Seven-Run Fifth Leads Wingnuts Rout of X's
September 10, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts broke a scoreless tie with a seven-run fifth, and cruised from there for a 13-0 win over the Sioux City Explorers Saturday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, to give the home team a 2-1 series advantage.
With one on and one out in the fifth, Jake Kuebler (0-1) lost his control, walking the next three, the last of which was a bases loaded free pass to Christian Stringer to put Wichita on the board.
Zack Cox followed that with a two-run double, and Brent Clevlen then hit a sacrifice fly, pushing the lead to four. Sioux City then elected to intentionally walk T.J. Mittelstaedt, and Matt Chavez made the Explorers pay, launching a three-run homer to cap the seven-run outburst.
Wichita added another in the sixth, as Stringer collected his second RBI of the night with a sacrifice fly, then put together a five-run seventh to put the game well out of reach.
In the seventh, Harrison Kain collected an RBI, Martin Medina notched a two-run single, and Wichita also picked up runs on an error and wild pitch.
The offensive support was plenty for a Wingnuts staff that dominated all night long. Jesse Pratt (1-0) worked six scoreless frames, scattering four hits to earn the victory in his first postseason appearance as a pro.
Behind Pratt, Mike Devine and Luis Pardo worked perfect seventh and eight frames, respectively, and Chase Johnson then closed it out, inducing a line drive double play to put the Wingnuts up two games to one.
The Wingnuts look to close out the Explorers as game four of the best-of-five series is set for Sunday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Righty Tyler Kane (2-1, 1.68) will get the starting nod for Wichita, while Sioux City will counter with fellow right-hander Reinier Roibal (1-0, 3.11). First pitch is set for 7:05, and the game can be heard on 1410 KGSO, as well as on TuneIn.
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American Association Stories from September 10, 2016
- Walk-Off Home Run by Thomas in Ninth Puts Saints a Win from Championship Series - St. Paul Saints
- Saints Edge Goldeyes in Game Three - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Seven-Run Fifth Leads Wingnuts Rout of X's - Wichita Wingnuts
- Wingnuts Game Notes: American Association Division Series Game 3 - Wichita Wingnuts
- Six-Run First Helps Goldeyes Tie Series - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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