Cox Blast Lifts Wichita Past Joplin
July 13, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
Wichita 3, Joplin 2
W : Chase Johnson (4-0)
L : Roby Romero (0-2)
S : Frankie Reed (11)
Full box score attached.
WICHITA, Kans. - Zack Cox led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a solo home run to provide the Wichita Wingnuts with their margin of victory in a 3-2 win over the Joplin Blasters Wednesday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
With the game having been tied since the sixth, Cox took Roby Romero (0-2) deep for his seventh homer of the season. It was the third baseman's third hit of the ballgame, giving him four straight multi-hit efforts.
The Wingnuts (33-18) turned to closer Frankie Reed in the top of the ninth, and he set down the Blasters (15-36) in order, to pick up his 11th save.
Joplin scored first on the night, opening the scoring in the top of the first. Sean Smith started the inning with a single, and after a sacrifice bunt and stolen base, scored on a Charlie Valerio ground out.
The lead did not last long however, as Wichita tied it in the home half. Richard Prigatano started the frame with a single, stole second, then scored on a Cox RBI single.
The Wingnuts then took the lead in the next inning. Brent Dean opened the frame with a double, moved to third on a wild pitch, then scored on a grounder to put Wichita in front.
Wichita held the lead until the sixth as debuting starter Todd Kibby worked four scoreless frames after allowing the tally in the first. The southpaw allowed the one run on three hits over five, while striking out five before giving way to the bullpen.
Joplin tied the score against that bullpen in the sixth, loading the bases with one out. Chase Johnson (4-0) came in on relief of Fabian Roman, and allowed one of the three inherited runners to score on a sacrifice fly, but retired all eight he faced to earn the win. Between Johnson and Reed, the Wingnuts combined to retire the final 11 Blasters on the night.
The Wingnuts and Blasters finish up their four-game series Thursday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Right-hander Eddie Medina (1-3, 6.21) will be on the mound for Wichita, while Joplin will counter with southpaw Wander Perez (0-0, 1.50). First pitch 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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