SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 8, 2026) — Braedon Karpathios started the fireworks early Saturday night with a first inning three-run homer off the left field foul pole that proved to be the difference maker in a low-scoring contest between the San Antonio Missions (17-21) and Springfield Cardinals (24-14) that ended in a 3-2 Missions win.
Missions southpaw Jamie Hitt started the night off with a two-strikeout 1-2-3 opening frame. That set up the Missions’ offense to grab a hold of an early lead after a leadoff single from Ryan Jackson. Tirso Ornelas looked at four straight balls from Springfield’s Daniel Eagen before being caught in a forceout at second base after Jake Cunningham narrowly escaped a double play after a ground ball. Karpathios seized the golden opportunity with runners at the corners with his blast to left field to put the San Antonio ahead early 3-0.
St. Louis Cardinals top-ranked prospect Rainiel Rodriguez chipped away at the Missions lead with a leadoff double in the fourth stanza that resulted in a run after a Ryan Campos RBI single. Rodriguez threatened to score again in the sixth inning after his second consecutive leadoff double. He advanced to third base after a flyout, but Hitt stranded Rodriguez on the island, getting out of the jam with two more flyouts.
Springfield remained relentless as Josiah Ragsdale sent a bomb off Jose Leclerc that cleared the right field wall and cut the Missions’ lead down to 3-2 in the eighth
Garrett Hawkins took over pitching duties looking to seal the deal in the ninth inning but ran into some late-game drama as the Cardinals loaded the bases against him after back-to-back walks and a Tre Richardson III base hit into the right field gap. Wyatt Hoffman dove for a hard-hit grounder from Zach Levenson and zipped the ball to Anthony Vilar for a force out to show off a dazzling display of fielding in the clutch. The crucial out gave Hawkins and The Wolff crowd new life as Hawkins struck out Dakota Harris and Ragsdale to close the 3-2 Missions win.
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In Military City USA, we're proud to honor the brave men and women who serve our country. Active duty and veteran military members can present a valid military ID at the box office to receive up to four complimentary Bullpen/Outfield Reserved seats. Presented by Coca-Cola & Chevrolet. The fun continues after the final out! Kids are invited onto the field to run the bases following the game. Catch all the action on Country Legends KKYX, 680 AM, 104.9 FM and kkyx.com. Tickets are available at samissions.com or by calling 210-675-7275.
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The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The Missions were established in 1888 and have brought affordable family fun to the Alamo City for more than 120 seasons. The 13-time Texas League champions play their home games at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. For more information and tickets, call 210-675-7275 or visit samissions.com.