Wingnuts open series vs. Kansas City
June 5, 2017 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
After seeing their six-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday with an extra-innings loss to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, the Wingnuts continue their nine-game road trip tonight with the opener of a three-game series against the Kansas City T-Bones at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Full game notes attached.
Wichita Wingnuts (11-6) at Kansas City T-Bones (8-8) RHP Eddie Medina (2-0, 2.25) vs. RHP Gabe Perez (2-0, 2.59) 7:05 p.m. - CommunityAmerica Ballpark (Kansas City, Kans.)
WINGNUTS FALL IN EXTRAS
The Wichita Wingnuts had their six-game winning streak come to an end Sunday afternoon as they fell 7-6 in 10 innings to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Newman Outdoor Field. The Wingnuts struck first for the third straight day, scoring a pair in the opening inning. After a walk to start the game, the next five Wichita hitters all singled. Brent Clevlen's base hit scored the first run of the frame, while a Brennen Salgado single brought in another. The inning could have been bigger however, as the Wingnuts had two runners thrown out at the plate. Zac Fisher made it 4-0 Wichita in the fourth, launching a two-run homer. Ryan Kussmaul was cruising early for the Wingnuts, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth. However, Fargo got to the veteran righty in that frame, with a KD Kang three-run homer and Ryan Pineda RBI single tying things up. Salgado gave Wichita the lead back with a two-run single in the seventh, but the bullpen could not hold it, with a Kes Carter two-run double evening the score in the ninth. In the tenth, Charlie Valerio doubled into the right field corner to give the RedHawks the walk-off win.
OFFENSE LEADING THE WAY
Despite falling in extra innings on Sunday, the Wichita bats stayed hot, collecting 13 hits, the fourth straight game with double-digit knocks for the Wingnuts offense. Just like they did a year ago, the Wingnuts boast one of the best offenses in the league in 2017, owning a .298 team batting average, which places second behind Winnipeg's league-leading mark of .303. Wichita leads the American Association in several offensive categories including total runs scored (119), runs per game (7.0), walks drawn (101), on-base percentage (.411), and stolen bases (29). Matt Chavez has been a big part of the offense so far, hitting .367 which is sixth in the league, and is tied for the circuit lead in RBIs with 19, and doubles with seven.
NEXT STOP: KANSAS CITY
The Wingnuts nine-game road trip continues tonight as they open-up a three-game series in Kansas City against the T-Bones. Wichita dominated last season's series, taking eight of the nine meetings, including a three-game sweep at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in their only visit to Kansas City in 2016.
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American Association Stories from June 5, 2017
- AirHogs and Saints Postponed, Doubleheader Set for June 6 - Texas AirHogs
- Wingnuts open series vs. Kansas City - Wichita Wingnuts
- McGOVERN NAMED PITCHER OF THE WEEK - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints Third Baseman Hanson Named American Association Pointstreak Player of the Week - St. Paul Saints
- Pair of Wins Earns McGovern Weekly Honours - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- T-Bones Finish Winning Road Trip with a Loss - Kansas City Monarchs
- AirHogs Prep for Homestand After Suffering Loss in Cleburne - Texas AirHogs
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