Wingnuts Game Notes: May 19 vs. Lincoln
May 19, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
The Wichita Wingnuts open up their 2016 campaign tonight as they welcome the Lincoln Saltdogs to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium for the beginning of a four-game series.
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Wichita Wingnuts (0-0) vs. Lincoln Saltdogs (0-0)
RHP Jon Link (1st start) vs. RHP Shairon Martis (1st start)
7:05 p.m. - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium (Wichita, Kans.)
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
With former skipper Kevin Hooper leaving this offseason after seven seasons at the helm to become the Minor League Infield Coordinator for the San Diego Padres, the Wingnuts had to hunt for the third manager in club history. On February 17, the team completed their search, hiring Pete Rose Jr. as the new manager. Following a 21-year playing career that included an 11-game stint for the Cincinnati Reds in 1997, Rose began his coaching career as a hitting coach with the Florence Freedom in 2010. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native spent the next four years of his coaching career as a manager in the Chicago White Sox organization. Rose's managerial career began in 2011 with the Bristol White Sox of the Appalachian League. In two seasons at the helm of the B-Sox, Rose compiled a 43-90 record. The lone playoff appearance of his career came in 2012 when he led rookie-level Great Falls to a 48-28 record and second half division title that put the Voyagers in the Pioneer League playoffs. In 2014, Rose led Class-A Kannapolis to a 62-75 mark in his lone year as a full-season skipper.
FAMILIAR FACES
The 2016 version of the Wingnuts will look very similar to recent teams with 12 of the 23 players on the Opening Day roster having previously played for Wichita. Leading the way are four returners in the rotation in righties Jon Link, Tim Brown, and Eddie Medina, as well as lefty Anthony Capra. On the position player side, Brent Clevlen, Brent Dean, Dustin Geiger, Harrison Kain, T.J. Mittelstaedt, and Leo Vargas each return for another season. In the bullpen just two return, as Alex Boshers and Frankie Reed are the only two who have previously played for Wichita.
EXHIBITION WRAP UP
The Wingnuts played five games as a part of this year's exhibition schedule, going 1-2-2. Wichita opened exhibition play with a 5-2 win at home over Friends University, before shifting to Wichita State's Eck Stadium for their next three. The home of the Shockers was not as kind to the Wingnuts as they tied Gary twice, 2-2 and 0-0, then fell to Fargo-Moorhead 6-3. Exhibition play wrapped up with a return home and a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg on Tuesday.
American Association Stories from May 19, 2016
- Martis, Early 4-Spot Bring 'Dogs Opening Night Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Hamburger Dominates, Saints Start off on Right Foot with 8-3 Win over RailCats - St. Paul Saints
- Pitching and Power Lead Goldeyes to First Win - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Blasters Fall on Opening Night to Winnipeg - Joplin Blasters
- Canaries Bring Back Veteran LHP Kris Regas - Sioux Falls Canaries
- RailCats Partner with Local Businesses to Offer Free Weekday Tickets - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Wingnuts Game Notes: May 19 vs. Lincoln - Wichita Wingnuts
- Delta Expands Twin Cities Community Footprint as Official Airline of St. Paul Saints - St. Paul Saints
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