Wingnuts Rally to Cut Magic Number to One
August 30, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts erased an early three-run deficit to knock off the Joplin Blasters for the second consecutive evening by a final score of 6-3 Tuesday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
The win for Wichita (58-36) shrinks their magic number to clinch the South Division to one, meaning the Wingnuts are one win away from their sixth straight division title.
The Blasters took an early lead for the second straight night, scoring three in the opening frame. The first three Joplin hitters drew walks, with a passed ball plating the first run, a ground out scoring another, and a bases loaded free pass to Axel Johnson capping the three-run frame.
The lead did not last long however, as the Wingnuts answered in the home half of the inning. T.J. Mittelstaedt got the scoring started, hitting into a fielder's choice to bring home Christian Stringer. Matt Chavez followed with an RBI double, Nick Van Stratten tied it with a ground out, and Harrison Kain then gave Wichita a 4-3 lead with an RBI single.
After the first, Wichita pitching dominated the remainder of the evening. In relief, Eddie Medina (6-5) worked four and a third innings, allowing four hits while keeping Joplin off the scoreboard.
Wichita got some more breathing room for the bullpen in the fifth. Back-to-back one-out hits off of Alex De La Cruz (2-6) knocked Joplin's starter from the ballgame, and Kain then greeted reliever Bobby Orozco with a two-run single, to push the lead to three.
Behind Medina, the Wingnuts turned to a quartet of relievers to work an inning apiece. Gage Smith worked a perfect sixth, Chase Johnson posted a zero in the ninth, Chad Nading retired the Blasters in order in the eighth, and Frankie Reed finished it off with a scoreless ninth to earn his 20th save.
In addition to shrinking their magic number to one for a South Division title, Wichita also remained tied with St. Paul for the best overall record in the American Association at 58-36, as the Saints beat the Winnipeg Goldeyes 18-2.
The Wingnuts and Blasters continue their four-game series Wednesday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Wichita will turn to right-hander Tyler Kane (1-0, 0.00), while Joplin will send fellow righty Harrison Lee (0-0, 0.00) to the mound. First pitch is set for 7:05, and the game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO, as well as on TuneIn.
For information on 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 August 30, 2016
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