Nuts' Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Laredo
September 5, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
LAREDO, TX - The Wichita Wingnuts fell behind for a second straight playoff game at Uni-Trade Stadium on Thursday night. Unlike Wednesday evening, when they were able to rebound and earn a dramatic victory, the Nuts' come-from-behind-effort fell just short in a 3-2 series-evening loss to the Laredo Lemurs.
Wingnuts' starter Anthony Capra struggled with his command early in the outing and the Lemurs took advantage right away. After both Denis Phipps and Travis Denker earned free passes with one out, John Alonso popped out in foul territory to first. With two outs, Byron Wiley ripped a groundball single through the left side to score Phipps and put the home team ahead 1-0.
Capra issued a base on balls to Denker once again to begin the third inning and the power-hitter advanced to second on another Wiley base knock. The pair of runners reached scoring position as a result of an ensuing wild pitch. Devin Goodwin took four pitches out of the zone to load the bases for J.P. Ramirez. The left-fielder hit a slow roller toward third, but Chris McClendon's only play was to first, allowing the runner from third to score and push the Laredo lead to 2-0. Capra found his rhythm in the fourth and fifth innings, striking out Lemurs for four of the six outs in the frames, but had to hand the ball to the pen after his pitch count was raised considerably.
Chris Peacock came on in relief for the sixth and also walked a pair of hitters during the frame, leading to a run-scoring opportunity for the Lemurs. Phipps came through with his second post-season RBI, lining Peacock's first offering into left for a 3-0 lead.
Left-hander Casey Harman of the Lemurs was extremely effective at limiting the high-flying Wingnuts' offense through the first six innings of his outing. Entering the seventh, he had allowed only three hits and prevented Wichita from crossing the plate. After walking Brent Clevlen with one out in that stanza, Carlo Testa drove a home run the opposite way to left to pull his team within a run at 3-2. Harman remained in through the eighth inning and never gave up another run. He finished with four strikeouts, two walks, and scattered five hits.
Caleb Graham entered for the save opportunity and retired the first two batters, Espinosa and Clevlen, without issue. Abel Nieves was behind in the count 1-2, but found a way to sneak a ball through the left side of the infield to keep the Wingnuts' hopes alive. With Testa at the plate representing the go-ahead run, Graham retired the outfielder with a called strike three on a breaking ball.
Nieves extended his string of hitting safely in every game he has played with Wichita to 15 contests. McMurray joined Nieves as the only two Wingnuts with one more than one hit. Wiley paced all hitters with three base knocks and was the only Lemur to finish with more than one. Daniel Bennett and Chase Johnson each worked scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
The series shifts to Wichita on Saturday for game three at 7:05 p.m. RHP Jason Van Skike will throw for the Wingnuts against the regular season ERA leader RHP Cesar Carrillo of the Lemurs. There will be a fireworks show following the conclusion of 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.
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American Association Stories from September 5, 2014
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- RailCats Send Help to the Atlantic League - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Results - AA
- Nuts' Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Laredo - Wichita Wingnuts
- Fleming Delivers the Goods, Dogs Even Series - Lincoln Saltdogs
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