WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts made up for a last inning game one loss, with a last inning game two victory, earning a split with the Sioux Falls Canaries in front of 5,393 fans on Tuesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.
In the completion of Monday's suspended game, the Wingnuts blew an 8-5 lead in the ninth, falling 10-8 to Sioux Falls in 11 innings. Kelly Hunt hit a three-run home run and Stephen Pearson knocked in three runs to help stake Wichita to leads of 6-1 and 8-4, but Wichita's bullpen could not hold the leads. In the ninth closer Amad Stephens allowed a walk, a single and a walk to start the inning. After striking out Patrick Reilly, JD Reininger singled home a run, sending Stephens to the shower. Ronnie Morales came in and struck out Jared Lemieux but the pitch went to the backstop, allowing another run to score. Ken Lup then singled home the tying run with two outs. The Wingnuts had the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth, But Pearson hit into an inning-ending double play.
In the 11th, Trevor Lawhorn led off with a double. Patrick Reilly sacrificed, but Morales threw the ball into right field to score Lawhorn. Reilly scored on a suicide squeeze by Lemieux. In the bottom of the inning, Wichita put men on first and second, but Sioux Falls closer Kris Regas struck out Joe Muich to record his 11th save of the season.
Unlike game one, game two was a pitching clinic. After scoring just one first inning run, despite the bases loaded and one out, Sioux Falls starter Ben Moore retired all 15 batters he faced in innings two thru six. Wichita starter Adam Cowart was just as good, allowing a single run in the fourth on a double by Lawhorn. Cowart went on to retire the next 11 hitters. In the seventh, Kelly Hunt led off with a single. Patrick Brooks pinch ran and scored on Greg Porter's double to give Wichita a 2-1 win.
Wichita and Sioux Falls will wrap up their series on Wednesday at Noon. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.
-Wingnuts-
