Wichita Strikes Early, Hangs on to Win Series Opener
July 20, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Burt Reynolds went deep for the 19th time this season, but the AirHogs could not complete a comeback vs. Wichita Tuesday at AirHogs Stadium, falling 6-4.
LHP Griffin Russell got the ball to start and surrendered 3 runs on 2 walks, 2 hits, a failed fielder's choice and a sacrifice fly in the 1st. The Wingnuts got to him again with 2 outs in the top half of the 4th on a 2-RBI double by Christian Stringer to run their early lead to 5-0.
The AirHogs bats got going in the bottom half of the 4th by putting together 3 straight hits against RHP Eddie Medina. Leon Byrd and Cody Lenahan each doubled to put the 1st tally on the board. Brian Bistagne added a 2nd on a base hit up the middle.
After Wichita got a run off Carlos Misell in the 7th, Reynolds went deep off Medina for a 2-run home run in the 8th to make it 6-4. Unfortunately, the team could draw no closer, as Wichita relief man Chad Nading stranded 2 in the bottom of the 9th to seal the win for the visitors.
Russell absorbed his 8th loss, while Medina picked up his 2nd win. The save was the 2nd of the year for Nading. The AirHogs (20-37) and the Wingnuts (38-19) meet again tomorrow at 7:05. RHP Matt Shepherd is expected to start for the AirHogs.
• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...
American Association Stories from July 20, 2016
- Lightning Strikes out Goldeyes and Saints - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Mendonca's Walk-Off Single Wins It For X's - Sioux City Explorers
- Canaries Battle Back for 2-1 Walk-Off Win on Wednesday Night - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Wichita Streak Ends on Hur Walk-Off - Wichita Wingnuts
- Alen, Strong Pitching Leads to 'Dogs Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Saints and Goldeyes Cancelled in Bottom of Second with Saints up 3-0,Will Resume August 15 - St. Paul Saints
- Checky's Base Running Gives RailCats Second Straig - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Five RedHawks Named to All-Star Team - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Blake Schmit Named 2016 American Association All-Star - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Two RailCats Make American Association All-Star Game - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Five Saints to Represent North in American Association All-Star Game at CHS Field August 2 - St. Paul Saints
- Four Saltdogs Named to 2016 A.A. All-Star Team - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wichita Strikes Early, Hangs on to Win Series Opener - Texas AirHogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
