Chihuahuas 13, Salt Lake Bees 4
Key Statistics: LF Bryce Johnson, 4-for-5, 2 R, SB (19), RBI; DH Tirso Ornelas, 2-for-5, R, HR (21), 3 RBI; C Luis Campusano, 1-for-5, R; SS Eguy Rosario, 2-for-5, R, 2B, RBI; 2B Matthew Batten, 3-for-5, 2 R; 1B Kevin Plawecki, 3-for-5, 3 R, 2 HR (9, 10), 2B, 5 RBI; RHP Gabe Mosser (W, 7-7) 6 IP, 4 H, R, 3 BB, 6 K; LHP Jayvien Sandridge, IP, H, BB, 2 K
Prospect Watch: El Paso’s offense fired on all cylinders, cruising to a win in El Paso. John Conniff has all the details from the Sun City.
Missions 5, Springfield Cardinals 2
Braden Nett finished his year with a cameo in San Antonio. (Photo: Ray Holguin)
Key Statistics: SS Ripken Reyes, 1-for-3, 2B, BB, 2 RBI; CF Joshua Mears, 1-for-4, R, HR (5), RBI; LF Kai Murphy, 2-for-3, R, 2B; RHP Braden Nett, 4.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 5 BB, 3 K; LHP Jackson Wolf (W, 1-1) 2.2 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 4 K; RHP Carter Loewen (S, 1) 1.2 IP, BB, 4 K
Prospect Watch: The Missions won their second straight over the Cardinals at home to even up the series at two games apiece. … Righty Braden Nett, who was promoted at the end of the Midwest League season to get one more appearance, worked into the fifth inning despite struggling with his command. The 22-year-old allowed only one run on four hits, but walked five as he struck out three. After he reined in his walks in a strong August run, this was the second straight outing in which he issued five free passes. Overall, the former undrafted free agent enjoyed a solid campaign, tossing a career-high 65.1 innings and striking out 26% of the batters he faced. While his 14% walk rate is alarming, he’s thrown far fewer innings than most pitchers his age and he’s still working dial in how to use his four-pitch mix effectively. With both big velocity and a starter’s repertoire, he has emerged as one of the most intriguing pitching prospects in the system. … Center fielder Joshua Mears connected on his fifth homer since joining the Missions and his 16th overall in 2024. Mears is just one homer away from tying the career-high of 17 he hit in 2021 while with the Storm. The Washington native has homered five times in 65 plate appearances with the Missions but contact issues continue to plague the 23-year-old. Mears has struck out 32 times. While the powerful outfielder has 80-grade raw power, this is the second time in three years he’s posted a K-rate of nearly 50% in a taste of Double-A. … Kai Murphy made his Double-A debut and had a pair of hits, including a double. He also threw out a runner trying to extend a hit into a double. The former ASU outfielder and pitcher had a solid year with the TinCaps, delivering a wRC+ of 105. His reward is his first crack at Double-A.
