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Railroaders Squeeze Past Wingnuts in Opener

July 20, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


WICHITA, Kan. - The Cleburne Railroaders tied an American Association record with six sacrifice bunts, including two late-inning squeeze bunts, sneaking past the Wichita Wingnuts 3-2 on Thursday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The loss marred a dominant start from Wingnuts right-hander Charlie Gillies (5-2), who set a new Wichita season-high with 12 strikeouts over six innings of work. He allowed six hits and two runs, both earned, while only issuing one walk.

Gillies and Cleburne starter Josh Hodges (2-2) traded scoreless innings through the first four frames, then both offenses scratched across single runs in the fifth. In the top half, Angel Rose led off with a single, moved to second on a walk, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, then scored on a Gillies wild pitch for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Logan Watkins led off with a triple and came around to score on an RBI single from Zach Nehrir.

Cleburne (20-36) took the lead in the seventh when Trevor Sealey singled, stole second, moved to third on a groundout, and scored on a squeeze bunt from Alex Polston. The formula worked again for the Railroaders in the eighth, this time on a leadoff double from Patrick Palmeiro and two sacrifice bunts that pushed the lead to 3-1.

The Wingnuts (35-23) cut into the lead on an RBI double from Hunter Clanin in the bottom of the eighth, then put the tying run on base again in the bottom of the ninth. Tony Thomas hit a hard line drive up the middle, but Polston made a lunging snag at second to end the game.

Shawn Blackwell picked up his ninth save for Cleburne with the scoreless ninth inning.

The Wingnuts continue their series with the Railroaders on Friday night. Tyler Kane (3-1, 4.85) will get the ball for Wichita, to be opposed by fellow righty Patrick Mincey (0-6, 6.13). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM, and will be broadcast on 1410 AM/93.9 FM KGSO, TuneIn and americanassociationbaseball.tv.

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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