Padres minors: Knuckleballer Matt Waldron quality in El Paso loss

Matt Waldron turned in a quality start in a loss on Tuesday as Triple-A El Paso lost a 4-3 decision at Round Rock.

The knuckleballer struck out five and allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings. He allowed a home run among the five hits he surrendered, walked one and a hit a batter.

Waldron is 6-3 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A El Paso. He has struck out 42 and walked 15 in 46⅓ innings.

Waldron has made one start in the majors this year, allowing four runs in 4 ⅔ innings in Philadelphia in late June.

Left-hander Omar Cruz (4.91 ERA) and right-hander Bryan Hoeing (4.22 ERA), both of whom have time in the majors this season, followed Waldron with a scoreless inning each.

Left fielder Forrest Wall (.810 OPS) hit his fourth homer. El Paso’s only other extra-base hit was a double from designated hitter Luis Campusano (.975 OPS).

El Paso is 54-48.

Tuesday’s scoreboard

DOUBLE-A SAN ANTONIO (51-46)

Frisco 4, Missions 2: RHP Jared Kollar (0-5, 6.61 ERA) allowed three runs in four innings in relief after RHP Braden Nett (3.39 ERA) struck out four over three perfect innings in the start. It was Nett’s first start since July 11. 3B Devin Ortiz (.671 OPS) went 2-for-4 with his fifth homer.

HIGH SINGLE-A FORT WAYNE (47-49)

Great Lakes 6, TinCaps 0: RHP Ian Koenig (4-5, 5.30 ERA) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings in the loss. RF Braedon Karpathios (.786 OPS) went 2-for-2 with two walks. SS Leo De Vries (.764 OPS) went 0-for-2 with two walks.

LOW SINGLE-A LAKE ELSINORE (45-52)

Inland Empire 6, Storm 5: SS Cobb Hightower (.686 OPS) went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. C Lamar King Jr. (.788 OPS) went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, a walk and two steals (18). LF Alex McCoy (.720 OPS) went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. RHP Humberto Cruz (4.70 ERA) allowed a run in five innings in the start. He struck out four and walked two.

ROOKIE DSL BROWN (17-23)

 Royals 4, Padres 1 (7): LHP Marco Eluscat (4.71 ERA) allowed four runs in four innings in the loss. LF Sebastian Pena (.537 OPS) doubled twice and scored a run.

ROOKIE DSL GOLD (26-14)

Padres 11, Red Sox 4: C Jhojan Downer (.610 OPS) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, a walk and two runs scored. RF Fabian Alcantara (.938 OPS) went 1-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a walk. SS Jhoan De La Cruz (.808 OPS) went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a walk and two runs scored.