Late Rally Spoils Capra's Strong Start
May 20, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts held a 3-2 lead entering the ninth inning Friday night, but saw the Lincoln Saltdogs rally for a pair to turn things around and hand the home team a 4-3 loss at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
After retiring the first batter of the inning, Frankie Reed (0-1) gave up two walks and two singles, scoring the tying run and loading the bases for Curt Smith. Smith hit a hard ground ball to short just beating out the potential double play to allow the Saltdogs (2-0) to plate the go-ahead run.
In the home half, an error by Lincoln's Pat McKenna allowed Brent Dean to reach second to start the inning, but Wichita (0-2) could only get Dean as far as third, as Evan Reed closed the door on the Wingnuts rally efforts to nail down the save.
The Saltdogs jumped in front early for the second consecutive night, scoring a run four batters into the contest on an RBI single by Luis Alen. Smith then doubled the visitor's lead in the fourth with a leadoff solo homer.
In the home half of the fourth, Wichita's offense broke through for the first time with a two-out rally. Harrison Kain continued his string of six consecutive hits to start the season, tripling into the left field corner. Dean then followed with a triple of his own to bring the Wingnuts within a run.
The Wingnuts offense got going with two outs again in the sixth. Dean started things with a single, advancing to second on a wild pitch. Leo Vargas plated him with a single of his own, before a Christian Stringer base hit gave the Wingnuts their first lead of the year at 3-2.
After allowing the fourth inning homer, Wichita starter Anthony Capra settled in, keeping the Saltdogs off the board for the remainder of his seven innings. The lefty added five more strikeouts to his franchise-leading career total, which now stands at 288.
The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their season-opening four-game set Saturday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Right-hander Tim Brown (1st start) will be on the mound for Wichita, while fellow righty Ryan O'Sullivan (1st start) will get the starting nod for Lincoln. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. and the game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO, as well as on TuneIn. 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 May 20, 2016
- American Association Results - AA
- Goldeyes Gritty in Extra Innings - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Canaries Power Their Way To 10-4 Win Over Sioux City In Home Opener - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Frantic RailCats' Rally Falls Short in 6-5 Loss to Saints - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Extra Inning Affair in Joplin Goes to Winnipeg - Joplin Blasters
- Game Ends on Play at Plate as Saints Hang on for 6-5 Win - St. Paul Saints
- Late Rally Spoils Capra's Strong Start - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Belt Three Home Runs But Fall Short in Sioux Falls - Sioux City Explorers
- 'Dogs Come Back in Ninth to Start 2-0 - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 20 vs. Lincoln - Wichita Wingnuts
- RailCats Falter in Season Opener, Lose to Saints 8-3 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Explorers Fall to Sioux Falls in Season Opener - Sioux City Explorers
- Kain's Four Hits Not Enough in Opener - Wichita Wingnuts
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