Homer Happy Wingnuts Cruise in Joplin
July 1, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
JOPLIN, Mo. - The first four hits of the night for the Wichita Wingnuts were all home runs, helping to lead the visitors to a 7-2 series-opening victory over the Joplin Blasters Friday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
After both teams went down in order in the first, Wichita (24-16) got their offense going in the second. T.J. Mittelstaedt got the ball rolling for the Wingnuts by drawing a lead-off walk, then scored on an opposite field two-run blast by Matt Chavez, his first since returning from the inactive list on Thursday.
Richard Prigatano drew another walk from starter Ethan Rosebeck (0-1) later in the frame, and Brent Dean matched Chavez with a two-run shot of his own to put Wichita in front 4-0.
Joplin (14-26) answered in the home half, as Willie Cabrera led off with a solo homer against debuting Wingnuts right-hander Garrett Gould. Gould lasted three innings for Wichita, yielding the one run on three hits with a pair of strikeouts.
Wichita added to their lead with a pair of solo homers in the middle innings. Harrison Kain launched his first long ball of the season in the fourth, and Brent Clevlen added his team-leading ninth in the sixth, stretching the lead to 6-1.
The Wingnuts tacked on one final tally in the eighth, as Kain added his second RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly, which scored Mittelstaedt.
The seven runs were plenty for the Wingnuts staff. Behind Gould, Jesse Pratt (2-1) worked three scoreless frames to earn his second victory of the season. Chase Johnson added two scoreless innings of his own before Fabian Roman finished the game off, yielding Joplin's second run of the night in the bottom of the ninth.
The Wingnuts and Blasters continue their three-game weekend set Saturday night at Joe Becker Stadium. 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.
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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