Miguel Mendez largely breezed through two levels.

The Double-A Texas League is proving to be a challenge.

The fast-rising prospect could not get out of the third inning Friday as Double-A San Antonio lost 4-3 at Springfield.

Mendez (0-4, 8.06 ERA) allowed three runs on five hits and struck out three in 2 ⅓ innings in his sixth start with the Missions.

Mendez, 23, made three starts (3.97 ERA) at low Single-A Lake Elsinore to start the year and then 12 at high Single-A Fort Wayne, where he went 7-3 with a 1.32 ERA in 12 starts.

Mendez is ranked No. 5 in the Padres system by MLB.com.

Left fielder Damon Dues (.867 OPS) went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

Shortstop Anthony Vilar (.638 OPS) went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a walk.

Fort Wayne is 65-70.

Friday’s scoreboard

TRIPLE-A E

See Full Page