Smith's Big Effort, Hit Barrage Help Break Streak
July 5, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts (29-18) defeated the Grand Prairie AirHogs (26-19) 6-2 at QuikTrip Park on Friday night.
The Wingnuts scored twice in the top of the first inning to take their first lead of the series. Ryan Khoury and Jake Kahaulelio hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with no outs. John Rodriguez lined a single to center field that scored Khoury with the game's first run. Three batters later, Abel Nieves made it 2-0 on a fielder's choice to shortstop.
Wingnuts' starter Chris Smith took early control of the game en route to earning the win. Smith pitched seven and two-thirds innings of one-run ball and retired the first two batters in each of his first seven frames. Smith scattered five hits, walked four, and struck out seven.
Wichita added a run in the top of the fifth. Khoury singled to left with one out, stole second base, and scored on a ground rule double to left from Kahaulelio.
The Wingnuts broke the game open with a three-run top of the eighth. C.J. Ziegler, Brent Clevlen, Nieves, Cole Armstrong, and Colt Loehrs started the inning with five consecutive singles with the latter three all collecting an RBI.
Andrew Aizenstadt relieved Smith and struck out Frazier Hall with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth to end a two-out threat for Grand Prairie. The AirHogs opened the inning with back-to-back doubles from Yasutsugu Nishimoto and Ryan Pineda to score their first run.
Grand Prairie tacked on another run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly from Pineda before Josh Dew closed out the game.
Khoury, Kahaulelio, Rodriguez, Ziegler, and Nieves all had multiple hits in the win. Eight different starters had at least one hit, while all nine reached base at least once. The win broke an 11-game losing streak at QuikTrip Park dating back to July of 2011.
The Wingnuts return home on Saturday, July 6th when they host the Amarillo Sox at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson takes on right-hander Jason Johnson. Individual tickets 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.
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