Blasters Fall to Wichita in Series Finale
May 26, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters saw their four game winning streak come to an end on Thursday night at Joe Becker Stadium, losing the final game of a seven game homestand 8-5 to the Wichita Wingnuts. The Blasters took the first two games of the series, but could not complete the sweep.
For the second consecutive night, the Wingnuts scored the opening runs of the game, plating two runs in the top of the first. Christian Stringer and Zack Cox started the game with a walk and a single, respectively. With one out, Dustin Geiger hit into a fielder's choice, but the throw to home sailed over catcher Charlie Valerio's head to score Stringer. Cox then scored on another fielder's choice, this one off the bat of Richard Prigatano.
Geraldo Valentin put the Blasters on the board in the bottom of the first. After the first two hitters of the first were retired, the veteran hit his first home run over the season just over the left field wall. Valentin's dinger cut Wichita's lead to 2-1 through an inning of play.
A four run third inning put the Blasters in front. Jesus Solorzano, Zack Burling, and Aaron Brill each singled to begin the frame, loading the bases with nobody out. Mitch Glasser tied the game on an RBI single of his own, keeping the bases loaded. Valentin gave the Blasters the lead on a 6-4-3 double play that allowed Burling to score. Willie Cabrera then put an exclamation point on the inning with a mammoth two-run shot to left field, putting the Blasters on top by a 5-2 margin.
Wichita began cutting into the Blaster lead in the next half inning. With one out, Harrison Kain and Brennen Salgado reached on an infield single and a walk. After starter Carlos Fuentes struck out Leo Vargas, Stringer and Cox both recorded RBI singles to cut the Joplin advantage to 5-4.
The game was essentially decided in the top of the seventh, when one big hit propelled the Wingnuts to the lead. A double by Cox and a hit by pitch to Geiger had put two runners on base for T.J. Mittelstaedt. The left fielder launched a three run homer to right, giving Wichita a 7-5 lead. Mittelstaedt would also conclude the scoring on a ninth inning double, concluding a four RBI performance.
Joplin's Carlos Fuentes pitched well over five innings, but was not involved in the decision. Tyler Herr was charged with his second loss for the Blasters, and Tim Brown earned the victory for Wichita.
After going 4-3 during the team's opening homestand, the Blasters head on the road for a three game series in northwest Indiana with the Gary South Shore Railcats. First pitch of the Railcats' home opener is set for 7:10 p.m. and features a pitching matchup of Joplin LHP Josue Montanez and Gary RHP Charle Rosario.
The Blasters return to Joe Becker Stadium on Monday. In honor of Memorial Day, the Joplin Blasters will be offering free general admission tickets to Monday's contest with the Saint Paul Saints. Monday's game at Joe Becker Stadium is Nerd Night, and is also the team's first Margarita Monday.
American Association Stories from May 26, 2016
- Saints Commit Three Errors, Give up Four Home Runs in 10-2 Loss T-Bones - St. Paul Saints
- Blasters Fall to Wichita in Series Finale - Joplin Blasters
- Mittelstaedt's Big Night Ends Skid - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Split Series with RailCats by Winning Second Game in a Row - Sioux City Explorers
- AirHogs Add 3 to Roster as Regular Season Ramps Up - Texas AirHogs
- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 26 at Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saints Enhance Ballpark Experience with Brand New App - St. Paul Saints
- Canaries Drop Series Finale in 9-5 Loss to Saints - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Late Rally Falls Short in Laredo - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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