Home Runs Doom Blasters in Loss to Wichita
July 1, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The Joplin Blasters fell victim to a barrage of home runs by the Wichita Wingnuts, losing their sixth consecutive game on Friday night at Joe Becker Stadium. The Wingnuts hit four home runs en route to the 7-2 victory, which evened the season series between the two teams.
Wichita's power began in the top of the second inning with a pair of two-run homers. TJ Mittelstaedt drew a walk to start the frame, leading to a home run by Matt Chavez. Richard Prigatano drew a walk, but Joplin starter Ethan Rosebeck recorded the first out by getting Harrison Kain to ground out. Brent Dean then launched a two-run homer on the next pitch, giving the Wingnuts a 4-0 lead after an inning and a half.
Willie Cabrera got the Blasters a run back in the bottom half of the second. On a 3-2 pitch, Cabrera belted a ball down the left field line for his eighth home run of the season. The longball was the 43rd run driven in this season by Cabrera, and moved the Blasters within three runs.
Kain provided a fifth run for the Wingnuts in the top of the fourth. After the first two hitters of the inning were retired, Kain hit his first homer of the season. The fourth inning shot put Wichita back up by four runs through four innings.
The sixth inning saw Wichita hit their fourth and final home run of the game. Former Major League Brent Clevlen hit his ninth round-tripper of the season to lead off the inning. Clevlen's homer extended the Wichita advantage to 6-1.
The Wingnuts scored again in an even inning, plating their final run in the top of the eighth. Mittelstaedt walked as the first hitter of the inning, and advanced to third when Prigatano hit a double. Kain drove in his second run of the game on a fly ball to center field, sacrificing himself to score Mittelstaedt.
Joplin concluded the scoring in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring in the final frame of a losing effort for the second night in a row. Geraldo Valentin doubled into the gap to begin the ninth, moving to third base on a flyout from Charlie Valerio. Luis Terrero, who played five seasons in Major League Baseball, then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Valentin and provide the final 7-2 margin.
Despite only allowing three hits over four innings in his Blasters debut, Ethan Rosebeck was charged with the loss, while relief pitcher Jesse Pratt picked up the victory. Cabrera and Sergio Leon led the Blasters offense with two hits a piece.
The series continues Saturday night in Joplin with the middle game of three, with first pitch time set for 7:05 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium. Raul Rivera will make his Joplin debut on the mound.
American Association Stories from July 1, 2016
- Home Runs Doom Blasters in Loss to Wichita - Joplin Blasters
- RailCats Hold on for the Win in Sioux City - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Drop Heartbreaker in Laredo Opener - Texas AirHogs
- Canaries Fall to Goldeyes 8-1 on Canada Day - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Mazzola, Herron Sweep League Awards for June - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Homer Happy Wingnuts Cruise in Joplin - Wichita Wingnuts
- Veglahn Impresses in First Pro Start, But Outdone by Former Major Leaguer in 5-1 Loss - St. Paul Saints
- O'Brien, Bats Lead Goldeyes on Canada Day - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- McKenzie Mows Down 'Hawks in Series Opener - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Veteran Lefty Set to Join Bullpen - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Mazzola, Herron Sweep League Awards for June - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Wichita Takes 12-Inning Series Finale - Texas AirHogs
- Kussmaul Has Contract Purchased by Diamondbacks - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Win Another Extra-Inning Contest In Fargo - Sioux City Explorers
- RailCats Mount Comeback to Take Series in Canada - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- 'Hawks Fall in Eleven Innings - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Blasters Drop Series Finale; Swept by Laredo - Joplin Blasters
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