SAN ANTONIO – A three-run third inning guided the Missions to a 5-0 win against the Midland RockHounds, giving San Antonio its second-straight First Half South Division Title on Wednesday evening at Nelson Wolff Stadium.

Ray-Patrick Didder was the star of the night as he went 2 of 3 from the plate with two singles, including a big RBI base hit in the fourth inning. 

“We love to go out and get the job done,” Didder said postgame. “The guys are fighters, and that is what this team has done so far this season.” 

The Missions got off to a quick start, with Cole Cummings knocking in an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning. 

San Antonio would keep up the offensive production in the third inning, when Tirso Ornelas smacked a two-run shot over the right center field wall, giving the Missions a 3-0 lead. 

Ornelas, who is batting .267 and was recently announced as the MILB Double A Central Player of the Week for June 12-18, has been a major power source for the Missions in the first half of the season. The Tijuana, Mexico native has hit nine home runs this season and has been swinging a hot bat in the month of June with 16 out of his last 18 games with a hit. 

Juan Fernandez would also come in to score on a fielding error in the third, making it a 4-0 ballgame.

 The Missions would tack on another run in the fourth when shortstop Didder drove home the fifth run of the night from an RBI single to bring in Cummings. 

The offense wasn’t the only superb area of the win tonight, pitcher Efrain Contreras threw five quality innings while only giving up five hits and racking up eight strikeouts. 

Contreras has had his struggles this season, but has recently picked up a bit of form and came up clutch in a big game. 

Kevin Kopps gained a bit of trouble after an early walk and two hits, but was able to maneuver his way out of the inning with no damage done. Alek Jacob also came in and dominated in the seventh inning, striking out two of the three batters faced.  Nick Hernandez was the man tasked with closing out the game, and despite giving up two early hits, he got the job done and confirmed San Antonio’s status as first half champions. 

With Wednesday’s victory, the Missions claim their second consecutive First Half South Division Title along with clinching a playoff birth.

“We are proud to represent San Antonio,” Didder said. “We hope to win not only the second half, but the entire championship.”

The Missions (36-29) fell to the RockHounds in game one of the 6-game series 7-4.

San Antonio will continue its series against the RockHounds at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at Nelson Wolff Stadium.