Khoury's Big Hit Gives Nuts Fiftieth Win
Published on August 5, 2014 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
FARGO, ND, (August 4, 2014) - The Wichita Wingnuts' Frank Del Valle and Brian Ernst of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks took part in a gold old fashioned pitcher's duel for five innings on Monday night at Newman Outdoor Field. However, the contest really became interesting after the starters had departed, with the Wingnuts getting a huge, one-out, bases loaded single up the middle from shortstop Ryan Khoury in the ninth that propelled the team to a thrilling 3-1 win.
Del Valle, who was making his third start for the Wingnuts (50-23), was on top of his game in the left-hander's best performance to date. He struck out seven batters in six innings while scattering six hits. The only run he allowed was a two-out solo home run to Erik Castro in the bottom of the sixth. Unfortunately for the 24-year old, he exited after that inning on the hook for the loss because of the valiant effort that his opposition on the hill was putting together.
Ernst, who had allowed five runs in 5.2 innings in an earlier start in Wichita, was on top of his game. He did not allow a hit until a groundball double to right by David Espinosa in the fourth inning. He entered the eighth inning having thrown over 100 pitches in the contest, but with a 1-0 advantage. The first batter in the frame, Jake Luce, flipped a double into the right field corner that put the tying run in scoring position and ended Ernst's evening. Former Amarillo hurler Erik Draxton entered and Khoury immediately put down a bunt that moved Luce to third. Jake Kahaulelio followed by dropping a double in front of a diving attempt by the left fielder Sawyer Carroll to tie the score at 1-1. Ernst was responsible for the run and his line became complete with seven innings of work and just three hits allowed.
The game entered the final inning at a 1-1 stalemate. Fargo-Moorhead (34-40) stuck with Joe Harris (4-2), who had finished the previous inning, to begin the ninth. Harris allowed a leadoff single to Chris McMurray, but received a break when his defense cut down the lead runner on an attempted sacrifice bunt by Chris McClendon. Harris couldn't find the strike zone to the next two hitters, walking both David Amberson and Luce to fill the bases. Doug Simunic, the RedHawks' manager, turned to Kevin Fuqua with the game on line. Khoury had two strikes in the count when he lined a slider sharply back over the mound for a two-run single that put the Wingnuts on top 3-1.
Matt Nevarez entered the ninth looking for redemption from the night before when he allowed a run for the first time since July 12th. Nevarez walked Petey Paramore to begin the inning and Carroll quickly followed by lining a single into right. With the tying run on base and the crowd beginning to grow excited, Nevarez squashed the rally by striking out both Brandon Tripp and Travis Higgs. The last chance for the RedHawks, Zach Penprase hit a routine groundball to second that sealed the win for the visitors. The save was the closer's 19th in 20 chances.
Alex Hinshaw (2-1) received the victory after silencing the RedHawks in a one, two, three, eighth inning. Mike Zouzalik struck out the side in the seventh in another solid appearance for the righty. Kahaulelio was the only Wingnut with more than a single base hit, while Luce extended his hit streak to eight games.
The Wingnuts will attempt to secure a series win on Tuesday night at 7:02 p.m. in game three of the series. RHP Tim Brown (8-3) toes the rubber for Wichita against a pitcher that is undecided for Fargo-Moorhead. 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 August 5, 2014
- Goldeyes and Explorers Game Suspended - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Canaries Bad Luck Continues in Amarillo - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Saints Blank T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- Lean Meat, Saints Blank T-Bones 5-0 - St. Paul Saints
- Two Run Home Run in the Seventh Not Enough As 'Hawks Drop Sixth Straight - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Two Run Home Run in the Seventh Not Enough As 'Hawks Drop Sixth Straight - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- RedHawks Sign McCully; Release Three Pitchers - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Uni-Trade Stadium to Host "Fightfest 9" Thursday Night - Laredo Lemurs
- Saints Back on TV During Stretch Run - St. Paul Saints
- One Girl, One Song, 50 States, All in the Name of Patriotism: National Anthem Girl to Sing Star Span - St. Paul Saints
- Khoury's Big Hit Gives Nuts Fiftieth Win - Wichita Wingnuts
- Canaries Let One Get Away in Amarillo - Sioux Falls Canaries
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Dogs and Gary Suspended in 11th Monday - Lincoln Saltdogs
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.
