WICHITA, KS - Blake Gailen notched the first five-hit game in Wingnuts history, leading Wichita to a 12-2 win over the St. Paul Saints on Friday night.
The Wingnuts, who had been riding a season-long four-game losing streak, got two early runs off of Saints' starter Dustin Bolton in the top of the first. Vic Davilla had an RBI single and Michael Thompson hit a sacrifice fly.
Following a two-out intentional walk to Kevin Hooper in the second, Gailen hit a three-run homerun to right field to put Wichita up 5-0. In the sixth, Gailen hit a bases clearing three-run double to extend the lead to 10-0.
Richard Salazar improved to 5-1 as a starting pitcher, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just three hits. Already with a double, homerun, and two singles, Gailen barely missed a cycle in the top of the ninth, doubling to the gap in right-center field before getting thrown out at third on a perfect relay throw. Gailen also set a club record with seven RBI.
The Wingnuts will try for a split of the four-game series Saturday night with Brad Davis on the mound. St. Paul counters with All-Star Charlie Ruud.
Wichita returns home on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against Sioux City. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625
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