More Milestones for Wingnuts in Regular Season Finale
September 2, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts (68-32) beat the Kansas City T-Bones (40-60) 5-4 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday evening.
The win helped the Wingnuts set several more league records. At 68-32, the Wingnuts' .680 winning percentage eclipses the Lincoln Saltdogs' .677 mark set in 2006. Wichita also finished the season with a record-setting 3.38 team earned run average. The 2008 Fort Worth Cats held the previous low at 3.49.
The Wingnuts also wrapped up several team and individual benchmarks for the 2013 season. Wichita's .297 team batting average ranks first in the American Association. Third baseman Abel Nieves locked up the batting title with a 2-for-4 performance that raised his average to .357. It is the Wingnuts' fourth batting title in their first six years. C.J. Ziegler finishes with a league-best 30 home runs and 99 RBI. The 30 home runs establish a new league single-season record.
For a third straight game in the series, the Wingnuts overcame an early deficit to pull out the win. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the second, Wichita used a double steal of second and home to cut the T-Bones' lead in half. With two outs, David Amberson went first to third on a bunt single from Jared McDonald. Amberson hustled home when McDonald broke for second base.
In the bottom of the fourth, Brent Clevlen led off with a line drive single to center. Clevlen stole second and went to third on a line drive single to right from Abel Nieves. Cole Armstrong tied the game with a sacrifice fly to left. After the Wingnuts loaded the bases with two outs, Jake Kahaulelio pulled a single through the left side that scored Nieves and Amberson to make it 4-2.
C.J. Ziegler drove in the Wingnuts' final run with an RBI groundout to shortstop in the bottom of the seventh.
The T-Bones used consecutive RBI groundouts from Felix Molina and Stephen Yoo in the top of the eighth to pull within one run.
Andrew Aizenstadt worked a scoreless top of the ninth to earn his first save of the year.
James Giulietti improved to 4-0 in four starts with the Wingnuts, allowing two earned runs on three hits in five innings. Giulietti walked three and struck out three.
Josh Hildebrand took the loss in relief for Kansas City, allowing three earned runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Ethan Cole started for the T-Bones and took a no-decision. Cole allowed one earned run on four hits in three innings. Cole walked two and struck out none.
Daniel Bennett and Lincoln Holdzkom each worked a scoreless relief inning. Kahaulelio finished with four hits.
The Wingnuts open the 2013 American Association Division Series on Wednesday night against the Grand Prairie AirHogs. Junior Guerra starts for Wichita. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 92.7 KWME and worldwide at www.pressboxproductionsradio.com
The Wingnuts host Game Three of the series on Friday, September 6th at 7:05 p.m. Wichita will also host the "if necessary" Games Four and Five on September 7th and 8th. Individual tickets for all home playoff games can be purchased by calling (316) 755-SEAT, or by visiting www.selectaseat.com
Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted.
For season tickets, group outings, or 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 2, 2013
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Wingnuts Draw Grand Prairie in Playoffs - Wichita Wingnuts
- More Milestones for Wingnuts in Regular Season Finale - Wichita Wingnuts
- T-Bones' Season Ends with Loss at Wichita - Kansas City Monarchs
- AirHogs Claim South Division Title on Last Day of Season - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Fish Distribute Year-End Awards - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Hogs Win South, Then Top 'Dogs in Finale - Lincoln Saltdogs
- That's a Wrap, Saints Lose in Season Finale 4-3 in 12 - St. Paul Saints
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- RailCats Drop Regular Season Finale - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Canaries Finish 2013 with Victory over Amarillo - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Wichita Wingnuts Game Notes - September 2nd, 2013 - Wichita Wingnuts
- Sadler Smacks His Way to Batter of the Week - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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