Wingnuts Close Regular Season with 4-2 Victory

Published on September 7, 2015 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


WICHITA, KS (September 7, 2015) - With their positioning in the American Association postseason already secured prior to Monday afternoon's regular season finale, the Wichita Wingnuts had one final opportunity to add to their win total. The team took advantage of a three-run seventh inning to finish a comeback win over the Grand Prairie AirHogs by a 4-2 score.

The Wingnuts (59-41) took advantage of the first of six AirHogs errors to jump in front 1-0 in the second. After a double play ball cleared the bases for Harrison Kain, the left fielder reached on an infield single. Kain stole his 21st base of the year moments later to move to second. Shortstop Miguel Castano moved deep in the hole to his right in an attempt to field a Brent Dean ground ball in the next at-bat. The infielder gloved the ball, but threw wide of first which allowed Kain to score.

Grand Prairie (29-71) evened the score two batters into the top of the fourth.  Victor Diaz dropped a shallow pop up into right field for a single to start the inning. Michael Pair ripped a double into the gap in his at-bat against Eddie Medina to drive in his 17th run of the year. Medina did not allow another run in his 6.0 innings on the hill. He gave up a single run on seven hits.

Alex Boshers (4-2), the first pitcher out of the bullpen, allowed the AirHogs to break the tie in the seventh. Castano opened the threat with a soft line drive double to left. A bunt from Ronnie Richardson moved him to third base. Two-hitter Justin Byrd managed to lift a single over the left side of the infield, putting Grand Prairie on top 2-1.

Wichita responded quickly to take control in the bottom of the seventh, the last inning on the mound for Bennett Whitmore (2-12). Dean reached base initially on his second infield single of the day. With a hit-and-run on, Leo Vargas slashed a single up the middle that bounced over Byrd's glove in center. Dean scored and Vargas advanced to third on the miscue. Taylor Smart plated Vargas from third with a sacrifice fly into deep center field. Recently named American Association Player of the Week, Nick Van Stratten slammed his third home run of the season to push the margin to 4-2.

Once the home team had the lead, Kevin Hooper turned things over to a pair of right-handers at the back of the bullpen. Daniel Bennett struck out the final two hitters while retiring the AirHogs in order in the eighth. Closer Paul Smyth followed by striking out the side in a perfect ninth inning.

The Wingnuts have Tuesday off before opening the playoffs at Uni-Trade Stadium in Laredo on Wednesday night. The team will return to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium for game three of the series on Saturday, September 12th at 7:05 p.m. 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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American Association Stories from September 7, 2015


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