Thunderheads Strike Down Wingnuts 7-2
Published on September 2, 2015 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (September 1, 2015) - The Amarillo Thunderheads have been removed from the playoff race for quite some time. The South Division rival of the Wichita Wingnuts entered a four-game series with the division leader on Tuesday night knowing that the best they could do is play the role of spoiler. The Thunderheads played that part to perfection by knocking off Wichita 7-2 behind the solid pitching performance of Matt Larkins and an opportunistic offense.
The Wingnuts (55-39) were the first team to reach the scoreboard. Nick Van Stratten opened the third inning by lining a home run off of the foul pole above the left field wall. His first long ball as a member of the Wingnuts made the score 1-0.
Wichita starter Jason Van Skike (7-7) had allowed only one hit entering the top of the fifth inning. Geraldo Valentin matched that total with his double to the warning track in left to open the frame. Van Skike then issued a free pass to Christian Ibarra to put two on with nobody out. With one out, Corey Bass singled to load the bases for former Wingnut Kori Melo. The shortstop tied the score with an opposite field line drive. The string of hits reached three with Juan Martinez's two-RBI double in front of a diving Jayce Ray. The lead was increased to 4-1 on Rene Leveret's fielder's choice ground out.
Larkins (8-5) allowed three consecutive singles with one out in the sixth as the Wingnuts chipped away. The final hit, off the bat of Harrison Kain, cut the lead to 4-2.
Amarillo (43-51) built on their lead in both the seventh and eighth innings. In the former, Bass singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored when Melo's sacrifice bunt was thrown away by Van Skike. Another run scored on a double from Leveret. Melo was back in the middle of things in the next frame. His second double of the game plated Ibarra who had worked a leadoff walk earlier.
The Wingnuts put runners on base in each of the last two innings, but could not score on Evan Reed nor Richard Barrett. Melo paced all hitters with three base knocks, two RBI, and a pair of runs scored.
Game two will be held on Wednesday morning at 11:05 a.m. RHP Eddie Medina (4-1) will match up with Amarillo RHP Richie Mirowski (4-2). 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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