Wingnuts Fall to T-Bones by 4-1 Score
May 12, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
KANSAS CITY, KS (May 12, 2015) - After opening their exhibition schedule with a pair of showdowns with Frontier League opponents, the Wichita Wingnuts went up against a fellow American Association rival on Tuesday. Despite putting runners on base often, the Nuts couldn't bring enough of them in to score as they dropped a 5-1 decision to the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark.
The T-Bones didn't wait long to go on the offensive against Wichita starter Tim Brown. Robby Kuzdale led off the bottom of the first inning with a triple into the gap. Brown retired the next two hitters and looked to be on the verge of working out of the jam. Adam Bailey spoiled those plans by lining an RBI single into right. Nate Tenbrink followed with a run-scoring double that plated Bailey and made the score 2-0.
The Wingnuts cashed in against former Major League right-hander Fernando Hernandez by using small ball tactics in the third inning. Taylor Oldham began the frame with a double. Jayce Ray used a fielder's choice to move Oldham to third and then Luis Hernandez scored him with a bouncer deep in the second base hole.
The T-Bones regained their two-run advantage in the bottom half of the same inning. C.J. Henry reached with an infield single and scored on Bailey's RBI double to make it 3-1.
The same score held until the seventh inning when Kansas City scratched across a run against reliever Jake Negrete. The right-hander retired the first two hitters he faced before walking Brian Erie and Kyle Robinson. Henry came through with a two out base knock to push Erie across and increase the advantage to 4-1. The T-Bones added their final run in the bottom of the ninth against Scott Shuman.
Luis Hernandez and Chris Garcia each tallied a pair of hits in the contest. Catcher John Nester threw out both runners who attempted to steal on him, improving to 4-4 in such opportunities.
Omar Bencomo was impressive as the second pitcher to take the mound, striking out four in 3.0 no-hit innings. Al Yevoli retired the side in order in the eighth.
The Wingnuts (1-2) will take the field at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium for the first time this spring on Wednesday morning at 11:05 a.m. to take on the Garden City Wind. The eighth season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins on Thursday, May 21st in Joplin, with the home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes taking place on Tuesday, May 26th. 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.
American Association Stories from May 12, 2015
- Runs Galore in Pre-Season Slugfest - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Wingnuts Fall to T-Bones by 4-1 Score - Wichita Wingnuts
- Blasters Reveal Inaugural Season Promotions Schedule - Joplin Blasters
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