WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts earned their first win of their exhibition season, defeating the Newman University Jets 5-1 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.
Wichita grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly from Greg Porter that scored Nick Blasi. In the second, Joe Muich scored on a throwing error from Jets' shortstop John Bonebrake. The Wingnuts pushed across another run on a bases loaded walk to Brenan Herrera to make it 3-0.
Derek Blacksher started for Wichita, striking out seven in three shutout innings. Blacksher walked one and did not allow a base hit.
Jeff Reekers pitched the middle three innings for the Wingnuts, allowing one run on three hits to pick up the win. Ronnie Morales, Tyler Rhoden, and Amad Stephens combined to allow two hits in three scoreless innings to close out the final three innings. Wingnuts pitchers struck out 12 hitters on the night.
The Jets scratched out their lone run on an RBI fielder's choice from John Beavers in the top of the fifth. The Wingnuts padded their lead with a pair of sacrifice flies from Josh Horn in the sixth and eighth innings.
The Wingnuts open their second season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are now on sale to the public, as well as group, picnic, and season packages. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
-Wingnuts-
