Eighth Inning Homer Proves Fatal for Blasters
July 13, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters surrendered a go-ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and narrowly fell to the Wichita Wingnuts, 3-2, at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.
For the first time in the series, the Blasters scored first with a run in the top of the first inning. Veteran outfielder Sean Smith led off the game with a single, and was bunted over to second base by Mitch Glasser. After Smith stole third and Geraldo Valentin was hit by a pitch, Charlie Valerio drove in the first run of the game with a groundout to first base.
It did not take long for the Wingnuts to tie the game, evening the score in the bottom of the first. Leadoff hitter Richard Prigatano singled and stole second base. Christian Stringer flew out for the first out of the inning, but Zack Cox followed with a game-tying single. Joplin starter Carlos Fuentes left Wichita runners on the corners to keep the game tied after an inning.
The Wingnuts took their first lead in the bottom of the second. The first hitter of the frame was again the one to score, as Brent Dean clubbed a double to start the action. A wild pitch and a hit by pitch to Brennen Salgado put runners on first and third. A double play ball off the bat of Leo Vargas accounted for the first two outs of the inning, but also brought Dean across the plate, giving the Wingnuts a 2-1 advantage.
Wichita's 2-1 lead held until the sixth inning, due in part to quality outings from both starting pitchers. Fuentes retired 12 of 14 hitters at one point, and was not involved in the decision for the sixth consecutive time. Todd Kibby, who was making his first start for the Wingnuts, allowed just the first inning run in his five frames of work.
Relief pitcher Fabian Roman came on for the Wingnuts in the top of the sixth, and the Blasters pounced to tie the game. After Valerio flew out to start the inning, singles from Brandon Tierney and Alex Polston, as well as a walk to Conor Sullivan, loaded the bases. Mark Krueger evened the score with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, but the Blasters were not able to take the lead.
Cox supplied the decisive hit in the bottom of the eighth inning against eventual losing pitcher Roby Romero. On a 2-2 pitch, Cox hit his seventh home run of the season, giving the Wingnuts their final run. Frankie Reed would toss a 1-2-3 ninth and earn his 11th save. Chase Johnson, who retired all eight Blasters he faced, picked up the victory.
The divisional series between Joplin and Wichita concludes on Thursday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Blasters send Wander Perez to the mound for his first start in a Joplin uniform. Wichita counters with righty Eddie Medina, and the game is scheduled for a 7:05 first pitch.
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