AirHogs' Late Comeback Halts Nuts' Win Streak at Five
Published on May 29, 2015 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts used another outstanding pitching effort to head to the top of the ninth with a 2-0 lead over the Grand Prairie AirHogs on Friday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. With Wingnuts closer Matt Nevarez unavailable due to a heavy workload, the AirHogs were able to tie the score in the ninth and then win the game in the first extra inning by a 3-2 score.
The Wingnuts tallied first courtesy of a big swing of the bat by their catcher in the third inning. Luis Hernandez began the inning with a double off of Grand Prairie starter T.J. Bozeman. Alberto Gonzalez followed with a double of his own, but Hernandez had to make sure the ball dropped and could not score. With two runners in scoring position both T.J. Mittelstaedt and Dustin Geiger struck out swinging. It was at that point that John Nester ripped a double to left and made it 2-0. Nester finished 1-2 with three walks.
Tim Brown, the Wichita starter, worked 7.0 shutout innings while scattering eight hits in his second start of the year and left with a chance to move to 2-0 on the season. Al Yevoli worked a scoreless eighth inning before handing the ball to Daniel Carela in the ninth. Carela allowed two base runners to reach in between a pair of strikeouts before facing Jamodrick McGruder with two down. The 5'7 infielder took the first pitch and deposited it in deep right field just out of the reach of David Espinosa to tie the game at 2-2.
In the bottom of the ninth the Nuts were held in check by AirHogs closer Dakota Watts. Brad Mincey, who finished the ninth, came back on to pitch the tenth. Robi Estrada reached on an infield single to open the inning against the right-hander. That runner was immediately erased when Zane Chavez hit into a 4-6-3 double play. With the bases empty, former Wingnut Victor Diaz punched a double to the gap in left center and was replaced by pinch runner Matt Burns. After a walk to Frazier Hall, Josh Eatherly slapped a single to right that gave Grand Prairie the lead. The Wingnuts put a runner on second with one out, but could not tie the game in the bottom half.
Mittelstaedt, Hernandez, and Ray each knocked a pair of base hits. Diaz led all hitters with his 3-5 performance.
The series continues on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. as RHP Jason Van Skike meets LHP Bennet Whitmore of the AirHogs. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a replica 2014 American Association Championship ring courtesy of 7 Clans Casinos. There will also be a special ring presentation to the coaches and players from last season's team. 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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