NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Wingnuts Drop Opener in Joplin

May 22, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


JOPLIN, MO - Professional baseball was played in Joplin for the first time since 1954 on Thursday night and the Wichita Wingnuts were unable to crash the party, dropping the first game against their new South division rival. The Joplin Blasters took advantage of three RBI doubles and Maikol Gonzalez going 2-4 with two RBI to prevail 5-2 on opening night in the restored Joe Becker Stadium.

Both starting pitchers, Anthony Capra of the Wingnuts and Jorge Martinez of the Joplin, cruised through their first two innings of work. It was in the third frame that the Blasters went on the attack for the first time. Jesus Solorzano singled with one out and moved to second when Juan Medina drew a walk. Solorzano then stole third to put runners on the corners for the leadoff hitter Gonzalez. The shortstop battled for 12 pitches before lining a double into the gap to plate the first run of the season. Later, with a runner still on third, Austin Gallagher flew out to center where Jayce Ray made the catch and threw a bullet to the plate to cut down a tagging Medina and end the inning.

The Blasters (1-0) got back to it with the bats in the fourth. After Capra struck out Jake Taylor to begin the inning, Yasser Gomez singled. Back-to-back RBI doubles by Carlos Ramirez and Steve Tinoco increased the Joplin lead to 3-0. Gonzalez led off the fifth with a solo home run to make it 4-0 and then the Nuts' deficit increased to five on Gomez's RBI single. The outfielder was a perfect 4-4 at the plate to start 2015.

Wichita (0-1) could not muster much of anything against Martinez during his five innings on the hill. He struck out four and surrendered only a pair of singles. Right-hander Jake Meiers replaced him in the sixth inning and allowed the only offense for the Wingnuts, a two-run home run in the seventh from David Espinosa.

The Nuts could not cut into the lead any further despite putting two runners on in the eighth. Kristhiam Linares retired Espinosa, the only batter he faced, to end the threat. In the ninth, former MLB pitcher Winston Abreu struck out the side to close the contest.

Brent Dean and Jayce Ray were the only Wingnuts with multiple hits. Scott Kuzminsky allowed one hit in 1.1 innings in his professional debut. Jarret Leverett and Daniel Bennett also turned in scoreless innings.

The opening series continues on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium. RHP Tim Brown of the Wingnuts will face RHP Nestor Molina of Joplin. The game will be broadcast on 92.7 KWME and can also be streamed by selecting the "Listen Live" link on the team website. The home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes will take place on Tuesday, May 26th. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.

• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...

American Association Stories from May 22, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Wichita Wingnuts Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central