Wingnuts Scratch out Win in Series Opener
September 5, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Grand Prairie AirHogs 2-0 in 12 innings in Game One of the American Association Division Series at QuikTrip Park on Wednesday night.
With the game scoreless in the top of the 12th, Johnny Bowden overcame an 0-2 count to draw a pinch-hit bases loaded walk that forced in John Rodriguez with the game's first run. David Amberson followed with an RBI single through the left side that made it 2-0. Rodriguez started the rally with a groundball single to right. Two batters later, Brent Clevlen bounced a single to left. Abel Nieves followed with a walk that loaded the bases. Grand Prairie then called on left-hander Brandon Bargas, while the Wingnuts countered with the right-handed Bowden.
Josh Dew closed out the game with a perfect bottom of the ninth to earn the save. Wichita's bullpen totaled six shutout innings in the win.
The Wingnuts came up with a huge defensive play in the bottom of the 11th. Rian Kiniry led off with a double to the right field fence. When Kiniry tried to stretch the hit into a triple, Jake Kahaulelio made a perfect relay throw to Abel Nieves to record the first out of the inning.
Junior Guerra started for the Wingnuts and pitched six shutout frames. Guerra allowed five hits, walked five, and struck out six in a no-decision. Guerra was especially tough with runners on base, stranding 11 AirHogs over the first five innings.
Grand Prairie starter Aaron Wilkerson and four relievers kept Wichita off the board for 11 innings. From the sixth inning through the 11th, AirHogs' pitching retired 17 batters in a row.
Stephen Nikonchik took the loss in relief for Grand Prairie.
Wilkerson took a no-decision with seven scoreless innings. Wilkerson allowed three hits, four walks, and struck out five.
Daniel Bennett, Nick Walters, Andrew Aizenstadt, and Lincoln Holdzkom helped contribute to the 12-inning shutout. Holdzkom earned the win with a scoreless bottom of the 11th.
Rodriguez had three hits in the win for Wichita. Amberson had two base hits. It is the Wingnuts' first postseason extra inning victory in team history, and their first 12-inning game overall since July 12th, 2012 versus Kansas City.
Game two of the series is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Chris Smith faces right-hander Josh Strawn. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 92.7 KWME and worldwide at www.pressboxproductionsradio.com
The Wingnuts host Game Three of the series on Friday, September 6th at 7:05 p.m. Wichita will also host the "if necessary" Games Four and Five on September 7th and 8th. Individual tickets for all home playoff games can be purchased by calling (316) 755-SEAT, or by visiting www.selectaseat.com
Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted.
For season tickets, group outings, or 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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