run home run off of Contreras. His fifth long ball of the season made it a 4-3 ballgame.

With Angel Macaure now on the mound, the Missions tied the game in the top of the fourth inning. Pedro Castellanos connected on his third long ball of the year.

Soon after tying the game, Corpus Christi regained the lead in the bottom half of the fourth inning. With one out in the frame, Colin Barber hit a solo home run to left field. The Hooks gained a 5-4 advantage.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Missions capitalized on a scoring opportunity and tied the game. Macaure began the inning by issuing back-to-back walks to Howell and Hollis. After striking out the next batter, Castellanos was hit by a pitch and the bases were loaded. Fernandez drove in Howell with a single to left field. On the play, Hollis was thrown out trying to score from second base. The game was tied 5-5.

The bottom of the eighth inning…