Clevlen Walk-Off Gives Wichita Series Victory
June 30, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - Brent Clevlen hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning to send the Wichita Wingnuts to a 7-6 win over the Texas AirHogs Thursday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, sending Wichita to their seventh straight series victory.
After Chase Johnson (2-0) retired Texas (17-23) in order in the top of the 12th, Christian Stringer opened the bottom half with a double to right center off of David Russo (1-3), one of his career-high tying four hits on the night. Zack Cox followed with a walk, and then Clevlen hit a line drive over the head of Burt Reynolds to send the Wingnuts (23-16) to their third walk-off victory of the campaign.
With the game scoreless entering the fourth inning, both teams' bats woke up in the frame. Reynolds led off with his league-leading 17th homer of the season, which was followed two batters later by a Cody Lenahan three-run shot.
Wichita drew even with a four-run outburst of their own in the home half. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for Richard Prigatano, who singled to put the home team on the board. Reynolds made a two-base throwing error on the play, turning a one-run play into a three-run play for the Wingnuts. Leo Vargas followed later with a sacrifice fly to tie the score.
After allowing four runs in the fourth, Wingnuts starter Jon Link settled in, mowing down the final 13 AirHogs he faced before he was removed after eight innings.
Link was in line for the win at one point, as Wichita went in front in the seventh. The Wingnuts put together a two-out rally that loaded the bases for T.J. Mittelstaedt, who snuck a single under the glove of Brian Bistagne to put his club up 6-4.
In the ninth however, Texas rallied, as Michael Valadez blooped a two-run single down the right field line to bring the visitors back even.
Neither team threatened much in extra frames prior to the bottom of the 12th, with the best chance a lead off double by Devon Rodriguez for Texas in the 10th. But the AirHogs failed in their attempts to bunt him over, and he ended up stranded at second.
The Wingnuts hit the road Friday as they head to Joe Becker Stadium to open up a three-game series with the Joplin Blasters. First pitch for Friday's series opener is set for 7:05, and the game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO, as well as on TuneIn.
For information on 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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