SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 11-1 on Monday night at Lewis and Clark Park.
Wichita pounded out 11 runs for a second straight game and dropped the Explorers four games back of first place with 12 games left to play in the first half.
The Wingnuts grabbed an early lead, scoring two runs just three batters into the game. Nick Blasi and Josh Horn opened the contest with singles. Both came around to score when Greg Porter doubled to right-center field. The extra-base hit extended Porter's hitting streak to 12 straight games, one shy of Kevin Hooper's club record. Porter was also named American Association Batter of the Week earlier on Monday afternoon.
Wichita plated three more runs in the fourth. Dustan Mohr leadoff the inning and reached on an error by third baseman Landon Camp. Two batters later, Joe Muich reached on an infield single. Steve Pearson hit a ground rule double into the right field corner to score Mohr. Brenan Herrera helped break the game open with a two-out, two-run single down the left field line to make it 5-0 Wichita.
Leading 5-1 in the seventh, a double by Michael Thompson and walks to Brenan Herrera and Josh Horn setup a bases loaded, two-run single to center field by Porter to extend the Wingnuts' lead to six runs. Dustan Mohr followed with an RBI single through the left side to make it 8-1.
Adam Cowart turned in his second consecutive strong start, allowing one run on just five hits in six innings of work. Cowart struck out two and did not allow a walk. The right-hander needed only 82 pitches to get through his six innings and earn his third win of the season.
Wichita scored three more in the top of the ninth. After Josh Horn walked and Greg Porter singled, Dustan Mohr hit a three-run home run over the left field fence to give the Wingnuts a 10-run lead.
Richard Salazar, Doug Hurn, and Tyler Rhoden each pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Cowart to close out the win.
The Wingnuts continue their series with Sioux City tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Will Savage goes to the mound for the Wingnuts and will be opposed by right-hander Ty Marotz. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home Friday, June 26th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m The first 1,000 fans in attendance receive a Kevin Hooper bobblehead doll, courtesy of Big Fish Bail Bonds. The Wingnuts also host their weekly Friday postgame autographs, courtesy of KFDI. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
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