WICHITA, KS - Saturday night the Wichita Wingnuts moved within half a game of first place in the North Division with a 5-2 win over the St. Paul Saints at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Brad Davis earned his fourth win of the season, allowing two earned runs in eight strong innings.
Kevin Hooper and Steve Pearson led the offense going a combined 4-7 with three RBI. The win also marked the first time in franchise history that the Wingnuts have won four straight.
The excitement kicked up a notch in the top of the ninth when Byron Embry threw a pitch behind Saints right fielder Kevin Sullivan. After Sullivan started walking to the mound, both benches cleared and a brawl took place behind home plate.
In total, nine ejections were handed out, including Embry, Felipe Del Rosario, Steve Pearson, and Kash Beauchamp. By the time the final out was made, David Gates was catching and Carter McQuigg was playing first base.
With the Canaries loss to the AirHogs on Saturday, the Wingnuts are now 0.5 games back of both St. Paul and Sioux Falls. Wichita will bid for the sweep Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05pm. The Wingnuts send Ronnie Ball to the mound against the Saints' Charlie Ruud.
-Wingnuts-
