Long Ball Carries Lemurs to Game One Win
Published on September 10, 2015 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
LAREDO, TX (September 9, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts hadn't trailed through the first five-and-a-half innings of Wednesday night's playoff opener in Laredo. A two out grand slam from Laredo Lemurs catcher Phil Pohl changed that in the bottom of the sixth. Laredo also received two long balls from Travis Denker on their way to a big 12-3 win in game one of the Divisional Round.
Lemurs' starter Henry Garcia (1-0) retired the first four hitters in the game, prior to hitting T.J. Mittelstaedt with a pitch in the second. John Nester followed by hooking a double into the left field corner that pushed a pair of runners into scoring position. The very next hitter, Harrison Kain, followed suit with a double down the line of his own that scored both runners and put the Wingnuts on top 2-0.
Laredo quickly erased the early deficit in the bottom of the same inning. Denis Phipps lined a single at the outset and scored quickly when Denker turned around a fastball for his first home run. Scott Richmond (0-1) walked the next hitter, but worked around any further damage with the aid of a double play.
Andy LaRoche launched a solo home run to open the fourth inning that put Wichita back in front 3-2. That would be the team's final run in the game as Garcia worked 6.0 innings and allowed three runs on five hits. Right-handers Ryan Beckman and John Brebbia each allowed a hit in relief, but combined to shutout the Wingnuts for the final three innings.
The tide turned in the sixth inning when Richmond was eventually chased. He allowed a one out single followed by back-to-walks to load the bases. Drew Martinez lifted a pop up to the left side for the second out and gave the Nuts a chance to escape. Juan Silverio then took a bases loaded walk to force in a run and tie the game. Richmond was replaced by southpaw Alex Sogard with the bases remaining loaded. Pohl cleared the bases with a 1-0 swing that sailed out of the stadium to left. That blast made it 7-3.
Denker struck for a second time in the eighth. With two runs already in on Phipps' bases loaded single, the first baseman crushed a pitch from Brad Orosey over the left field wall for a three-run shot. The veteran finished 3-4 with five RBI, three extra-base hits, and three runs scored.
Alex Boshers was the only Wichita pitcher that didn't allow a run. He retired all four hitters he faced in his professional postseason debut. Every member of the Laredo lineup reached base at some point in the game.
The series continues on Thursday night at Uni-Trade Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. first pitch. RHP Jon Link will meet RHP Matt Sergey of Laredo in the game. 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 10, 2015
- Deflated: Saints Manage One Hit in 12-1 Loss, Trail Series 2-0 - St. Paul Saints
- Saints' DiFazio Completes Dominant Season with Player of the Year Honors - AA
- DiFazio Named American Association Player of the Year - St. Paul Saints
- Long Ball Carries Lemurs to Game One Win - Wichita Wingnuts
- American Association Playoff Recaps - Laredo Lemurs
- Wasted Opportunities Cost Saints as They Drop Game 1 3-2 to Explorers - St. Paul Saints
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