Four Run Sixth Propels Blasters to Fourth Straight Win
May 25, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters won their fourth consecutive game on Wednesday night at Joe Becker Stadium, rallying from an early deficit to claim a 6-4 victory over the visiting Wichita Wingnuts.
For the first time since Friday, the Blasters found themselves trailing in the opening innings. Wichita plated three runs in the top of the third inning. Leo Vargas and Christian Stringer reached on a single and a walk respectively with one out. Zack Cox then drilled a deep three run homer to right field, giving the Wingnuts a 3-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Blasters answered with two runs of their own. Mitch Glasser and Geraldo Valentin both found a way on base to start the inning. Willie Cabrera then got the Blasters on the board with a sacrifice fly, and Charlie Valerio scored Valentin on an RBI single. After three innings, the Wingnuts held a 3-2 lead.
The Blasters were close to taking the lead on multiple occasions, but three diving catches by Wichita center fielder Harrison Kain kept the home team off the scoreboard.
Wichita's fifth home run of the series came in the top of the fifth inning. After starter Josh Hodges had retired the first two hitters of the inning, Brent Clevlen clubbed his second homer of the series and season. Clevlen's solo home run pushed the Wingnut lead to two runs.
The Blasters rallied in the bottom of the sixth, scoring the four runs that would prove to be decisive. Jake Taylor and Will Soto each singled to begin the frame. Jesus Solorzano then hit a double that scored Taylor, pulling Joplin within 4-3. The next hitter, Zack Burling, tied the game on an RBI groundout to second. After a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Mitch Glasser hit a clutch double to give the Blasters the 5-4 lead. Valentin finished the scoring with an RBI single that put Joplin up by two runs.
With the 6-4 lead, the Blasters' bullpen shut down the Wichita offense. Releivers Patrick Mincey, Victor Capellan, and Winston Abreu each tossed a scoreless inning to finish the contest, and Abreu earned his first save for a shutout ninth. Hodges, Mincey, Capellan, and Abreu combined to retire 13 of the final 14 hitters sent to the plate by the Wingnuts. Hodges won his first game in a Blasters uniform, working six innings for the second start in a row.
Joplin plays for a sweep, as well as a fifth consecutive win, on Thursday night at Joe Becker Stadium against the Wingnuts. Carlos Fuentes will climb the hill for the Blasters and face Wichita righty Tim Brown. Thursday is 80's Night at The Joe, and first pitch of the homestand finale is set for 6:35 p.m.
American Association Stories from May 25, 2016
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- X's Win on Walk-Off Balk - Sioux City Explorers
- Larkins, Defense Win 'Dogs Series - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Saints Bash Canaries Pitching in 9-5 Victory - St. Paul Saints
- Four Run Sixth Propels Blasters to Fourth Straight Win - Joplin Blasters
- Wichita Lets Lead Slip; Drops Third Straight - Wichita Wingnuts
- RailCats Kick off 15th Anniversary Season with Fireworks, Giveaways, and Special Doubleheader - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Chicks Dig the Long Ball - Texas AirHogs
- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 25 at Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- American Association Game Recap - AA
- Saints Next Homestand, May 26-29, Highlighted by Purple Game - St. Paul Saints
- Goldeyes Add Lefty Eadington - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- 'Dogs Ink Flame-Throwing Martinez - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Eight-Run Second Buries Wingnuts in Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- Blasters Set Offensive Records in 19-10 Victory - Joplin Blasters
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Gonzalez Homer Supports Strong Pitching in Laredo - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
