International Affair: Nuts Fall 4-2 in Eleven Inning Thriller

June 14, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


WICHITA, KS (June 14, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts received their first taste of the new international rule that takes effect in the eleventh inning of American Association games this season on Sunday afternoon. A game that entered the final frame scoreless quickly turned into an offense-heavy battle as the Lincoln Saltdogs emerged with a 4-2 win to split the four-game series.

Tim Brown of the Wingnuts (14-8) and Kevin McGovern of the Saltdogs (8-15) each spent a majority of the afternoon shutting down the opposing offense. Brown worked eight shutout innings, scattered five hits, and struck out a pair of Saltdogs on his way to a no decision. The right-hander was not eligible for a win because McGover, a southpaw was equally as puzzling to Wichita's batters. He also threw eight scoreless frames, struck out seven, and surrendered five hits.

Out of the bullpen, Matt Nevarez and Daniel Bennett each worked scoreless innings for the Wingnuts while Dan Child did not allow a base runner in two innings of his own to push the pitcher's duel into an eleventh stanza.

Per a new rule implemented by the league for the 2015 season, starting in the eleventh inning the player who made the final out in the inning before is placed on second base to begin the next frame. That meant Ryan Wiggins began the top of the eleventh on second base with the top of the order at the plate. Eddie Young flew out to center against Bennett and the reliever was replaced by Al Yevoli (2-1) with a couple of lefties due up.

A Mitch Canham base hit moved Wiggins to third and left runners on the corners with one out for Jon Gaston. The league's home run leader roped a base hit to plate the first run of the game. Gaston was picked off of first with Curt Smith at the plate for the second out and it appeared Yevoli may escape further damage. Smith waited out a walk and then three consecutive RBI singles from Jeremy Hamilton, Matt Forgatch, and Brian Joynt extended Lincoln's lead to 4-0.

The Wingnuts had Jayce Ray on second to begin their half of the eleventh. He immediately moved to third on Alberto Gonzalez's sharp single through the middle. David Espinosa drew a walk to load the bases with nobody out and bring the tying run to the plate. Matt Padgett worked the count to 2-0 before drilling a fastball to center that landed in Gaston's glove with his back against the wall. Ray tagged and scored on the play to cut the deficit to 4-1. Joash Brodin closed the gap to two runs with his fielder's choice bouncer to first. T.J. Mittelstaedt then ended the game with a fly ball of his own to the warning track in center.

The Wingnuts dropped to 2-2 in extra inning contests this season. Gaston led all hitters with four hits, all singles, and Canham tallied three. Brodin and John Nester were the only Wichita players with multiple hits.

The Wingnuts will have Monday off before traveling to Gary to begin a three-game series with the Gary SouthShore RailCats at 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday. For information on season 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 June 14, 2015


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