Wingnuts Are Central Division Champs Again
August 23, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts (61-30) clinched their fourth division title in the last five years, beating the Grand Prairie AirHogs (47-44) 5-3 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.
Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the third, the Wingnuts scored three runs to tie the game. David Amberson was hit by a pitch leading off and went to third on an errant pickoff throw by AirHogs' starter Curtis Camilli. Amberson scored on Jared McDonald's groundout to first base. Later in the inning, and with two outs and no one on base, Jake Kahaulelio doubled down the left field line. John Rodriguez then beat out a groundball to second base for an infield single that put runners on the corners. Rodriguez broke for second and drew a throw from catcher Angel Flores that allowed Kahaulelio to score Wichita's second run. C.J. Ziegler followed with a line drive single to left that scored Rodriguez to tie the game at 3-3.
Brent Clevlen and Abel Nieves hit back-to-back singles leading off the bottom of the fourth and were sacrificed an extra base by Cole Armstrong. Wichita took the lead when Clevlen scored on a wild pitch from Camilli. Amberson made it 5-3 with a groundball single up the middle through the AirHogs' drawn-in infield.
James Giulietti and four Wingnuts' relievers made the lead stand up. Giulietti earned the win, allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits in six innings. Giulietti walked four and struck out five.
Nick Walters, Lincoln Holdzkom, Andrew Aizenstadt, and Josh Dew combined for three shutout innings to close out the win. Dew struck out the side in order in the top of the ninth to earn his 24th save.
Andres Rodriguez hit a two-out, two-run home run down the left field line in the top of the first to give the AirHogs an early 2-0 lead.
Palmer Karr Jr. added a sacrifice fly to left in the top of the third to make it 3-0.
Camilli took the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in four innings. Camilli walked none and struck out none.
It is the Wingnuts' third consecutive Central Division title and fourth in five years under manager Kevin Hooper.
The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Klipp starts for the Wingnuts. 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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