
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.
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