Wingnuts Win Rain-Shortened Game

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won 5-3 over the Sioux Falls Pheasants in a rain-shortened game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

After the Pheasants took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, the Wingnuts came right back in the bottom of the inning to move in front.  Steve Pearson led off with a single and advanced to second when Jeff Christy walked.  Tony Mansolino sacrificed the runners into scoring position before a throwing error by catcher Eddy Rodriguez scored Pearson from third.  Eric Williams singled to right to score Christy and give the Wingnuts a 2-1 lead.  Ryan Patterson was next and crushed a two-run home run over the left field wall.

The Pheasants inched closer in the fourth.  Hunter Jobes dropped an RBI double inside the left field line while Gus Milner's RBI groundout made it 4-3.

The Wingnuts re-extended their lead in the bottom of the inning.  Michael Thompson reached on an infield single to lead off the frame.  After Chris Colton walked, Steve Pearson laid down the Wingnuts' second sacrifice bunt of the night.  Jeff Christy then blooped a single into short center to give the Wingnuts a 5-3 lead.

The Pheasants scored the first run of the game on a two-out, RBI single by Reggie Abercrombie in the top of the third.

Ben Graham was credited with his first professional win, allowing three earned runs in 5.0 innings.  Graham struck out one and walked one.  Ryan Rodriguez took the loss, allowing five earned runs in 4.2 IP.  In addition to the abbreviated finish, the game also started over 90 minutes late due to rain.

The Wingnuts and Pheasants continue their series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.  Nick Singleton faces right-hander Ryan Shaver.  For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS.

-Wingnuts-