Clevlen Enjoys Historic Day as Wingnuts Erase 7-0 Deficit
September 2, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (September 2, 2015) - When the Wichita Wingnuts fell behind the Amarillo Thunderheads by seven runs in the third inning of Wednesday afternoon's contest, history and post-game high fives were the furthest thing from mind. However, the Wingnuts changed that by scoring the next 10 runs in a monumental comeback that ended in a 10-9 victory. The biggest hit of the game was provided by Brent Clevlen, who not only became the franchise leader in doubles and runs batted in with an extra-base hit in the seventh inning, but also gave the home team their first lead.
Prior to Clevlen's heroics, which were followed immediately by a two-run home run from Andy LaRoche, Wichita (56-39) had scored seven runs over the previous four innings to climb out of a big hole. The Nuts first got on the board in the third inning when Harrison Kain hit a fielder's choice ground ball that Amarillo shortstop Kori Melo threw away with the bases loaded. The next hitter, Taylor Oldham, cleared the bases with a drive into the gap that cut the deficit to 7-4.
The fourth inning saw the Wingnuts load the bases for a second straight frame without an out. This time they had to settle for one run on a bases loaded walk to LaRoche. The score was evened in the fifth inning on four singles, the final two of which drove in a run. Nick Van Stratten brought home Brent Dean with the first, moments before Clevlen tied the game by lining a base knock to left that scored Leo Vargas.
Eddie Medina, the Wingnuts starting pitcher, had his day get off to a tough start in the first inning. Juan Martinez led off with a first pitch single and moved to second on a base hit from Ricardo Rodriguez. Stefan Gartrell scored both runs by lining a ball into the gap.
That early lead ballooned to 7-0 in a five-run fifth inning that featured four extra-base hits from the Thunderheads. Rodriguez opened the inning with a solo home run to left field. After Medina hit Gartrell with a pitch and allowed a single to Dexter Kjerstad, Geraldo Valentin and Christian Ibarra came through with RBI doubles. One more two-bagger, this one from the catcher Corey Bass, drove home the final run of the inning. Medina lasted 4.2 innings and surrendered seven runs on nine hits.
Daniel Bennett (1-8) picked up his first victory of the season by pitching out of trouble in a scoreless seventh inning. Two relief pitchers made their Wingnuts debut as both Alex Sogard and Derek Eitel held the Thunderheads (43-52) without a run. The two combined to throw 2.1 hitless innings. Ibarra hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to pull the Thunderheads within a run.
Clevlen surpassed John Rodriguez to take the all-time franchise lead in RBI. The outfielder's two RBI in the game brought his career total in Wichita to 168. Clevlen's 70th double as a Wingnut moved him out of a tie with Jake Kahaulelio in that category.
The series will continue on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. with Shiner Bock for a buck and $1.00 ribs. RHP Scott Richmond (5-1) will toe the slab for Wichita and Amarillo will call on RHP Tyler Pearson (5-5). 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.
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