Oh No-No So Close
May 21, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (May 21, 2014) - Will Savage threw the only solo no-hitter in Wichita Wingnuts' history back in July of 2009. For 8.1 innings on Wednesday night it appeared that Anthony Capra was prepared to join the illustrious club. Capra allowed a one out single to Nick Giarraputo in the Kansas City T-Bones ninth to end the no-hit bid, but Matt Nevarez saved the day as the Wingnuts (5-2) held on for a 2-0 victory at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
The scheduled starter for the T-Bones (3-4), Rick Zagone, was a late scratch due to injury so Kansas City gave the ball to reliever Andy Noga in an emergency start. Noga was brilliant during his 3.0 innings of work striking out five and allowing just two hits. Jared Messer threw a scoreless pair of innings in relief of Noga, as the game was locked in a scoreless tie through five.
That changed when lefty Zach fowler entered the game in the sixth. David Amberson reached scoring position by hustling for a leadoff double on a sharp line drive to left. After Ryan Khoury walked to put runners on the corners, Jake Kahaulelio also doubled, allowing Amberson to trot home and giving the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. That would be the only run necessary with the brilliance of Capra on the mound, but Newcomer Mike Hernandez drove in another on a fielder's choice groundout with the bases loaded to go up 2-0.
Capra continued to baffle Kansas City hitters through the eighth inning, but had walked seven so his pitch count was well over 100 entering the ninth. He made his way to the hill anyways with a chance to make history. He retired the first hitter he faced, David Espinosa, on a fly out to center field before walking the next man up Bryan Sabatella. Immediately afterwards, clean-up hitter Nick Giarraputo singled through the right side to end Capra's aspirations. He was removed to a standing ovation from the crowd in favor of Nevarez. The reliever induced a fly ball to center for the first out and then walked Vladimir Frias to load the bases. He rebounded to strike out Byron Wiley and end the game with the tying run on second base.
Capra's impressive numbers included 8.1 shutout innings, allowing one hit and eight walks while striking out nine.
The Wingnuts will hit the road for the first time on Thursday night when they play at Gary SouthShore, in a rematch of the 2013 championship series. RHP Tim Brown will get the nod for Wichita and will face RHP Stephen Hiscock of the RailCats. The game can be heard on 92.7 KWME or by heading to wichitawingnuts.com and clicking the "Listen Live" link. 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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