Lemurs Pitching Stifles Wingnuts to Take 2-0 Series Lead
Published on September 11, 2015 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
LAREDO, TX (September 10, 2015) - After the Laredo Lemurs launched three home runs that drove in a combined nine runs in game one of a Divisional Round series at Uni-Trade Stadium, the Wichita Wingnuts made it a point to keep their opponent from leaving the yard. The versatile attack of the Lemurs was up to the challenge and used some small ball to take a 2-0 lead in the series on Thursday evening. The Lemurs did not homer, instead applying a balanced attack to produce nine hits and win by a 4-1 score.
Following a 52 minute rain delay, both teams were retired in order in a quick first inning for both pitchers. Laredo was the first team to strike, doing so in the second. Denis Phipps and Travis Denker led off the inning with back-to-back singles off of right-hander Jon Link (0-1). A bunt from J.D. Pulfer moved both runners into scoring position for Drew Martinez. The outfielder also laid down a bunt, his scoring Phipps from third to make it 1-0.
The score remained 1-0 until the bottom half of the sixth. With two outs, Phipps hit a ground ball to the left side that was knocked down by T.J. Mittelstaedt. The third baseman's throw across the diamond got away from Andy Laroche and rolled into the dugout, moving the runner to second. Denker doubled the Lemurs lead with a bloop single to shallow center field that landed among a group of defenders.
Link's final inning, the seventh, saw Laredo push their advantage to 4-0. Phil Pohl doubled following an infield single and fielder's choice, to place runners on second and third with one out. Ty Morrison increased the lead to 3-0 with a run-scoring base hit to left. Abel Nieves added to the lead with a fielder's choice bouncer to short.
Lemurs' starter Matt Sergey (1-0) entered the game having not allowed a run in his first 20.0 innings with the club. He increased that number to 26.0 straight frames by surrendering only a pair of singles over 6.0 innings of work. He struck out seven and did not issue a walk.
The Nuts did their only damage of the contest in the eighth inning against the bullpen. With one out, back-to-back singles from Harrison Kain and Leo Vargas chased Luis De La Cruz from the game in favor of closer John Brebbia. The right-hander got pinch-hitter Taylor Oldham to fly out near the warning track in left, before giving up an RBI single to Nick Van Stratten. A backhanded stop and long throw across the diamond from Pulfer retired Ray to end the threat and prevent further damage.
The series will return to Wichita for game three on Saturday night. The 7:05 p.m. game will feature an appearance from Kansas City Royals great Bret Saberhagen and post-game fireworks. 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 September 11, 2015
- Heroes, Amateur Baseball and Pirate Ships Highlight Saints First Home Playoff Game Presented by Ecol - St. Paul Saints
- Lemurs Pitching Stifles Wingnuts to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Wichita Wingnuts
- American Association Playoff Recaps - Laredo Lemurs
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.
