ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the St. Paul Saints 11-10 at Midway Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Wingnuts almost allowed an 11-1 lead to slip away, with the Saints scoring two in the eighth and seven in the ninth to get within one, but Ronnie Morales struck out the side in the ninth with the tying and winning runs on base to close out the game.
Wichita jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Greg Porter hit a two-run home run over the left field fence. The home run extended Porter's hitting streak to 11 consecutive games, leaving him two shy of Kevin Hooper's club record.
The Wingnuts scored four times in the second to break the game open. With the bases loaded and one out, Nick Blasi reached base on an error that scored Joe Muich. Josh Horn followed with a sacrifice fly to center to drive in Steve Pearson. After a two-out walk to Porter, Dustan Mohr singled sharply off the glove of third baseman Jeff Eure to bring in two more runs and give the Wingnuts a 6-0 lead.
Wichita went on to score in each of their first six at bats, hitting three more home runs to tie a club record. Joe Muich homered to center field leading off the top of the third inning. Greg Porter hit his second of the game in the top of the fourth, which was followed two batters later by a home run from Kelly Hunt.
After building an 11-1 lead, the Saints scored two in the eighth on a two-run home run by Jeff Eure, and then scores seven in the ninth against Amad Stephens and Ronnie Morales before Morales struck out Andrew Bennett to end the game.
After missing his last start, Gabe Medina returned to the rotation and earned the win. Medina allowed one run on three hits while striking out four in five innings of work. Justin Young and Richard Salazar each tossed scoreless innings.
The Wingnuts travel to Sioux City and open a four-game series with the Explorers beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. You can hear the game locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 26th when they host the St. Paul Saints. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
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