Wichita Wingnuts News

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their 2010 schedule on Thursday.

The 96-game schedule features eight Friday and nine Saturday home dates, more than the Wingnuts have had in either of their first two years. Official start times for the games will be announced soon.

A link to the schedule can be found here.

For the first time in their history, the Wingnuts begin the season on the road, heading to rival St. Paul for a three-game series on May 13th. Wichita's home opener is set for Tuesday, May 18th versus the Sioux Falls, which kicks off a seven-game homestand. Wichita enjoys 29 home games in the first half. Nearly every game in the first half will have a direct impact on the pennant race, as 45 of the Wingnuts' 48 contests are against division opponents.

Wichita has 20 scheduled games without a day off from July 6th-25th, their longest such stretch of the year. While the 76th annual NBC World Series takes place in Wichita, the Wingnuts will play 13 road games in a 14-day span from July 29th-August 11th.

In addition to facing its rivals from the North, the Wingnuts welcome the Fort Worth Cats and El Paso Diablos to Wichita for the first time since 2008. Pensacola and Shreveport-Bossier are the only teams who do not visit Lawrence-Dumont Stadium this season, while the Wingnuts travel everywhere in the league with the exception of Grand Prairie.

Wichita's first meeting with Lincoln, the team that edged the Wingnuts in five games in the North Division Series, is on May 25th at Haymarket Park. The Saltdogs' first trip to Wichita is the following weekend, beginning on June 4th.

The Wingnuts also formally announced the date for the 2010 American Association All-Star Game. The mid-summer classic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. In 2009, the Wingnuts sent a league-high seven players to the All-Star game in Grand Prairie. Festivities will take place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium leading up to the game which features the North Division's best versus the South's. The annual All-Star banquet will be held in Wichita the night before.

In 2009, Wichita won the North Division's first half by nine games, going 32-16 and had the league's best overall record in the regular season at 58-38. The Wingnuts featured seven mid-season all-stars, five postseason all-stars, the league's Most Valuable Player in Greg Porter, as well as the Manager of the Year Kevin Hooper. Hooper signed a two-year extension to stay with the Wingnuts shortly after the season ended. The Wingnuts expect to announce their first wave of player signings for 2010 within the next month.

The Wingnuts are accepting deposits for season tickets and packages for the 2010 season. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Named 2009 “Star of Stars”

WICHITA, KS- The awards keep coming for Wingnuts' left fielder Greg Porter who was named the American Association's "Star of Stars" by PA-Sports Ticker on Thursday.

The "Star of Stars" is awarded annually to the player in each professional minor league who has had the best statistical season. PA-Sports Ticker compiles all statistical packages for the minor leagues during the year. The announcement comes one day after Porter was named the 2009 Independent Player of the Year by Baseball America.

Porter nearly won the league's triple crown, ranking first in batting average (.372), tying for first in home runs (21), and finishing second in RBIs (86). Porter also ranked first in hits (140), on-base percentage (.453), slugging percentage (.617), and extra-base hits (48).

A Look at Greg Porter's 2009 accomplishments:
- 2009 Independent Player of the Year (Baseball America)
- 2009 American Association "Star of Stars" (PA-Sports Ticker)
- 2009 American Association Player of the Year
- 2009 Wichita Wingnuts Most Valuable Player
- American Association Batter of the Month (June)
- American Association Batter of the Week (four times)

The Wingnuts plan to open the 2010 season in mid-May with the league schedule set to be announced in the coming months. Wichita also hosts the 2010 American Association All-Star Game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in late-July. For season ticket information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Honored by Baseball America

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts left fielder Greg Porter has been named the 2009 Independent Baseball Player of the Year by Baseball America.

Porter earned the American Association's Most Valuable Player award, leading the league with a .372 batting average, tying for the league lead with 21 home runs, and finishing second with 86 RBIs. Porter also paced the league in hits (140), on-base percentage (.453), slugging percentage (.617), and extra-base hits (48).

The West Point, TX native led the Wingnuts with 56 walks, while striking out just 39 times the entire season. Porter struck out once in a 47-at bat span from June 1st-June 13th. Now 29-years old, Porter set a Wingnuts' club record hitting safely in 19 consecutive games from June 10th-June 30th. Porter's 43 multi-hit games also set a new club mark.

A former two-sport star at Texas A&M University, Porter won the league's Batter of the Week award a stunning four times, and was also named the American Association Batter of the Month for June. On August 8th, Porter collected the 900th base hit of his professional career. Porter hit .401 over his final 78 games. Baseball America is the nation's pre-eminent source for information regarding the minor leagues.

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Wingnuts All Locally Owned

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced at a Monday press conference that current local owner Steve Ruud has purchased majority ownership of the franchise from Horn Chen.

The change in ownership signifies that the Wingnuts are now completely owned and operated by local investors. Ruud is the owner of R.A. Ruud and Son, Inc., a 48-year old concrete company in Wichita.

"We're all excited about this", said Ruud. "I think we have a great ownership group that really cares and is involved in the well-being of the team. The opportunity arose for me to get more involved and I jumped on it. I'm there at the ballpark every night, and I will continue to be there to support the team."

The rest of the Wingnuts' local ownership remains intact, including Gary Austerman of Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman, and Zuercher, L.L.C., Nick Easter of National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc., Dan Waller of Conco Construction, Detroit Tigers' pitcher Nate Robertson, and Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson.

"This is a great day for our organization and our fans", said General Manager Josh Robertson. "Very few minor league teams are 100 percent locally owned, and I know that all of us are fully committed to bringing this town the championship that it deserves. Another priority for us is to improve our facilities, and those projects are already underway, beginning with the rennovation of our concession stands."

"I've seen the changes over the years, and one thing that hasn't been changed is the concessions", said Ruud. "We've outgrown them each year and I think it will make a world of difference when the rennovations are finished."

The Wingnuts have enjoyed great success at the box office, averaging nearly 3,500 fans per game during their first two years of existence, more than double what the Wichita Wranglers averaged in their final seasons. In 2009, Wichita went a league-best 58-38 during the regular season and made the playoffs for the first time in their history. The Wingnuts recently re-signed Kevin Hooper, the American Association's 2009 Manager of the Year, to a two-year contract extension.

Prior to the announcement, Horn Chen, who is the sole owner of the Wichita Thunder hockey team, had owned 55 percent of the Wingnuts since the team's inception in the fall of 2007. Chen will continue his ownership of the Thunder.

Wichita opens the 2010 season sometime in mid-May and also hosts the 2010 American Association All-Star Game in July. For season ticket information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts to Make Major Announcement Monday

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will make a major announcement regarding the franchise's future on Monday, October 5th.

For convenience, the announcement will be made at a press conference scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Wichita Ice Center, preceding the Wichita Thunder hockey team's annual media day.

The Wingnuts, who finished with a league-best record of 58-38 in 2009, recently signed American Association Manager of the Year Kevin Hooper to a two-year contract extension.

Wichita opens the 2010 season sometime in mid-May and also hosts the 2010 American Association All-Star Game in July. For season ticket information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Kevin Hooper Signs Two-Year Extension

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts field manager Kevin Hooper has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the team.

The agreement ensures that Hooper, the 2009 American Association Manager of the Year, will remain as the Wingnuts skipper through the 2011 season.

"I'm thoroughly excited that Kevin and I came to an agreement on a two-year extension", said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson. "He's a great manager and you couldn't even tell that he was in his first season. I know some affiliated teams had called him about his services, so it means that much more to us that he chose to stay in Wichita."

In just his first season as a professional manager, Hooper guided the Wingnuts to a league-best regular season record of 58-38 that included the franchise's first trip to the postseason. The Wingnuts dominated in the first half, posting a mark of 32-16 and winning the division title by nine games. The Wingnuts ultimately lost to the Lincoln Saltdogs in the North Division Series in a winner-take-all fifth game.

"It's a good situation for me and it secures me at home for two more years", said Hooper. "I'm a family guy and they're number one on the list. Like I've always said, time with my family is time that I can't get back. This is a special city for me having played college ball here, and I can't wait for these next two years to come."

Under Hooper's leadership, the Wingnuts finished second in the American Association in batting (.288) and first in home runs (86). Wichita's pitching staff led the league with a 3.52 ERA, more than half a run better than any other team. Wingnuts' pitchers also issued the fewest walks and fewest home runs. Defensively, Wichita led the league with a .980 team fielding percentage.

Seven Wingnuts were voted into the All-Star Game in July, four of whom started in the North's 6-2 win over the South. Five more were named Postseason All-Stars at the end of the year, including left fielder Greg Porter who also won the league's Most Valuable Player award. Porter hit .372 to win the league batting title, one season after Hooper paced the league by hitting .373.

"It was a great year, especially being my first as a manager", said Hooper. "I know it didn't end the way we had wanted it to, but in baseball the best team doesn't always win. I'm a positive guy though, and we're going to continue those positive thoughts heading into next year and find the bits and pieces to make it work."

Hooper was honored as the league's Manager of the Year during the regular season's final weekend, an award that was voted on by the other managers in the league.

Hooper played the final season of his 10-year career in a Wingnuts' uniform in 2008. Hooper's .373 batting average not only led the league, but was also 40 points better than anyone else. The Lawrence,KS native was named the Wingnuts' second field manager on November 5th, 2008.

A four-year star at Wichita State University in which he hit .358, Hooper still ranks in the top-10 in Shocker history in many offensive categories. Hooper was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the eighth round in 1999 and eventually made it to the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 2005 and 2006. Hooper spent six years of his playing career at the AAA level, including back-to-back championships with the International League's Toledo Mud Hens in 2005 and 2006.

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Saltdogs force deciding game with extra inning win

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts were outdueled by the Lincoln Saltdogs, falling 3-1 in 11 innings in game four of the North Division Finals on Saturday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

Wichita starter Gabe Medina threw nine strong innings, allowing just one run, but Lincoln starter Justin Knoff was equally impressive, also allowing just one run in nine innings. Neither starter factored in the outcome.

Wichita scored their lone run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Greg Porter, while Lincoln tied things up in the sixth on an RBI single by Albenis Machado. Wichita had a golden opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the ninth after Michael Thompson hit a leadoff double. Thompson, though, was left stranded. Wichita left a man on second base in the 10th as well.

In the 11th, Lincoln got two-out RBI singles from Phil Hawke and Argelis Nunez to take the lead. Lincoln closer Chris Thompson retired the Wingnuts in order to end the game.

The best-of-five series is now tied 2-2 with the deciding game on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. The winner will face the Pensacola Pelicans in the American Association Championship Series. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Blacksher leads Wingnuts to game three win

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts got a stellar pitching performance from Derek Blacksher, en route to a 5-1 win on Friday Night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Game 3 of the North Division Finals.

Blacksher - who led the league with 11 regular season wins - scattered four hits over 7 and 2/3 innings and walked just one batter while striking out three. The Wingnuts took a 1-0 lead in the third on a sacrifice fly by Josh Horn, and then added two more runs in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Joe Muich and an RBI single by Michael Thompson.

The Wingnuts increased the lead to 5-0 in the fifth on an RBI single by Stephen Pearson. Two runs scored on the play after an error by left fielder Gavin Dickey. Lincoln added an unearned run with two outs in the ninth on an RBI double by Rafael Alvarez. Pearson and Kelly Hunt led the Wingnuts with three hits each.

The Wingnuts now lead the best-of-five series 2-1. Wichita will host Lincoln in game four on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and Gabe Medina will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Saltdogs Even Series on Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-1 to the Lincoln Saltdogs in Game Two of the North Division Series at Haymarket Park on Wednesday night.

Lincoln manufactured a run in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead. Josh Burrus led off with a single, stole second, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Albenis Machado. With the middle infield playing back, Phil Hawke hit a groundball to shortstop that scored Burrus.

Wichita tied it in the third. Joe Muich lef off with a double to right-center field and was sacrificed to thrid by Michael Thompson. Brenan Herrera followed with an RBI single through the left side to make it 1-1. Wichita went on to load the bases in the inning, but Jim Paduch did not allow another run the rest of the night.

Paduch went eight innings, allowing just the one run on four hits, striking out 10 and walking two. Paduch faced the minimum in seven of his eight innings of work.

The Saltdogs moved back in front, scoring three times in the sixth. Gavin Dickey and Shea McFeely opened the inning with back-to-back singles. A sacrifice by Brandon Jones put runners on second and third with one out. Josh Burrus hit an infield single to the right of the mound that scored Dickey from third. After Burrus stole second, Albenis Machado singled down the left field line to score two runs and put Lincoln in front 4-1.

Adam Cowart started for Wichita, allowing four runs on five hits in six innings. Cowart walked only one and struck out four.

Closer Chris Thompson pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first postseason save. Joe D'Alessandro worked two scoreless innings in relief of Adam Cowart, including three strikeouts.

The series now shifts to Wichita for Game Three. Derek Blacksher (11-2, 3.38) goes for the Wingnuts. Lincoln has not announced its starting pitcher. First pitch at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Game Three can be heard over the internet at www.sportsjuice.com or at www.wichitawingnuts.com. Tickets for Game Three are on sale now. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Savage, Hunt, Porter Help Wingnuts Take Game One

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs 6-2 in Game One of the North Division Series at Haymarket Park on Tuesday night.

Will Savage allowed two runs on just four base hits, while Kelly Hunt and Greg Porter each collected four hits. Wichita now leads the best-of-five series 1-0.

Kelly Hunt got the Wingnuts off to a quick start, delivering a two-out RBI single to center field that scored Nick Blasi from third base.

With the bases loaded in the top of the third, Hunt singled to left-center, plating Josh Horn from third. After left fielder Gavin Dickey misplayed Hunt's single, Greg Porter was able to score the Wingnuts' third run of the game.

Gavin Dickey led off the bottom of the third with a solo home run to center field, one of only four hits off of Savage in his seven innings of work.

Wichita answered back when Hunt collected his third hit of the game, an RBI double down the left field line, in the top of the fifth.

The Wingnuts extended their lead in the seventh. After there were two outs and no one on base, Hunt, Steve Pearson, and Joe Muich all hit two-out singles, with Muich's driving in the Wingnuts' fifth run.

In the eighth, with two on and one out, Lincoln went to lefty Adam Daniels to face Greg Porter. The 2009 league MVP went after the first pitch and hit a chopper that went off the tip of the glove of first baseman Phil Hawke for an RBI single to make it 6-2.

Savage yielded just the four hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out five. The righty earned the win, his first in seven starts against Lincoln this season and allowed multiple runners on base in just one inning.

Doug Hurn pitched a perfect eighth, while Justin Dowdy slammed the door in the ninth inning to lock down the win. Overall, Wingnuts' pitchers retired the final 12 batters to face them.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs play game two of the Division Series on Wednesday night at Haymarket Park. Adam Cowart (8-5, 3.05) goes for the Wingnuts against Saltdogs right-hander Jim Paduch (7-5, 4.79) who will be working on three days of rest. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com. The Wingnuts return home for game three of the series on Friday, September 4th. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Playoff Preview

2009 North Division Series: Wichita Wingnuts (58-38) vs. Lincoln Saltdogs (49-47)

Time: First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

How to catch it: Tonight's game can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com

ALL-TIME AGAINST THE SALTDOGS: The Wingnuts are 19-15 all-time against the Saltdogs, including a 12-8 mark in 2009. After losing opening night to Lincoln, the Wingnuts won six straight games over Lincoln, all at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. In the second half, the Saltdogs won seven of 10 from the Wingnuts at Haymarket Park before Wichita swept Lincoln in a three-game series back in Wichita at the end of the season. Overall, the Wingnuts have won nine consecutive games against the Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Saltdogs are managed by Marty Scott who is in his first year in Lincoln. Scott managed back-to-back Northern League championships with the St. Paul Saints in 1995 and 1996. After missing the postseason last year for the first time since 2004, the Saltdogs rallied to clinch the North’s second half on the final day of the regular season with an 8-1 win at Sioux Falls.

TONIGHT’S STARTERS: The Wingnuts open the playoffs with right-hander Will Savage, who went 5-7 in the regular season and finished with the fourth-best ERA in the league at 2.94. Savage made his final start of the year last Tuesday vs. Lincoln, pitching nine full innings and allowing just one unearned run. Savage made seven starts on the road during the regular season with a record of 1-5 and a 3.47 ERA. Savage was 0-3 against Lincoln this year, despite an ERA of 3.20, with all three of the losses coming at Haymarket Park. On June 23rd at Sioux City, Savage pitched the first no-hitter in team history, and the second in league history. After Sunday’s season finale, Savage was honored as the team’s 2009 Unsung Hero. Savage allowed three or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 19 starts and worked into the sixth inning in 16 of them. Savage was hurt by low run support this season, with the Wingnuts averaging 2.11 runs while Savage was in the game and 3.58 total runs in his starts. Wichita averaged 5.71 runs in their other 77 games. Savage and Derek Blacksher were the only Wingnuts’ starters who began the year with the team and did not miss a start.

The Saltdogs send right-handed ace Jarrett Gardner to the mound who was 10-4 with a 4.00 ERA in 20 regular season appearances, 19 of them starts. Gardner last worked on Wednesday, taking a no-decision against the Wingnuts in which he allowed four runs in 6.2 IP. Gardner tossed a no-hitter vs. El Paso just two nights after Will Savage threw his, and matches up against Savage to open the playoffs. Gardner won his final four regular season decisions and six of his last seven. The 28-year old was 6-3 with a 3.82 ERA in 10 appearances at Haymarket Park. Gardner is the Saltdogs’ all-time leader in wins and has won double digit games three years in a row. In a career that started in 2003, Gardner has walked more than two hitters just four times in 157 appearances, 126 of them starts. Gardner was 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA against Wichita, including his lone relief appearance on July 3rd. Lifetime, Gardner is 2-1 against the Wingnuts in six outings with a 3.03 ERA in 38.2 IP.

WINGNUTS BEGIN FIRST EVER POSTSEASON: Tonight marks the first playoff game in Wingnuts’ franchise history. After going 45-50 in their inaugural season, Wichita posted a 32-16 record in the first half in 2009. The Wingnuts won the first half by nine games over the St. Paul Saints. After losing their season opener to Lincoln on May 14th, and then suffering a rainout the following night, the Wingnuts swept a double header from the Saltdogs on May 16th that vaulted them from last place into first. Wichita never relinquished their hold on first place again. The Wingnuts began the second half 5-10, before winning 21 of their final 33 games to finish one game out of first. The Wingnuts’ 58-38 overall record was five games better than anyone else in the league. The Wichita Wranglers are the last professional sports team to win a championship in Wichita, when they captured the Texas League title in 1999.

PAST AMERICAN ASSOCIATION WINNERS: The current American Association formed in 2006. The Fort Worth Cats won the league title in both 2006 and 2007, beating the St. Paul Saints in five games each year. Last season, the Sioux Falls Canaries beat the Grand Prairie AirHogs in four games to win the league championship.

IN THE SOUTH: The Fort Worth Cats and Pensacola Pelicans begin the South Division Series tonight at LaGrave Field in Texas. Fort Worth won the South’s first half title by an eight-game margin, while the Pelicans took down the second half title, clinching on Friday. Both teams went an identical 53-43 in the regular season. The Pelicans won 9 of 15 games against the Cats head-to-head. Games three, four, and five will be played at Pelican Park. The Cats are the only team in league history to have made the playoffs in all four years.

PORTER NAMED LEAGUE MVP: Wingnuts’ left fielder has been named the 2009 American Association Player of the Year. Porter won the league batting title, hitting .372, tied for first with 21 home runs, and finished second with 86 RBIs. Porter also led the league in hits (140), on-base percentage (.453), slugging percentage (.617), and extra-base hits (48). Porter won the American Association Batter of the Week four times, was named the Batter of the Month for June, and was also named the Wingnuts’ team MVP after their regular season finale on Sunday.

HOOPER NAMED MANAGER OF THE YEAR: The American Association announced today that Kevin Hooper has been voted the 2009 Manager of the Year. Hooper led the Wingnuts to a near wire-to-wire win in the first half and a nine-game margin of victory with a league-best 32-16 record. The Wingnuts send seven players to the All-Star Game in July and had five more named to the Postseason All-Star Team on Friday. Hooper is in his first year of managing after finishing a 10-year playing career with the Wingnuts last season. Hooper led the league in batting at .373 last year, 40 points better than anyone else. Hooper was drafted by the Marlins in 1999 after a four-year career at Wichita State University and reached the Major Leagues in both 2005 and 2006.

FIVE WINGNUTS SELECTED TO POSTSEASON ALL-STAR TEAM: The Wingnuts had five players voted to the league’s Postseason All-Star Team, which encompasses players from the entire league. Greg Porter (outfield), Josh Horn (shortstop), Joe Muich (catcher), Derek Blacksher (Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year), and Brad Davis (Left-Handed Pitcher of the Year) all made the squad. The Wingnuts had two players make the postseason team last year when Kevin Hooper and Brenan Herrera were named.

PORTER WINS BATTING TITLE: For the second straight year, a Wingnuts player has won the league batting title. Greg Porter finishes the 2009 season at .372, 11 points in front of Shreveport-Bossier’s Christopher Garcia who hit .361. Kevin Hooper won the league batting crown in 2008, hitting .373, 40 points better than anyone else.

OTHER FINAL LEADERS: Kelly Hunt finished tied for first in the league with 21 home runs and finished fifth with 43 extra-base hits. Dustan Mohr finished fifth with 73 RBIs. Michael Thompson’s 32 doubles ranked second. On the pitching side, Will Savage (2.94), Adam Cowart (3.05), Brad Davis (3.35), and Derek Blacksher (3.38) finished 4th-7th in the league in ERA, with Davis tops among lefties. Blacksher led the league with 11 wins. Justin Dowdy’s 17 saves ranked tied for fourth, while his 43 appearances also ranked fourth. Adam Cowart tied for the league lead with three complete games, while Will Savage tied for fifth with two of them. Cowart, Savage, and Brad Davis all pitched a complete game shutout, tied for second in the league. Savage ranked fifth with 125.1 IP.

TEAM AWARDS ANNOUNCED: The Wingnuts announced their annual awards following Sunday’s season finale. Greg Porter was named Team MVP, Derek Blacksher as Pitcher of the Year, and Will Savage as Unsung Hero. Kevin Hooper, Richard Salazar, and Blake Gailen won the same awards last season.

HOME COOKING: The Wingnuts dominated at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium this season, going a league best 34-14 at home. The Wingnuts lost back-to-back home games just twice all year, and lost a series at home only three times.

ROAD SCHEDULE FINISHED: After the Wingnuts’ 9-6 win at Sioux Falls on Sunday, the Wingnuts finished their 2009 road scheduled with a record of 24-24. The Wingnuts were 21-28 on the road last season. The Wingnuts won 10 of their final 16 road games after dropping 10 of 12 road contests to start the second half.

DIVISION DOMINANCE: The Wingnuts went 51-27 within the North Division this season, and had a winning record against all four opponents. The Wingnuts clinched the first half by nine games over St. Paul.

WINGNUTS FINISH STRONG: Despite losing their final two games of the season, the Wingnuts won 21 of their final 33 in the second half after a 5-10 start. The hot stretch brought Wichita within one game of winning the second half title.

RUBBER GAME NOTES: After their loss to Grand Prairie on Sunday, the Wingnuts are 9-3 this season in the rubber match of a three-game series.

THOMPSON HAS ALL-STAR SECOND HALF: Michael Thompson finished very strong after a slow first half. The Wingnuts’ third baseman went 56 for 182 (.308) with 26 RBIs in his last 48 games, all in the second half. Thompson also hit 20 doubles in his final 40 games.

HERRERA HOT: Wingnuts’ second baseman Brenan Herrera went 37 for 118 (.314) over his final 34 games with 18 runs and 13 RBIs.

BLASI FINISHES STRONG: Wingnuts’ center fielder Nick Blasi finished the season 43 for 142 (.303) with 19 runs and 18 RBI over his last 34 games.

PORTER SETS NEW CLUB RECORD: Greg Porter went 3 for 5 on August 26th, including the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 10th. It was Porter’s 42nd multi-hit game of the year, breaking Kevin Hooper’s record of 41 set in 2008. Porter finished the season with 43 multi-hit games. Porter ended the season 122 for 303 (.403) over his last 77 games and won the league batting title at .372.

WINGNUTS MUSCLED UP, SHATTERED TEAM RECORD: The Wingnuts hit 86 home runs in 96 games in 2009 to lead the league. Wichita hit 56 home runs in 95 games in 2008. The Wingnuts hit 39 home runs in their final 33 games after going eight straight games without a home run from 7/11-7/18.

LONGBALL DISPARITY: The Wingnuts clubbed 86 home runs this year after hitting just 56 all of last season. Meanwhile, Wingnuts’ pitchers allowed only 37 natural home runs all season, easily the lowest figure in the league.

MIDDLE COOKING: The Wingnuts middle of the lineup (Greg Porter, Dustan Mohr, and Kelly Hunt) finished with a combined 94 RBIs in the team’s last 34 games.

CLUTCH PITCHING: Wingnuts pitchers got the clutch out when needed during the regular season. Opponents hit just .241 against the Wingnuts with runners in scoring position, and only .216 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Both were easily the lowest figures in the league.

CLOSE MARGINS: Of the Wingnuts 38 losses this season, 30 of them have been decided by three or fewer runs.

WINGNUTS LEADING THE LEAGUE: Wichita finished second in the league with a .288 team batting average. The Wingnuts’ pitching staff finished first with a 3.52 ERA and walked 319 batters, fewest in the league. Wichita’s .980 team fielding percentage also ranks first.

STARTING LENGTH: After pitch counts held Wingnuts’ starters to four innings each over their first four games, the Wingnuts received at least five innings from their starting pitcher in 86 of their last 92 games, while getting at least six innings from their starter 70 times and at least seven innings 38 times during that same stretch.

FIELDING LEADERS: The Wingnuts led the league with a .980 team fielding percentage and have several players leading their position. Steve Pearson led all first basemen at .997 and Michael Thompson led all third basemen at .967. Joe Muich ranked third among catchers at .987 while Josh Horn finished second among shortstops at .962.

RED LIGHT MUICH: Wingnuts’ catcher Joe Muich finished third among catchers with a .987 fielding percentage and ranked first in caught stealing percentage going 24 for 72 (33%).

The Wingnuts return home for game three of the series on Friday, September 4th. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Playoff bound Wingnuts finish regular season

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts fell to the the Grand Prairie AirHogs 5-3 on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium, finishing the regular season with a league-best record of 58-38.

Grand Prairie touched Wingnuts starter Brad Davis for three runs before he departed after three innings of work. Five Wingnuts relievers combined to throw the final six innings, with the AirHogs picking up two more runs off Joe D'Allesandro in the seventh. Trailing 5-0, Wichita scored a pair of runs on an RBI single by Josh Horn in the bottom of the inning and one more in the eighth on an RBI single by John Martin.

Cesar Nicholas led Grand Prairie with two hits and three RBI, While Drew Holder chipped in three hits and two runs, helping pitcher Cody Crowell record his ninth win of the season. Kelly Hunt and Dustan Mohr led the Wingnuts with two hits each.

The playoff bound Wingnuts will now travel to Lincoln to face the Saltdogs in the best-of-five North Division Finals on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wichita will host Lincoln in game three on Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Greg Porter Named League MVP

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts learned Sunday afternoon that left fielder Greg Porter has been named the 2009 American Association Player of the Year.

Porter enters the final day of the regular season as the league's leading hitter at .375. Porter's 21 home runs tie him with teammate Kelly Hunt for the league lead, while his 86 RBIs rank second. Porter also leads the league in hits (140), on-base percentage (.456), slugging percentage (.622), and extra-base hits (48).

The West Point, TX native has been named the American Association Batter of the Week a remarkable four times this season and was also the league's Batter of the Month for June.

Porter set a new Wingnuts' record with a 19-game hitting streak from June 10th-June 30th in which he went 33 for 68 (.485). The streak surpassed Kevin Hooper's club record of 13 set last year. Porter has collected 43 multi-hit games in 2009, which surpass Hooper's mark of 41. Over his last 77 games, Porter is hitting .405.

The 29-year old has drawn 56 walks while striking out just 39 times. From June 1st-June 13th, Porter struck out just one time during a span of 47 at bats. On August 8th at Sioux City, Porter collected the 900th base hit of his career.

Porter is now in his ninth season of professional baseball and was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2001 after finishing up a two-sport career at Texas A&M which also saw him star for the Aggies' football team. Porter spent the last two seasons in AAA before coming to the Wingnuts and currently has a career batting average of .302.

The Wingnuts conclude the regular season tonight at 5:05 p.m. when they host the Grand Prairie AirHogs. Wichita begins postseason play on Tuesday night, at either Lincoln or St. Paul. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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AirHogs snap Wingnuts streak

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts fell to the the Grand Prairie AirHogs 5-4 on Saturday in front of 4,595 fans at Lawrence Dumont Stadium, ending their five-game winning streak.

Wingnuts starter Derek Blacksher cruised for six innings with a 2-0 lead, but was unable to survive the seventh, allowing four runs on four hits. The Wingnuts re-tied the game in the bottom of the inning on an RBI groundout by Greg Porter and a Kelly Hunt RBI single. The AirHogs though reclaimed the lead in the eighth on an RBI double by Derek Nicholson.

The Wingnuts put two men on base in the ninth with one out put left the tying run on third to end the game. Greg Krause picked up the win, while James Morrison notched his 19th save of the season. Porter went 1-4 with two RBI for Wichita, while four AirHogs notched two hits.

The playoff bound Wingnuts will host Grand Prairie on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in their regular season finale. Brad Davis will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Kevin Hooper Named 2009 Manager of the Year

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts learned on Saturday that Kevin Hooper has been named the 2009 American Association Manager of the Year.

In just his first season as a professional manager, Hooper guided the Wingnuts to a virtual wire-to-wire victory in the first half. Wichita went a league-best 32-16, clinching the first half title with six games left to play and winning with an eventual margin of nine games ahead of the second place team.

In the second half, Hooper has led the Wingnuts on a late charge that has seen the Wingnuts win 21 of its last 31 games, overtaking sole possession of first place for the first time in the second half with a win over Grand Prairie on Friday night.

"This is very well-deserving for Kevin", said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson. "Kevin is a first class person on and off the field. To put a team like this together in his first year, it goes to show he is just as impressive as a manager as he was as a player. I'm very proud to have him as our manager."

At 32-years old, Hooper saw seven of his players appear in the 2009 All-Star Game at Grand Prairie, four of which started for the North Division in a 6-2 win. Friday afternoon, five more of Hooper's players were named to the Postseason All-Star Team, which encompassed players from the entire league.

Offensively, the Wingnuts rank second in batting average (.288), first in home runs (86), and tied for third in runs scored (501). The Wingnuts lead the league in pitching with a 3.51 ERA, more than half a run better than second place. Wichita's pitching staff has also issued the fewest walks (314) and home runs (38) this season. Entering this week, the Wingnuts' .981 team fielding percentage also paced the American Association. At 58-36, the Wingnuts have already clinched the best overall record in the league this year.

Hooper starred for the Wingnuts last season, leading the American Association in hitting at .373, 40 points better than anyone else. The Lawrence, KS native capped off a 10-year playing career by being voted to both the mid-season and postseason all-star teams and was named the Wingnuts' field manager on November 5th, 2008.

The first place Wingnuts continue a three-game series tonight with the Grand Prairie AirHogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, playoff tickets are now on sale for September 4th, 5th, and 6th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Five Wingnuts Named Postseason All-Stars

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts learned Friday that five of their players have been named to the 2009 American Association All-Star Team.

Catcher Joe Muich, shortstop Josh Horn, left fielder Greg Porter, and pitchers Derek Blacksher and Brad Davis all made the squad.

Muich, the North Division's starter in the All-Star Game in July, is hitting .265 with seven home runs, and 30 RBI. Muich has been a model of consistency on defense, ranking fourth among catchers in fielding percentage and leading the league in caught stealing percentage at 35%. Muich has 19 multi-hit games this season. Back on May 20th, Muich ended what at the time was the longest game in team history with a 13th-inning home run.

Horn, another starter in the mid-summer classic, is batting .313 with three home runs and 41 RBI. Horn leads the team with 66 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. As was the case with Kevin Hooper last season, Horn has not been thrown out by an opposing catcher at any point on a steal attempt. Horn has been an all-star in each of his first three professional seasons. After beginning the year as the team's second baseman, Horn took over as Wichita's shortstop in early June and currently ranks second at the position in fielding percentage.

Porter has had an MVP-caliber season, and currently leads the league in batting at .374. Like the previous three, Porter was another starter in the All-Star Game in Grand Prairie. Porter is second with 20 home runs, including a game-ending home run in Wednesday's win over Lincoln, and third with 82 RBIs. Porter also leads the league with 137 hits, a .454 on-base percentage, a .617 slugging percentage, and 47 extra-base hits. Porter has been named the American Association Batter of the Week a stunning four times and was also the league's Batter of the Month for June. Porter is hitting .404 over his last 75 games. Earlier in the year, Porter set a new club record with a 19-game hitting streak.

Blacksher, who earned the win in the 2009 All-Star Game, was named the 2009 American Association Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year. Blacksher leads the league with 11 wins, ranks seventh with a 3.35 ERA, and fifth with 90 strikeouts. The 24-year old carried a streak of 111.1 innings pitched from the beginning of the year through late August without allowing a single home run, the longest such streak for any pitcher this year. Blacksher has won six consecutive decisions and nine of his last 10 and has worked at least five innings in 18 consecutive starts. On May 22nd at Sioux City, Blacksher became the first Wingnuts' pitcher to strike out 10 batters in one start.

Davis has been named the 2009 American Association Left-Handed Pitcher of the Year, and currently sports an 8-6 record with a 3.28 ERA that ranks tied for fifth in the league and first among lefties. Davis, the Winguts' all-time career wins leader with 16, won four consecutive starts from July 16th through August 10th. On July 16th, the 26-year old lefty pitched the first complete game shutout of his career, allowing just two hits in a victory over Sioux Falls. In two seasons with the Wingnuts, Davis has missed just one turn through the rotation.

The Postseason All-Star Team incorporated both the North and South divisions and were voted on by the league's managers and media representatives.

The Wingnuts open their final regular season series tonight against the Grand Prairie AirHogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Red Hot 'Nuts shutout Hogs

Wichita, KS- Adam Cowart pitched seven strong innings and Greg Porter hit his 21st home run of the season, giving the Wingnuts a 3-0 win over the Grand Prairie Air Hogs on Friday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Porter's blast tied him with teammate Kelly Hunt for the league-lead and put Wichita up 2-0 in the first inning. The next batter, Dustan Mohr lined a single off the leg of Airhogs starter Matthew Green, who had to leave the game. Stephen MacFarland replaced Green and pitched 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing just one run. Wichita scored their final run on a bases loaded walk to Joe Muich in the third and that was all Cowart would need.

Cowart allowed seven singles, struck out three and walked none to pick up his eighth victory of the season. Doug Hurn and Justin Dowdy eached turned in a scoreless inning to close out the game. The Airhogs had two runners on base only three times all night and never advanced a baserunner past second. Porter and Mohr led the wingnuts, going 2-3 with a walk each.

The first place Wingnuts - winners of five straight - will host Grand Prairie again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher - a league-best 11-2 - will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Lightning strikes thrice for Wingnuts

Wichita, KS- Greg Porter hit his 20th home run of the season with one out in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Wingnuts a 5-4 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium - their third straight extra inning win.

Wichita jumped on Lincoln starter Jarrett Gardner, scoring three runs with two outs in the first inning. Stephen Pearson had the big hit, knocking in two runs with a triple. Lincoln got one back in the second and tied the game in the third on a two-run home run by Phil Hawke. The Saltdogs took their first lead in the fifth, scoring an unearned run, before the Wingnuts re-tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh on an RBI single by Brenan Herrera.

Starter Gabe Medina pitched seven innings for the Wingnuts, followed by two scoreless innings from Diego Soto and a scoreless 10th by Doug Hurn, who earned the victory. Porter led the Wingnuts, going 3-5 with two runs. After sweeping the series, wichita now trails Lincoln by just a half game for first place in the North Division. The Wingnuts will wrap up the regular season this weekend with three games versus the Grand Prairie Air Hogs. First pitch on Friday is 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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'Nuts nip 'Dogs in extra innings again

Wichita, KS- Michael Thompson led off the 12th inning with a double and scored on a wild pitch, giving the Wingnuts a 3-2 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Tuesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium - their second straight extra inning win.

Wichita starter Will Savage had another tremendous start, but found himself trailing 1-0 in the eighth inning. Meanwhile Lincoln starter Justin Knoff - making just his third start - threw a gem for 7 2/3 innings, but left with a 1-0 lead and the tying run on third. Reliever Adam Daniels though came in and allowed a game-tying single to Nick Blasi on his very first pitch. Savage pitched a scoreless ninth to give himself a chance at the win, but Wichita failed to score in the bottom of the inning, forcing extra innings.

In the 10th, Lincoln put together a walk and two hits, but Blasi threw out Phil Hawke at the plate after a Shawn Mcgill single to preserve the tie and record the second out of the inning. Wingnuts reliever Joe D'Allesandro, however; uncorked a wild pitch while trying to intentionally walk Gavin Dickey, allowing Rafael Alvarez to score the go-ahead run. In the bottom of the inning, the Wingnuts put three hits together off Lincoln closer Chris Thompson - who leads the league with 30 saves - and then re-tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Greg Porter.

Justin Young pitched a scoreless 12th to earn the victory. Thompson had three hits for the Wingnuts and scored all three runs, while Porter went 2-4 with an RBI. Adam Cowart will get the start as Wichita hosts Lincoln again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. in the season finale. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts get milestone win in dramatic fashion

Wichita, KS- Josh Horn homered to center field in the bottom of the 11th inning giving the Wingnuts a wild 9-8 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Monday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium - Wichita's 100th all-time win.

The Wingnuts took an early 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Brenan Herrera in the third, but Lincoln went ahead in the top of the fourth with four runs. Rafael Alvarez had the big hit of the inning, knocking a three-run opposite field blast over the left field wall.

In the fourth, Wichita scored six runs, all with two men out. Patrick Brooks, Herrera and Nick Blasi each had two RBI in the inning. After a rough fourth inning, wingnuts starter Derek Blacksher cruised, leaving the game with a 7-4 lead that the Wingnuts bullpen couldn't hold. Lincoln went ahead in the eighth, scoring four runs on three hits, two wild pitches and a pair of very costly errors. Wichita was able to tie the game in the bottom of the inning though, thanks to a two-out RBI single by Joe Muich.

Diego Soto earned his first professional victory, allowing no hits and just a pair of walks in three strong innings of work. Lincoln reliever Adam Daniels suffered the loss.

Will Savage will get the start as Wichita hosts Lincoln again on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Wins Fourth Batter of the Week Award

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' left fielder Greg Porter has been named the American Association Batter of the Week for August 17th-23rd.

It marks the fourth time this season Porter has won Batter of the Week honors. Porter went 8 for 23 (.348) with two home runs, 11 RBIs, five runs scored, and eight walks. From August 19th-21st, Porter had three consecutive nights with three RBIs. Porter's week included a pair of three-run home runs, both off of left-hand pitching. On Friday at Sioux Falls, Porter's two-out, three-run double in the top of the 10th proved the difference in the Wingnuts' 10-7 victory.

Porter, who is hitting .375, has led the league's batting race since late June. Porter also ranks second with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. The All-Star is also first in the league in hits (132), on-base percentage (.458), slugging percentage (.619), and extra-base hits (46). In addition to being named Batter of the Week four times, Porter was also the American Association Batter of the Month for June.

The former Angels' farmhand is within reach of setting a new league record for batting average in a single season. Lincoln's Pichi Balet hit .378 in 2006. Porter has 40 multi-hit games this season, one shy of Kevin Hooper's club record of 41 set last season.

The Wingnuts begin a six-game homestand tonight to close out the regular season. First pitch against the Lincoln Saltdogs is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Power Past Canaries

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 9-6 at Sioux Falls Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Wingnuts jumped out to an 8-0 lead after four and a half innings and held on after the Canaries rallied for three runs in both the fifth and sixth.

After a bases loaded walk to Greg Porter in the third gave Wichita a 1-0 lead, Dustan Mohr slugged a bases clearing double off of starter Pat Mahomes to right-center to make it 4-0.

Patrick Brooks hit a two-out, RBI double to left field in the top of the fourth against Mahomes that scored Brenan Herrera to increase the lead to 5-0.

Wichita extended its lead further in the fifth thanks to two home runs. Kelly Hunt led off the inning with his league leading 21st of the year. With six games remaining in the regular season, Hunt is now just one shy of the American Association's single-season record of 22. After Steve Pearson singled, Michael Thompson drilled a home run over the left field fence to make it 8-0.

The Canaries rallied for three runs in the fifth on a two-run double from Cody Haerther and an RBI single from Trevor Lawhorn. Sioux Falls scored three more times in the sixth to cut the lead to 8-6, but Joe D'Alessandro struck out Lawhorn looking to end the inning and strand the tying runs on base.

Greg Porter grounded an RBI single to right in the top of the eighth to close out the scoring at 9-6.

Adam Cowart earned the win, improving to 7-5, and allowing six runs on 11 hits in 5.1 IP. Doug Hurn worked a scoreless eighth before Justin Dowdy notched his 16th save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Wingnuts won two of three from the Canaries over the weekend, marking the first time in two seasons that the Wingnuts had won a series at Sioux Falls Stadium. The Wingnuts finish their 2009 road schedule 24-24.

The Wingnuts return home on Monday, August 24th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Errors Cost Wingnuts in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-4 to the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Saturday night.

In another back and forth affair, the Wingnuts were undone by a four-run bottom of the sixth.

With the Wingnuts leading 3-2 in the sixth, Beau Torbert hit a two-run home run off of Brad Davis to right-center field to give Sioux Falls a 4-3 lead. After Trevor Lawhorn singled, J.D. Reininger hit a groundball to the left side that was fielded by Brenan Herrera who threw wide of second to try and get the force, allowing Lawhorn to score. Kyle Eveland hit a two-out RBI single later in the inning that plated Reininger.

Tim Hutting hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first to give the Canaries a 1-0 lead. Kelly Hunt hit his league leading 20th home run of the year in the top of the second to tie it. It marked the fifth time in Hunt's career that he has hit at least 20 home runs in a season. Hunt is also two shy of the league's single season record of 22 with seven games left in the regular season.

The Canaries scratched out another unearned run in the fourth when Josh Horn's relay on a potential double play went out of the reach of Steve Pearson, allowing Hutting to score his second run of the game.

Wichita rallied in the top of the sixth to take the lead on a two-out, two-run home run from Joe Muich to right-center. Muich was playing for the first time since suffering a head injury on Tuesday.

Brad Davis took the loss, allowing six runs, four earned, in seven innings. Wichita committed three errors leading to two unearned runs. Ben Moore struck out 10 and worked eight innings to pick up the win. Aaron Cotter notched the save, allowing a run in the ninth on an RBI groundout from Nick Blasi. Diego Soto pitched a scoreless inning in the eighth for Wichita.

The Wingnuts and Canaries finish their series tomorrow afternoon at 2:05 p.m. Wichita sends Adam Cowart to the mound against veteran Pat Mahomes. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday, August 24th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Never Give Up In Extra-Inning Win

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Sioux Falls Canaries 10-7 in 10 innings at Sioux Falls Stadium on Friday night.

Greg Porter crushed a three-run double to center field with two outs in the top of the 10th to cap off a Wingnuts comeback that began in the sixth inning.

Wichita took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Nick Blasi tripled home Josh Horn and then scored himself on a wild pitch from starter Ryan Ford. The Canaries went on to score five unanswered runs against Wichita starter Gabe Medina to take a 5-2 lead.

In the sixth, Kelly Hunt, after a nine-pitch at bat, hit his 19th home run of the season, a long shot over the left field fence to make it 5-3. Michael Thompson followed with a double to right and advanced to third on a fly ball to right by Steve Pearson. Patrick Brooks manufactured Wichita's fourth run with an RBI groundout to second that scored Thompson.

Horn led off the top of the eighth with a double down the left field line and was singled home by Nick Blasi to tie the game at 5-5. Sioux Falls regained the lead when Patrick Reilly hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the inning.

However, the Wingnuts rallied again in the eighth. With two outs, Brenan Herrera drove in Patrick Brooks from first base on a hit-and-run double down the third base line and then scored to tie the game when Horn singled to right field.

Blasi and Horn each had three hits. Blasi is now 7 for 19 since returning from his injury. Justin Dowdy pitched a scoreless 10th to earn his second Wingnuts save and his 15th of the year. Doug Hurn picked up the win in relief with a scoreless ninth.

The Wingnuts and Canaries play game two of their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Wichita sends lefty Brad Davis to the mound against right-hander Ben Moore. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday, August 24th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Backstop

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed catcher John Martin on Thursday afternoon.

Martin has three seasons of professional experience, most recently with the Kansas City T-Bones in 2008. Martin hit .257 for Kansas City last year, with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 55 games. Martin was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 24th round in 2006 after finishing at Emporia State University. Martin spent the next two seasons in the Dodgers organization.

The Overland Park, KS native is currently the pitching coach for Emporia State and coached Wingnuts' players Michael Sharp and Diego Soto this past season when the Hornets reached the Division-II National Championship game.

Martin's signing comes after Sharp suffered a season-ending thumb injury in Wednesday's game versus Sioux City. The rookie catcher was hitting .333 over his first 14 professional games, including an RBI single before his injury last night. Sharp has been placed on the Inactive List.

Wingnuts' starting catcher Joe Muich, who suffered a head injury in a collision at home plate on Tuesday night, remains day-to-day.

The Wingnuts play the rubber game of a three-game series tonight against Sioux City. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts, Porter get by Explorers

Wichita, KS- Greg Porter clubbed his league-leading 19th home run of the season, leading the Wingnuts to a 5-3 victory over the Sioux City Explorers on Thursday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Porter's blast came in the third inning and put Wichita ahead 3-0, but the Explorers scratched across a run in the fourth and two in the sixth to tie things up off Wichita starter Will Savage. Wichita retook the lead 5-3, thanks to a pair of Sioux city errors in the seventh and a sacrifice fly by Nick Blasi. New catcher John Martin had a good night for the 'Nuts, reaching base twice and scoring a pair of runs.

Joe D'Allesandro earned his second victory with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, while new closer Justin Dowdy picked up his first save in a Wingnuts uniform.

Wichita hits the road for three games at the Sioux Falls Canaries this weekend before returning home on Monday to host the Licoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts beat up Explorers

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning and never looked back, en route to a 16-3 victory over the Sioux City Explorers on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Wichita got on the board in the second inning, picking up a run on a Michael Sharp RBI single. In the fourth, Brenan Herrera knocked in two runs to put Wichita up 3-0. After an RBI single by Nick Blasi, Dustan Mohr blasted a grand slam off the scoreboard in left center to put the Wingnuts up 8-0.

Things got interesting in the fifth when Wichita starter Derek Blacksher brushed back Derek Schermerhorn. Schermerhorn walked towards the mound causing the benches to clear. Order was restored after about five minutes and two batters later Boomer Berry launched a three-run home run to put the Explorers on the board.

The Wingnuts added two runs in the fifth and then piled on six more in the eighth, thanks in part to Greg Porter's 18th home run of the season - a three-run shot - which tied him with teammate Kelly Hunt for the league lead. Blacksher pitched five innings to move his record to a league-best 11-2. Every Wingnuts starter recorded at least one hit and one run. Nick Blasi led the 'Nuts with three hits. After the game players gathered together again down the third base line, but cooler heads prevailed.

Wichita and Sioux City will conclude their series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Explorers edge Wingnuts late

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts returned home after a 16-game road trip and were edged in the late innings by the Sioux City Explorers, 5-4, on Monday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Dustin Jones put Sioux City on the board with a two-run home run in the top of the second, but Michael Thompson responded with a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning. Wichita added a run in the third on an RBI single in the third.

Wichita starter Adam Cowart left with a 4-2 lead after seven innings, but Joe D'Allesandro allowed a two-run single to Alex Llanos to tie the game in the eighth. In the top of the ninth Derek Schermerhorn knocked in the go ahead run with an RBI groundout off new Wingnuts pitcher Justin Dowdy. David Trahan recorded the final six outs to record the win.

Wichita and Sioux City will battle again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Acquire All-Star Closer

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts acquired All-Star closer Justin Dowdy in a trade with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains on Monday.

The left-handed Dowdy, who picked up 13 saves and held a 2.19 ERA in 36 games for the Captains this season, comes to Wichita in exchange for left-handed pitcher Richard Salazar and a player-to-be-named-later.

Dowdy was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 18th round in 2001 and has reached the AAA level over his nine-year professional career. Dowdy made the American Association All-Star team for the South Division this summer and notched two saves head-to-head against the Wingnuts in mid-July. Dowdy began the 2009 season with the Texas League's Midland RockHounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, before joining the Captains. The San Diego, CA native has more career strikeouts (544) than innings pitched (539.0), and entered the 2009 season with a 3.89 career ERA in 255 games.

The 26-year old had his most dominant season in 2007 as a member of the United League's Alexandria Aces. His 24 saves paced all closers that year. Dowdy struck out 102 hitters while walking just 22 and allowed only 21 hits in 52.2 IP. Even more impressive, Dowdy struck out the side 15 different times in his 48 appearances.

Dowdy reached AAA in 2008, posting a 3.75 ERA in 12.0 IP for the Sacramento Rivercats and has experience with four Major League organizations, including the White Sox, Mariners, Angels, and Athletics. Dowdy will be available from the bullpen when the Wingnuts open a three-game series versus Sioux City on Tuesday.

The Wingnuts have allowed 45 runs in the ninth inning, second-most in the league and have lost four games this season when leading after eight innings, also the second-highest total. Meanwhile, Shreveport-Bossier allowed only 21 ninth inning runs with Dowdy anchoring their bullpen, second fewest in the league.

Richard Salazar was 3-0 with three saves and a 3.44 ERA in 29 appearances, three as a starter. In almost two full seasons with the Wingnuts, Salazar went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in 140.1 IP over 57 appearances. Salazar is expected to join the Captains' starting rotation.

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Mohr Leads Wingnuts in Ninth Inning Comeback

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Fort Worth Cats 2-1 at LaGrave Field on Sunday evening.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the ninth, Dustan Mohr singled home Greg Porter to tie the game and then scored on a wild pitch later in the inning to give Wichita the lead.

The Cats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a two-out, RBI single from Patrick O'Sullivan. It would prove to be the only run and only Cats' hit of the game until the ninth inning.

Gabe Medina was brilliant for seven innings, allowing one run on just one base hit in a no-decision. Medina struck out eight and retired the final 13 batters to face him.

Wichita was shutout by Cats' starter Jae Hun Jung, who worked seven scoreless innings before giving way to Gary Lee in the eighth who did not allow a run.

After Joe D'Alessandro pitched a perfect bottom of the eighth to keep Wichita within one run, Greg Porter doubled off the glove of left fielder Kevin Thompson. Dustan Mohr came up next and singled into short center field, with Porter beating center fielder Brian Fryer's throw to tie the game. An error and a fielder's choice advanced Mohr to third before Scott Vander Weg unloaded a wild pitch that bounced up the third base line and allowed Mohr to score the go-ahead run.

Doug Hurn took over in the bottom of the ninth and worked around a lead off single, and finished the game by striking out Michael Bell, who homered off of Hurn in the ninth inning on Saturday night, with the tying run on third.

It makred the first time this season that the Wingnuts won a game when trailing after eight innings. The Wingnuts conclude their 16-game road trip with a winning record of 9-7 and move back to .500 in the second half at 18-18.

The Wingnuts now return home for the first time since July 29th, opening a three-game series against the Sioux City Explorers on Tuesday, August 18th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Adam Cowart is expected to make the start. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Cats Win Classic Over Wingnuts in Ninth

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts fell 3-2 to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Friday night.

Cats' third baseman Michael Bell hit a two-run home run with two out in the bottom of the ninth to steal the win from the Wingnuts.

For the third straight night, the Wingnuts were locked in a pitcher's duel for most of the game. Brad Davis turned in another strong outing, allowing just one run on four hits in six innings of work. Davis retired the first eight hitters to face him before a two-out single by Kevin Thompson in the third.

Veteran lefty Joel Kirsten matched Davis, allowing one run in seven innings on just three hits. Both starters took no-decisions.

Wichita scored first for the second straight game when Michael Thompson doubled home Steve Pearson in the top of the fifth. Thompson finished the night with three hits, two of them doubles and has hit safely in nine straight games. Thompson also made a spectacular defensive catch on a foul popup in the seventh, leaning over the stands with his feet off of the ground.

After the Cats tied the game at 1-1 in the sixth on a solo home run from Patrick O'Sullivan, Thompson led off the top of the eighth with his second double of the game, this one into left-center field. Brenan Herrera sacrificed Thompson to third base. Josh Horn followed with an RBI single up the middle through the Cats' drawn in infield, moving the Wingnuts back in front at 2-1.

Joe D'Alessandro pitched a perfect eighth inning, including back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning. Doug Hurn took over in the ninth and retired the first two hitters. John Allen singled through the left side to keep the game alive for Fort Worth. Bell was next and worked a full count before homering over the left field wall to win the game.

Greg Porter, who turned 29 on Saturday, went 2 for 4 with two doubles.

The Wingnuts and Cats finish their series on Sunday evening at 6:05 p.m. Gabe Medina and Jae Hun Jung are the starting pitchers. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Blacksher Keeps Rolling in Win over Cats

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Fort Worth Cats 4-2 at LaGrave Field on Friday night.

Derek Blacksher became the American Association's first 10-game winner of the season, tossing seven strong innings in the victory. Blacksher allowed one run on just five hits while walking two and striking out two. Blacksher has won five straight decisions and eight of his last nine. The righty increased his streak to 107.1 innings this season without allowing a home run, the longest in the league.

Wichita took a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth. Brenan Herrera drew a lead off walk, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Kelley Gulledge. Josh Horn singled Herrera home from third for the game's first run.

After the Cats tied it on a Brian Fryer RBI single in the bottom of the inning, Steve Pearson and Josh Horn connected on a relay throw to home on Patrick O'Sullivan's double to right that cut down Fryer as the potential lead run.

The Wingnuts rode the defensive momentum into the seventh when Michael Thompson ripped a double down the left field line to score two runs and give the Wingnuts a 3-1 lead. Brenan Herrera eventually plated Thompson on a sacrifice fly to center field to make it 4-1.

Nat Harris took a no-decision for the Cats, allowing one run on two hits in six innings. The Wingnuts scored three times off of righty Dan Grybash.

Justin Young worked the eighth inning in relief of Blacksher while Doug Hurn pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save of the season. Thompson has hit safely in eight games in a row.

The Wingnuts and Cats continue their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Lefties Brad Davis and Joel Kirsten are the starting pitchers. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com after the completion of the evening game of the 75th annual NBC World Series. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Saltdogs Squeak Past Wingnuts

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts fell 1-0 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park on Thursday night.

Will Savage allowed one run on just five hits in eight innings, but a sacrifice fly from Phil Hawke in the bottom of the seventh proved to be the game's only run.

The Wingnuts appeared to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. With first and third and no outs, Patrick Brooks lifted a flyball to medium center field that was caught by Josh Burrus. Steve Pearson tagged from third base and headed home, beating Burrus's throw by a wide margin, in what looked to be a sacrifice fly. However, home plate umpire Ron Teague upheld Lincoln's appeal at third saying that Pearson had left the bag early. Video replay was inconclusive.

Savage allowed three or fewer earned runs for the 13th time in 17 starts this season but drops to 5-7. Lincoln starter Jim Paduch tossed eight shutout innings, striking out 11 to pick up the win.

The Wingnuts went down in order against Chris Thompson in the top of the ninth, who earned his 27th save of the year.

The Wingnuts begin the final leg of their 16-game road trip on Friday night when they travel to Fort Worth and begin a three-game series against the First Half South Division champion Cats. Right-handers Derek Blacksher and Nat Harris take the mound. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com after the completion of the evening game of the 75th annual NBC World Series. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Roll Past Lincoln

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Lincoln Saltdogs 9-1 at Haymarket Park on Wednesday night.

Richard Salazar fired five shutout innings in his first start since May 26th kept Lincoln's offense at bay, while Wichita scored four in the first and five in the eighth to support the left-hander.

For the second straight game, Greg Porter drove in the first run of the game, this time an RBI single to left after back-to-back hits from Josh Horn and Patrick Brooks. Later in the inning, Kelly Hunt hit a ground rule double over the left field wall to make it 2-0. With second and third and two down, Steve Pearson hit a groundball to shortstop that was misplayed by Albenis Machado and then thrown into the stands allowing two more runs to score.

Starting in place of Adam Cowart, Salazar allowed just one base hit, striking out five and walking three to earn his third win of the season. Salazar struck out the side in the bottom of the third.

Leading 4-1 in the eighth, six consecutive Wingnuts collected base hits, including a two-run home run from Kelly Hunt, his league leading 18th of the year. With 16 games left in the season, Hunt is four shy of tying the single-season league mark of 22 set in 2008. Michael Thompson and Brenan Herrera also had run scoring hits in the inning, while Josh Horn drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Right-hander Ryan Ashner made his Wingnuts debut, allowing one run in two innings in the win. Joe D'Alessandro worked a perfect eighth, while Doug Hurn, pitching on his 24th birthday, retired the side in the ninth to finish the win.

The Wingnuts wrap up their series against Lincoln tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Right-handers Will Savage and Jim Paduch take the mound. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Saltdogs Comeback on Wingnuts

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-3 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park on Tuesday night.

Wichita led 3-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but the Saltdogs scored five unanswered runs over their final three at bats. Wichita out-hit Lincoln 11 to 6, but left 10 runners on base in the loss.

Greg Porter hit a line drive home run to right field in the top of the first to give the Wingnuts the lead. It was Porter's 17th of the year, tying him with Kelly Hunt for the league lead.

In the second, Michael Sharp reached on a passed ball after striking out. Brenan Herrera singled Sharp to third and then Josh Horn lined a single to right field that scored Sharp and made it 2-0.

The Wingnuts scratched across another run in the fourth inning. After loading the bases with two outs, Patrick Brooks hit a slow roller up the third base line that resulted in an infield single to move the Wingnuts ahead 3-0.

Gabe Medina threw shutout ball over the first five innings before a wild pitch and an RBI single from Phil Hawke in the sixth inning cut the lead to 3-2.

The Saltdogs took the lead for good in the seventh when Brandon Jones dumped a two-run single into short center, scoring runners from second and third base. Gavin Dickey drove in an insurance run in the eighth inning on a bloop single to right field.

Wichita brough the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth against Lincoln closer Chris Thompson before the right-hander locked down his league leading 26th save.

Medina took the loss, allowing four runs on just four hits in six-plus innings. Adam Daniels earned the win in relief retiring all four batters to face him.

Steve Pearson went 0 for 4, ending his consecutive on-base streak at 35 games in a row, a new Wingnuts' club record.

The Wingnuts continue their series against Lincoln tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Richard Salazar makes the start for the Wingnuts against lefty Zac Cline. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Pound Dogs

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs 12-2 at Haymarket Park on Monday night.

Greg Porter, named the American Association Batter of the Week earlier this afternoon, went 4 for 5 with three RBIs, while Wichita hit three home runs and pounded out 15 hits. Eight of Wichita's starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.

Trailing 1-0 heading into the top of the fifth, Wichita exploded for eight runs to take the lead for the rest of the night. Brenan Herrer opened the inning hitting a line drive home run over the left field fence to tie the game. After walks to Josh Horn and Patrick Brooks, Greg Porter doubled both of them home against reliever Darryl Arreola. Dustan Mohr came up next and clocked a two-run home run to deep left-center field to make it 5-1. The inning continued with the Wingnuts loading the bases with two out before Josh Horn doubled into right-center field to clear the bases. Horn was thrown at third trying to stretch it into a triple, but the Wingnuts left the inning with an 8-1 lead.

In the seventh, Porter singled home Patrick Brooks, who led off the inning with a double, to make it 9-1. Kelly Hunt crushed a two-run home run to right field in the top of the eighth to extend the Wingnuts' lead to 11-1. It was Hunt's league leading 17th home run of the season. After Lincoln scored in the bottom of the eighth, Mohr singled home Wichita's 12th run on a ground ball up the middle.

Brad Davis allowed one run on six hits in five innings to earn the win and improve to 8-5. Davis has won four consecutive starts. Diego Soto worked two scorless innings in the sixth and seventh, while Joe D'Alessandro finished off the win, allowing one run over the final two frames.

The win evens the Wingnuts' second half record at 15-15 and moves them within 2.5 games of first place Lincoln.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Righty Gabe Medina goes to the mound against Lincoln right-hander Tim Brown. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter, Blacksher Lead Wingnuts Past X's

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 4-3 at Lewis and Clark Park on Sunday evening.

The Explorers scored first for a second straight game when Jason Colson flared a single into short left field in the bottom of the fourth to score Alex Llanos. Colson drove Llanos in for a second time in the sixth when he singled into center field.

Wichita got on the board in the top of the seventh. Steve Pearson doubled to left field with one out and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Michael Thompson lifted a fly ball to left to drive in Pearson and cut the lead to 2-1.

In the top of the eighth, Brenan Herrera and Josh Horn hit back-to-back singles to open the inning. Greg Porter, who subbed in for Nick Blasi in the bottom of the fifth, followed with a three-run home run over the right-center field fence to turn the game around at 4-2. It was Porter's 16th home run of the season, tying him with Kelly Hunt for the league lead.

Derek Blacksher fired seven strong innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. Blacksher struck out four and did not issue a walk for a second consecutive start. The right-hander has now worked at least seven innings in four straight starts.

Blasi was struck in the helmet with a pitch in the top of the first and remained in the game until the bottom of the fifth.

Justin Young pitched a scoreless eighth inning. The X's loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth against Joe D'Alessandro, but a key double play turned by Michael Thompson and Steve Pearson helped stabilize the inning. With the tying run on second and two outs, D'Alessandro got Dustin Jones to ground out to second base to end the game.

The Wingnuts travel south to Lincoln where they open a four-game series against the Saltdogs on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Lefty Brad Davis opposes right-hander Brian Campbell. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Takes Third Batter of the Week Award

WICHITA, KS- Wingnuts left fielder Greg Porter has been named the American Association Batter of the Week for August 3rd through August 9th.

Already having won two other Batter of the Week Awards as well as Batter of the Month honors for June, Porter hit .440 in six games last week with three home runs, seven RBIs, and seven runs scored. After setting a new Wingnuts' club record with a 19-game hitting streak in June, Porter recently finished a 14-game hitting streak that carried into last week.

The Kelly, TX resident has hit six home runs in his last 15 games, including a game-changing three-run home run on Sunday that gave the Wingnuts a 4-2 lead in an eventual 4-3 rubber match win over Sioux City.

Porter's power streak ties him with teammate Kelly Hunt for the league lead. Porter leads the league in batting at .380 and ranks fourth with 64 RBI. Porter also leads the league in hits (113), on-base percentage (.464), and slugging percentage (.613). Over his last 59 games, dating back to early June, Porter is 96 for 228 (.421). On Saturday night at Sioux City, Porter singled in the top of the first for his 900th career base hit.

It marks the sixth time this season a Wingnuts player has earned league honors. Dustan Mohr also won Batter of the Week in June, while Derek Blacksher was last week's Pitcher of the Week.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series tonight against the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Brad Davis will be on the mound against Lincoln's Brian Campbell. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Ashner, Blasi Out Indefinitely

WICHITA, KS- The Wingnuts signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Ashner on Monday afternoon.

A native of Overland Park, KS, Ashner appeared in nine games this season for the Frontier League's River City Rascals, going 4-0 in 12 relief outings. The 25-year old had a 3.57 ERA with 15 strikeouts and only four walks in 17.2 IP. Ashner began his career in 2008, going 1-0 with one save for River City. Ashner had a 2.11 ERA last season, striking out 18 and walking four in 21.1 IP.

To make room for Ashner, the Wingnuts released right-hander Tyler Rhoden. Rhoden was 2-3 with a 5.10 ERA in 29 appearances. Ashner will be in uniform and available for tonight's series opener at Lincoln.

Meanwhile, the Wingnuts sent center fielder Nick Blasi back to Wichita Monday afternoon for further evaluation of his left cheek. Blasi was struck in the face with a pitch in the top of the first inning on Sunday at Sioux City. Blasi remained in the game until the bottom of the fifth. The former Shocker is hitting .330 with 14 runs and 10 RBI over his last 23 games. Blasi has fielded the fifth most chances amongst American Association outfielders, committing just two errors and is 16 for 20 in stolen base attempts. Blasi's status for the rest of the season is uncertain.

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Streak Stopped in Sioux City

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-1 to the Sioux City Explorers on Saturday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

Will Savage had a strong start, pitching into the eighth inning, but Wichita left 15 runners on base in their loss.

The X's led 2-0 into the eighth before breaking the game open. Jason Colson hit a two-out three run home run to make it 6-0. Colson finished the night with four RBIs.

Savage worked seven-plus innings, and was charged with four runs. Savage allowed just five hits. Wichita's lone run came on an RBI single from Steve Pearson in the top of the ninth.

Greg Porter singled in the top of the first for the 900th hit of his professional career. Trevor Fox earned the win for Sioux City, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings despite walking six. The loss snapped a 10-game Wingnuts winning streak at Lewis and Clark Park that dated back to last season.

The Wingnuts and Explorers finish their series tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher and Ty Marotz are the scheduled starters. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Continue Hot Streak Against X's

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 7-2 at Lewis and Clark Park on Friday night.

Wichita, who entered the game 9-1 against the Explorers this season, grabbed an early run on an RBI single from Greg Porter. A key rundown play in the bottom of the second inning, executed by Steve Pearson, Joe Muich, Michael Thompson, and Josh Horn prevented the tying run from scoring.

After a leadoff single by Michael Thompson in the fourth, Joe Muich doubled into the left field corner to score Thompson from first and give the Wingnuts a 2-0 lead. Patrick Brooks drew a walk against starter Ryan Harris to put runners on first and second. Brenan Herrera then hit another double down the left field line to score Muich. Harris threw a wild pitch that brought in Brooks and moved Herrera to third. Josh Horn plated Herrera on a sacrifice fly to left-center to make it 5-0.

Greg Porter and Dustan Mohr hit back-to-back home runs to lead off the seventh inning. Porter finished the night with four base hits, marking his 34th multi-hit game of the season.

The offensive support was plenty for Adam Cowart who threw seven shutout innings allowing just two hits. Cowart struck out three and walked one and needed just 77 pitches for the win.

The Wingnuts have won 10 straight road games against Sioux City dating back to last year and are 8-0 at Lewis and Clark Park in 2009.

The Wingnuts and Explorers continue their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Will Savage takes the Sioux City mound for the first time since his no-hitter over the X's on June 23rd. The Explorers go with lefty Trevor Fox. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. The 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Blanked in Series Finale

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 2-0 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Thursday night.

Rookie right-hander Todd Mathison, who was making his first professional start, kept the Wingnuts to just one hit in 7.2 shutout innings. Mathison struck out six and walked one while earning the win.

The Saints took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single from left fielder Josh Alley down the right field line. St. Paul added the game's final run on a sacrifice fly by Jason Cooper in the bottom of the seventh.

Gabe Medina pitched well but took the loss. Medina allowed one run on four hits in six innings and fell to 8-4 on the season.

Greg Porter had his hitting streak snapped at 14 games going 0 for 4. Wichita had the tying runs on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, but reliever Mike Bille recorded the final five outs to earn the save.

The Wingnuts now travel to Sioux City for a three-game weekend series against the Explorers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Friday. Adam Cowart will be on the mound for Wichita. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. The 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Beat Saints

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the St. Paul Saints 10-7 at Midway Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

With the bases loaded and one out in the second, Brenan Herrera singled to left field to give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. Josh Horn was next and hit a groundball that was thrown away by third baseman Brent Krause allowing two more runs to score.

After the Saints tied the game on a three-run home run from Anthony Norman in the bottom of the second, the Wingnuts regained the lead for good in the third. Wichita scored three more times, needing only one base hit. Wichita was helped by two bases loaded walks and a sacrifice fly from catcher Michael Sharp.

In the fourth, Kelly Hunt blasted his league leading 16th home run of the season to extend the lead to 7-3. Greg Porter, who extended his hitting streak to 14 in a row with a single in the third, hit a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the eighth to make it 9-3.

After the Saints scored two in the eighth, Michael Sharp hit an RBI double in the ninth to make it 10-5. St. Paul scored twice more in the bottom of the inning before Diego Soto retired the side to preserve the 10-7 win.

Brad Davis returned to the rotation and earned the win, allowing three runs in five innings. Davis struck out a season-high six batters while walking four and is now 7-5 on the season. Doug Hurn worked two scoreless innings of relief.

The Wingnuts and Saints finish their series Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Gabe Medina goes for the Wingnuts while the Saints have yet to name their starter. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. The 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Pitcher of the Week Leads Wingnuts to Win

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the St. Paul Saints 3-2 at Midway Stadium on Tuesday night.

Trailing 2-0 in the seventh, Greg Porter singled through the left side to open the inning. Dustan Mohr doubled down the left field line, advancing Porter to third. A wild pitch thrown by starter Mitch Wylie scored Porter and moved Mohr to third base. After Kelly Hunt struck out, Joe Muich grounded a single through the Saints' drawn in infield to tie the game.

Tied at 2-2 in the eighth, singles by Josh Horn and Nick Blasi, and an intentional walk to Greg Porter loaded the bases with one out for Dustan Mohr. New reliever Mike Bille hit Mohr with a pitch to force in the go-ahead run and give the Wingnuts their first lead of the night.

Derek Blacksher pitched a season-high 7.2 IP, allowing two earned runs for his eighth win of the season. Blacksher struck out seven and walked none, throwing 112 pitches. Blacksher exited with the tying run on base in the bottom of the eighth, giving way to Justin Young. Young allowed the tying run to reach second on a wild pitch, but came back to stirke out Brent Krause to end the inning.

Joe D'Alessandro slammed the door on the win in the ninth, pitching a perfect inning, including back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.

Porter's single extended his hitting streak to 13 games in a row. Mohr was credited with his 60th RBI of the season.

The Wingnuts and Saints continue their series Wednesday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. sending Brad Davis to the mound against right-hander Tom Buske. The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. The 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Blacksher Named Pitcher of the Week

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts right-handed pitcher Derek Blacksher has been named the American Association Pitcher of the Week for July 26th through August 2nd.

On July 29th, Blacksher fired seven shutout innings over the Pensacola Pelicans in the rubber match of a three-game series at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and earned his seventh win of the season. Blacksher yielded just three hits, two of which were infield hits, while walking one and striking out five.

Blacksher is 7-2 for the season in 14 starts and his 3.36 ERA ranks ninth in the American Association. In 85.2 IP this season, Blacksher has yet to allow a home run, the longest such streak of any pitcher in the league. A current resident of Lake Charles, LA, Blacksher earned the win in the 2009 American Association All-Star Game, in the North's 6-2 victory over the South.

Blacksher is in his third season of professional baseball and first with the Wingnuts. The McNeese State University product won 10 games for the Frontier League's Gateway Grizzlies last season and was named the team's Pitcher of the Year. He joins Greg Porter (twice) and Dustan Mohr as Wingnuts players who have earned Batter/Pitcher of the Week honors in 2009.

The first half champion Wichita Wingnuts open a three-game series at St. Paul on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return from their 16-game road trip on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers. Meanwhile the 75th annual NBC World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through August 15th. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Canaries Comeback on Wingnuts

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-3 to the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Leading 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Sioux Falls rallied for three runs off of Joe D'Alessandro. J.D. Reininger and Joe Dempsey opened the inning with back-to-back walks. Joe Anthonsen hit a groundball up the middle that was thrown away by shortstop Josh Horn, allowing Reininger to score and moving the tying and winning runs into scoring position. Tim Hutting capped off the inning with a bloop single to right center that scored both runs and handed the Wingnuts a stunning loss.

Wichita had led for most of the game. With the bases loaded and two out in the top of the third, Dustan Mohr singled into left field on a 3-0 pitch from Jino Gonzalez to give the Wingnuts a 2-0 advantage. Beau Torbert homered to left field in the fourth off of Will Savage, cutting the Wingnuts' lead in half.

Neither team would score until the top of the eighth, when Greg Porter doubled down the right field line and then scored on another RBI single by Mohr. This one came on a hit and run with Porter breaking for third. Mohr grounded it through the left side with Trevor Lawhorn retreating towards third base.

Savage tossed six strong innings, allowing one run on five hits, walking one and striking out two in a no-decision. Justin Young, Richard Salazar, and Doug Hurn combined for two scoreless innings. Porter's double extended his hitting streak to 12 games in a row.

The Wingnuts head to St. Paul and open a three-game series againt the Saints on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher will be on the mound against righty Mitch Wylie. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers. Meanwhile, the 75th annual National Baseball Congress World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts' Comeback Falls One Run Short

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-4 to the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Saturday night.

The Canaries jumped on the board first. Trevor Lawhorn led off the bottom of the second with a double to left-center field. After Adam Cowart retired the next two hitters, Joe Dempsey singled to left field to give the Canaries a 1-0 lead.

The Canaries broke the game open in the fourth. Patrick Reilly tripled to right field with one out which was followed by a two-run home run by J.D. Reininger. After an error by Josh Horn that allowed Joe Dempsey to reach first, Joe Anthonsen singled up the middle to mvoe Dempsey to third base. Tim Hutting came up next and hit a sacrifice fly to center field to drive in Dempsey and make it 4-0. Cody Haerther singled Anthonsen to the plate for the final run of the inning.

The Wingnuts finally cracked Canaries' starter Noel Baca in the sixth when Michael Thompson homered to left field to start the inning. After putting runners on first and third, Dustan Mohr hit a deep drive to center field that was run down by Beau Torbert to end the inning.

In the seventh, Joe Muich hit the Wingnuts' second home run of the night, a two-run shot to left off of Pat Mahomes to make it 5-3 Sioux Falls.

The Wingnuts pulled within one run in the top of the eighth. Greg Porter singled with one out and advanced to second on a groundout by Dustan Mohr. Kelly Hunt followed with a groundball single through the left side that scored Porter and made it a 5-4 game.

Aaron Cotter worked the final out in the eighth with the tying and go-ahead runs on before throwing a perfect ninth to earn the save.

Adam Cowart took the loss for Wichita, allowing five runs, three earned, in six innings of work. Greg Porter extended his hitting streak to 11 games in a row.

The Wingnuts and Canaries finish their series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. with Will Savage matching up against lefty Jino Gonzalez. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers. Meanwhile, the 75th annual National Baseball Congress World Series continues at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Pound Canaries in Series Opener

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 11-8 at Sioux Falls Stadium on Friday night.

For the second straight game, every Wingnuts starter collected at least one base hit, while Greg Porter drove in four runs for a second consecutive game.

The Wingnuts manufactured a run in the top of the first. After reaching on an infield single, Josh Horn advanced to third on a pair of wild pitches from Sioux Falls' Starter Travis Kane. Greg Porter drove in Horn with an RBI groundout to second base.

The Wingnuts executed again in the second. Kelly Hunt doubled to right-center to lead off the inning. Steve Pearson sacrificed him to third before Joe Muich singled to left field to give Wichita a 2-0 lead.

The Wingnuts took a commanding lead in the fourth. With two on and one out, Michael Thompson singled to center field to plate Steve Pearson for a 3-0 lead. Later in the inning, Josh Horn singled home a run with two outs. Greg Porter capped off the frame with a two-out, three-run double that put the Wingnuts in front 7-0.

Starting in place of Brad Davis, Gabe Medina went 5.2 innings. The Canaries rallied for six runs in the bottom of the fourth to get within one run, but Medina got out of further trouble to earn the win.

Michael Thompson doubled home a run in the top of the fourth to re-extend the Wingnuts' lead to 8-6. In the top of the fifth, Dustan Mohr doubled to right-center field to make it 10-6.

An error by second baseman Joe Anthonsen in the eighth inning led to the Wingnuts' 11th run. Cody Haerther singled home two in the bottom half against Richard Salazar, but Salazar came back to get Cory Harris to hit into an inning ending double play as the tying run at the plate.

Joe Muich finished the night with three hits, while Nick Blasi scored three runs. Porter went 1 for 3 with four RBIs and has now hit safely in 10 games in a row. Justin Young worked 1.1 innings of scoreless relief while Joe D'Alessandro pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth Wingnuts save.

The Wingnuts and Canaries continue their series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. with Adam Cowart matching up against Noel Baca. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers. Meanwhile, the 75th annual National Baseball Congress World Series kicks off on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts roll over Pelicans, 12-4 in matinee

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts pounded the Pensacola Pelicans for the second straight day, taking the series finale 12-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Wichita scored early and often, piling up nine runs over the first three innings. The Wingnuts scored five times in the first inning on seven hits, with Patrick Brooks and Michael Sharp each knocking in two runs in the frame. Wichita added three in the second on a three-run home run by Kelly Hunt, his league-leading fifth of the season. Greg Porter, who leads the league in hitting, went 2-5, with a home run and four RBI.

The Wingnuts rapped out 20 hits, including at least two hits in every inning but the sixth. Seven different wingnuts had at least two hits and scored at least one run. Josh Horn led Wichita with four hits and four runs, while Nick Blasi and Michael Thompson each recorded three hits. Wingnuts starter Derek Blacksher was stellar, allowing just three hits and no runs in seven innings, to move his record to 7-2. The Pelicans scored four unearned runs in the eighth, thanks to a pair of Wichita errors.

Wichita now hits the road for 16 straight games, starting Friday at Sioux Falls. While the Wingnuts are gone, Lawrence Dumont Stadium will host the 75th Anniversary NBC World Series, which starts Saturday and runs through August 15. The Wingnuts will finally return home on Tuesday, Auguts 18 to host the Sioux City Explorers. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Mohr, Wingnuts slam Pelicans

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts used the long ball to pound the Pensacola Pelicans 8-3 on Tuesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

After going down 1-2-3 in the first three innings, the Wingnuts bats came alive in the fourth inning, capped off by a Dustan Mohr grand slam which put Wichita up 4-2. After Pensacola cut the lead to 4-3, the Wingnuts added a run in the fifth on an RBI single by Greg Porter. Kelly Hunt hit his league-leading 14th home run in the sixth and Mohr added his second home run of the game in the seventh to put Wichita up 8-3.

Wingnuts starter Will Savage settled down after giving up a couple of early runs to throw seven strong innings and earn his fifth win of the season. Mohr led the 'Nuts with five RBI, while Porter - the league's top hitter - finished 2-5. Marcos Rodriguez led the Pelicans, going 3-4 with three RBI and a stolen base. The loss snapped Pensacola's eight-game winning streak.

The Wingnuts will host the Pelicans in the series finale on Wednesday with a special Noon start time. Derek Blacksher will take the mound for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Add ESU Closer

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed Emporia State right-hander Diego Soto on Tuesday.

Soto made his professional debut during the Wingnuts' 8-3 win over the Pensacola Pelicans. After walking the first two hitters he faced, Soto picked up a strikeout and then escaped the jam by inducing a double play groundball.

The 22-year old led the Hornets this Spring with 12 saves, helping Emporia State reach the Division-II National Championship game. Originally from Tucson, AZ, Soto fanned 48 hitters in 42.1 innings during his senior season. Soto played two seasons at Cochise Community College before joining the Hornets in 2008.

Soto was a college teammate of Wingnuts' catcher Michael Sharp. Including pitcher Gabe Medina, the Wingnuts now have three Emporia State alumni on their roster. To make room for Soto, the Wingnuts released left-hander Julio Torres.

The Wingnuts finish their series with Pensacola this afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Beginning Friday, Wichita heads out on a 16-game road trip over 17 days when the 75th annual NBC World Series takes place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts miss chances, fall to Pelicans

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts had plenty of chances but couldn't get the clutch hit, falling 5-4 to the Pensacola Pelicans on Monday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts got a quick run in the first on an RBI single by Greg Porter after Josh Horn singled and stole second and third. Pensacola went ahead 2-1 in the fourth, before Porter hit a two-run bomb to straight away center in the fifth to put Wichita back up 3-2. The Pelicans re-took the lead in the seventh thanks to a pair of Wingnuts errors and Antoin Gray added an insurance run with a solo home run to put Pensacola up 5-3. The Wingnuts had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the inning, putting two men on with nobody out, but reliever Ron Hill recorded three straight outs to get out of the jam.

In the ninth, the Wingnuts got to closer Hunter Davis, who had been nearly unhittable all season. Nick Blasi led off the inning with a home run. Porter followed with a single and Mohr reached on a fielding error by Davis, setting up second and third with no out. After Kelly Hunt lined out to first, Stephen Pearson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Joe Muich grounded one to third, forcing out Porter at home. With two outs, Michael Thompson grounded out to end the game. The Wingnuts ended up leaving 13 runners on base.

The Wingnuts will host the Pensacola Pelicans again on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Will Savage will take the mound for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Hunt powers Wingnuts to comeback win

Wichita, KS- Kelly Hunt homered twice and drove in five runs as the Wingnuts outlasted the the Sioux Falls Canaries 10-9 on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

The Canaries erupted for six runs and seven hits off starter Gabe Medina before Wichita even came to the plate. Patrick Reilly and Joe Anthonsen each knocked in two runs. The Wingnuts got two back in the bottom of the inning and then added five more in the second. The big blow came from Hunt, who hit a three-run home run, one pitch after Reilly booted a potential inning-ending grounder.

Sioux Falls went back ahead with two runs in the third on a two-run single by Beau Torbert, before Wichita tied things at 9-9 on a solo home run to straight-away center in the fourth by Dustan Mohr. After Sioux Falls reclaimed the lead in the sixth, Wichita went ahead to stay on Hunt's second home run of the game - a two-run shot. In the eighth, Wingnuts relievers Richard Salazar and Justin Young got in - and out of a jam without a blemish. After loading the bases with no outs, Salazar started a 1-2-3 double play before Young came in to get Torbert to line out to third to end the inning.

The Wingnuts picked up a hit in every inning, while five relievers combined to allow just one run in five innings. Doug Hurn earned the win, while Joe D'Allesandro pitched a scoreless ninth to record his fifth save of the season.

The Wingnuts will host the Pensacola Pelicans on Monday at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart will take the mound for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts to Host 2010 All-Star Game

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced they will host the 2010 American Association All-Star Game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The current American Association formed in 2006, with the Wingnuts joining as an expansion team in 2008. The game matches All-Stars from the North Division versus the South Division in mid-July. Over the past two seasons, the two teams participating in the American Association Championship Series have determined the All-Star Game's managers the following year.

This past Tuesday, the North defeated the South 6-2, with Wingnuts' right-hander Derek Blacksher earning the win. Wichita sent a total of seven players to the game, more than any other team in the league.

Several pre-game events and festivities will lead up to the game, including the annual home run derby. Ticket and sponsorship information for the All-Star Game will be available within the next few weeks.

The first half champion Wingnuts open a three-game series tonight against the Pensacola Pelicans at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts host Credit Union of America Buy-In Night, as well as their weekly Military Monday promotion. It is also Reggae Night, presented by Red Stripe and 104.5 The Fox. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts shutout Canaries 7-0

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts scored early and often and four pitchers combined on a seven-hit shutout, as Wichita defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 7-0 on Saturday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in front of 5,081 fans.

Wichita took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single by Dustan Mohr and added three more in the third inning. Josh Horn had an RBI groundout followed by a two-run home run by Nick Blasi. The Wingnuts finished their scoring in the fourth on a two-run double by Greg Porter and another RBI single by Mohr.

Wingnuts starter Brad Davis pitched five strong innings, allowing just six hits. Julio Torres, Tyler Rhoden and Joe D'Allesandro combined to allow just two hits and no runs over the final four innings. Blasi, Mohr and Michael Thompson each had two hits for the Wingnuts. Tim Hutting reached base in all five at bats for Sioux Falls, with two singles and three walks.

The Wingnuts will host Sioux Falls again on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Gabe Medina will take the mound for Wichita against Travis Kane. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Canaries stop Wingnuts in 10

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts fell to the Sioux Falls Canaries, 4-2 in 10 innings, on Friday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

trailing 1-0 in the third, Wichita tied the game on Stpehen Pearson's third home run of the season and took a 2-1 lead on Greg Porter's 11th home run in the fourth. Sioux Falls tied the game in the fifth on an RBI single by Beau Torbert.

Other than the two homers, Wichita had two-men on base only one time in the game - the eighth - but Nick Blasi struck out to end the threat. In the 10th inning Trevor Lawhorn hit a two-run shot off Justin Young for the victory. Andrew Pluta recorded the win for Sioux Falls with Aaron Cotter recording his third save. Wichita starter Derek Blacksher pitched seven solid innings, while Sioux Falls starter Ben Moore threw eight strong. Neither factored in the decision.

The Wingnuts will host Sioux Falls again on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Brad Davis, who one-hit the Canaries in his last start, will take the mound for wichita against Ryan Ford. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Watch the Wingnuts in the All-Star Game

WICHITA, KS- Network Foundation Technologies (NiFty) and the American Association announced that the All-Star Game scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st will be broadcast on the internet.

Live coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. CT. The annual home run derby starts at 5:30 p.m., while the game itself is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The game can be viewed for free at the Shreveport-Bossier Captains website, www.sbcaptains.com, or directly from NiFty at www.niftytv.com/captains.

The Wingnuts have seven players on the North Division All-Star Team. Catcher Joe Muich, shortstop Josh Horn, left fielder Greg Porter, and designated hitter Kelly Hunt were voted in as starters and will be joined by pitchers Derek Blacksher, Adam Cowart, and Gabe Medina. Hunt and Porter will participate in the home run derby.

The Wingnuts return home on Friday to host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Swept by Saltdogs

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-3 to the Lincoln Saltdogs on Sunday evening at Haymarket Park.

The Wingnuts scored first for the third time in the series when Patrick Brooks singled home a run in the top of the second. Later in the inning, Josh Horn drove in a run on an RBI groundball.

After Lincoln cut the Wingnuts' lead in half in the fifth, Kelly Hunt lead off the top of the sixth with a long home run to left center field, his 11th of the season to set a new Wingnuts' single season record.

Lincoln came back though with three runs in their half of the sixth, highlighted by a two run home run from Brandon Jones. Lincoln scored twice more against Wichita starter Will Savage in the bottom of the seventh. Savage allowed six runs on eight hits in seven innings of work while taking the loss.

The Wingnuts brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth against closer Chris Thompson before the right-hander earned his 19th save of the season.

The loss was the Wingnuts' sixth straight on the road. Wichita has dropped eight of its last nine road games.

Wichita now sends a league-high seven All-Stars to the American Association All-Star Game on Tuesday night at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, TX. Catcher Joe Muich, shortstop Josh Horn, left fielder Greg Porter, and designated hitter Kelly Hunt will start for the North Division. The four hitters are joined by starting pitchers Derek Blacksher, Adam Cowart, and Gabe Medina on the North's roster.

The Wingnuts return from a four-day break from regular season action on Friday, July 24th when they open a three-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. "Super Fan" will be on hand at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, courtesy of Hajoca, 360 Wichita, and KFDI. Fans can also receive autographs from their favorite Wingnuts players after the game. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Drop Second Straight in Lincoln

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-2 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park on Saturday night.

In the top of the third, Greg Porter singled through the left side with two outs. Kelly Hunt came up next and doubled to right-center field to drive in Porter and give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Pichi Balet singled to center field to tie the game. Two batters later, Steve Alexander dropped a single into center field to score Balet as the go-ahead run.

The Saltdogs extended their lead in the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs, Balet singled into short left against Richard Salazar to score two more runs and make it 4-1 Lincoln.

Adam Cowart started for the Wingnuts, allowing four runs in 6.2 IP while suffering his third loss of the season.

Steve Pearson doubled home a run in the top of the eighth to bring the Wingnuts back within two runs, but Wichita went down in order against closer Chris Thompson in the ninth inning who earned the save.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs finish their series tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Will Savage starts for Wichita against Lincoln's Zac Cline. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return from the All-Star break on Friday, July 24th when they host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Clipped in 16

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-6 in 16 innings to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park on Friday night.

Deacon Burns leadoff the bottom of the 16th with a solo home run off of Tyler Rhoden to win the marathon which is now the longest game in Wingnuts' history in terms of both innings and time (4:47).

In the top of the second, Kelly Hunt and Joe Muich hit back-to-back one-out singles. Steve Pearson doubled down the right field line to score Hunt and give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. Michael Thompson followed with a two-run double to left-center field to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Wingnuts added two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Josh Horn and Nick Blasi each had two-out RBI singles, giving the Wingnuts a 5-0 lead.

Lincoln made it a one-run game when Steve Alexander hit a grand slam off of Medina in the bottom of the sixth.

Gabe Medina pitched seven strong innings, allowing four runs on eight hits, and striking out six in a no-decision.

Doug Hurn pitched a scoreless eighth inning for Wichita. In the top of the ninth, Dustan Mohr lifted a sacrifice fly to score Nick Blasi from third to make it 6-4. Blasi finished the night with five hits and two stolen bases. The five hits tie a club record.

Albenis Machado singled home two runs off of Joe D'Alessandro in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. With the winning run on third and one out, Richard Salazar struck out slugger Phil Hawke. Justin Young then came in and got Pichi Balet to ground out to third to send the game to extra innings. Yougn went on to pitch 4.1 scoreless innings, but the Wingnuts were held scoreless the rest of the way.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart starts for Wichita against Lincoln's Tim Brown. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return from the All-Star break on Friday, July 24th when they host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts sweep DH, series from Canaries

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts swept a doubleheader from the Sioux Falls Canaries in front of a sold out crowd of 7,134 fans on Thursday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Sioux Falls opened the scoring in the first inning of game one on a sacrifice fly by Cory Harris, but left the bases loaded. Wichita responded with a run in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Greg Porter and took the lead for good on a two-run double by Nick Blasi in the second.

Trailing 3-2 in the last inning, Cody Haerther singled, but Joe Anthonsen was thrown out at home by right fielder Stephen Pearson to preserve the victory for starter Derek Blacksher. Blacksher pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits, to move his record to 6-2. Joe D'Allesandro recorded his fourth save of the season.

In the nightcap it was all Brad Davis, who pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout. Davis allowed just one walk, struck out five and faced the minimum in five of seven innings pitched. The Wingnuts scored a single run in the second inning and then blew it open with a five-run fifth. Wichita batted around in the inning, getting an RBI single from Nick Blasi, an RBI walk by Pearson and a two-run double by Michael Thompson. Thompson knocked in three runs in game two, while Josh Horn went 3-4.

The Wingnuts - who swept the four-game series - travel to Lincoln on Friday where they will play the Saltdogs. Wichita will return home next Friday to open another series with Sioux Falls. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wednesday's Game Postponed

WICHITA, KS- Wednesday's game between the Wichita Wingnuts and Sioux Falls Canaries has been postopned due to inclement weather.

The game will be made up as part of a double header on Thursday evening beginning at 5:05 p.m. Both games will be seven-inning contests.

The probable starters for game one are Derek Blacksher and Ben Moore. Brad Davis and Noel Baca are expected to pitch in the nightcap. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Two Out Magic Leads to Win Over Canaries

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 9-7 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Wingnuts jumped in front in the bottom of the second. After Canaries' starter Jino Gonzalez retired the first two hitters, Patrick Brooks singled and Brenan Herrera walked. Josh Horn followed with an RBI single to center field to put the Wingnuts on the board. Nick Blasi and Dustan Mohr followed with RBI singles and then executed a double steal. Kelly Hunt followed with a single through the left side to open a 5-0 advantage.

Sioux Falls scored a run in the top of the third on an RBI double down the left field line from Cody Haerther.

Heavy rains began falling while the Wingnuts were at bat in the bottom of the fourth, leading to a one-hour and 23-minute rain delay.

Leading 6-3 into the bottom of the eighth, the Wingnuts plated three more runs, including RBIs from Michael Thompson, Brenan Herrera, and Josh Horn.

Will Savage earned the win, allowing two runs in five innings of work. Joe D'Alessandro earned his third save of the season, retiring the final batter of the game.

The Wingnuts continue their series against the Canaries tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. All-Star Derek Blacksher matches up against right-hander Ben Moore. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts, Cowart stop Canaries, losing streak

Wichita, KS- All-Star Adam Cowart threw a gem, helping the Wingnuts snap a five-game skid in a 3-0 victory over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Monday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Cowart pitched seven strong innings, allowing just six hits, no walks and struck out four, moving his record to 5-2. Four 'Nuts relievers combined in the last two innings, with Joe D'Allesandro throwing a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his second save.

The Wingnuts got on the board in the second when Dustan Mohr singled and went to third on a fielding error by center fielder Cory Harris. Mohr scored on a wild pitch. In the sixth, Greg Porter singled, stole second and scored on a Mohr single. The Wingnuts added a run in the eighth when Nick Blasi singled with two out and was tripled home by Porter.

The Wingnuts will host Sioux Falls again on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Will Savage will get the start for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Edged by Captains

SHREVEPORT, LA- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 3-2 to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Fair Grounds Field on Saturday night.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the second, Joe Muich singled to leadoff the inning and was followed by a double down the left field line from Steve Pearson. Two batters later Brenan Herrera drove in Muich with an RBI groundout. Josh Horn then came up and laid down a two-out bunt single that scored Pearson to tie the game.

The Captains moved back in front on Dan Williams' RBI single in the bottom of the fourth, finishing the scoring for the night.

Gabe Medina kept the Wingnuts in the game, allowing three runs in six innings. Medina walked one and struck out five. The loss snapped Medina's five-game winning streak. Richard Salazar pitched two scoreless innings of relief to keep the Wingnuts within one run. Josh Horn finished with three hits. The loss was the fifth straight for Wichita, marking their first five-game losing streak in team history.

The Wingnuts return home on Monday, opening a four-game series with the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart will be on the mound, opposed by Sioux Falls' Travis Kane. The Wingnuts host McDonald's Buy-In Night, as well as their weekly Military Monday's promotion, courtesy of Kissin' Country and B98 FM. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Three Wingnuts Pitchers Added to All-Star Team

WICHITA, KS- Three more Wingnuts players are headed to the American Association All-Star Game on July 21st with the addition of starting pitchers Gabe Medina, Adam Cowart, and Derek Blacksher.

Medina, 7-2, is tied for the league lead in wins, and also ranks ninth with a 3.09 ERA. In his first professional season as a full-time starting pitcher, Medina has pitched at least six innings in eight of his last nine starts and has won his last five decisions. Medina has allowed six or fewer base hits in seven consecutive starts.

Cowart joined the Wingnuts in late May from the San Francisco Giants organization and is currently 4-2 with the sixth best ERA in the league at 2.66. On June 27th, Cowart tossed the first complete game shutout of his career, throwing a three-hitter over the St. Paul Saints to bring the Wingnuts within one win of the first half division title. Cowart is tied for the league lead with three complete games this season and has thrown at least six innings in six of his last seven starts.

Blacksher is 5-2 with a 3.80 ERA. Prior to Friday night, Blacksher had won three consecutive starts. Another innings eater, Blacksher has worked at least six innings in 10 consecutive starts and ranks third in the league with 54 strikeouts. Blacksher set a Wingnuts single-game record on May 22nd at Sioux City, striking out 10 hitters.

The trio of arms join Joe Muich, Josh Horn, Greg Porter, and Kelly Hunt to give the first half champion Wingnuts seven all-stars. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, TX, home of the Grand Prairie AirHogs.

The Wingnuts continue their series with Shreveport-Bossier tonight. Brad Davis matches up against Ronald Lowe at 7:05 p.m. You can catch all the action locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday when they open a four-game series with the Sioux Falls Canaries. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Shutout by Captains

SHREVEPORT, LA- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-0 to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Fair Grounds Field on Saturday night.

Richard Paz hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second that bounced off the very top of the left field fence to give Shreveport a 2-0 lead. The Captains added a run on a two-out RBI triple from Jose Torres in the bottom of the sixth.

Brad Davis pitched 5.2 IP, allowing three runs on six hits. Davis walked one and struck out three while taking his fifth loss of the season.

Ronald Lowe limited the Wingnuts to just four hits in seven innings, not allowing a run. Wichita had the bases loaded and no one out in the top of the seventh, but could not score. Patrick Brooks lined into a double play at second base and then Brenan Herrera was struck out by Lowe to end the inning.

The Captains scratched out another run in the bottom of the eight. Christopher Garcia leadoff with a double and was singled home by Andres Rodriguez, giving the Captains a 4-0 lead.

Jakob Cunningham kept the Wingnuts scoreless over the eighth and ninth to earn the save.

The Wingnuts wrap up their series with the Captains tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Gabe Medina and Logan Williamson, both named All-Stars earlier today, will be on the mound. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday, opening a four-game series with the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts host McDonald's Buy-In Night, as well as their weekly Military Monday's promotion, courtesy of Kissin' Country and B98 FM. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Drop Series Opener in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, LA- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-4 to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Fair Grounds Field on Friday night.

Michael Thompson homered in the ninth, while Greg Porter had two RBIs, but Wichita fell a run short in the opener of their series with the Captains.

Greg Porter gave the Wingnuts an early 1-0 lead, hitting an opposite field home run to left-center with two out in the top of the first.

Shreveport rallied for two against Derek Blacksher in the bottom of the inning. Blacksher retired the first two hitters, but the Captains loaded the bases. Jose Torres singled to left field to score two runs to make it 2-1.

After the Captains had taken a 3-1 lead, the Wingnuts rallied for two runs to tie the game in the top of the sixth. Josh Horn scored on a passed ball, and then Greg Porter plated Nick Blasi to knot the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the sixth, Dan Williams hit a two-run single to right field off of Blacksher to put the Captains in front for good.

Thompson hit his fourth home run of the year in the ninth off of closer Justin Dowdy, but the Wingnuts were unable to push the tying run across home plate.

Blacksher took the loss, dropping to 5-2, allowing five earned runs on seven hits. Blacksher walked three and struck out five while throwing 107 pitches. The loss was the Wingnuts third in a row. First baseman Steve Pearson had his hitting streak end at 12 games.

The Wingnuts and Captains continue their series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Brad Davis squares off against lefty Ronald Lowe. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday when they open a four-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Four Wingnuts to Start in All-Star Game

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts learned today that four of their players have been voted as starters in the 2009 American Association All-Star Game in Grand Prairie, TX.

Catcher Joe Muich, Shortstop Josh Horn, Left Fielder Greg Porter, and Designated Hitter Kelly Hunt were chosen as starters for the North Division, as selected by the North's field managers and media representatives.

A four-year letterman at Wichita State University, Muich is hitting .286 with five home runs and 22 RBI. On May 20th versus Sioux Falls, Muich hit a game-ending home run that capped off a 13-inning, four hour and eight minute affair that went down as the longest game in Wingnuts' history. Muich leads all catchers with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and is first with a 40% caught stealing percentage, more than 12 percentage points better than the second place catcher.

Horn will be making his third all-star appearance in as many seasons in his professional career, having been an all-star at third base in 2007 and 2008 with the Frontier League's Windy City Thunderbolts. Horn ranks 10th in the league in batting at .335 and third among shortstops with a .964 fielding percentage. Over his last 40 games, Horn is 55 for 150 (.367). Horn also leads the Wingnuts with 13 stolen bases and has only been caught one time. Horn has walked more times (26) than he has struck out (19).

Porter leads the league in hitting at .381, 21 points better than anyone else. Now in his ninth season of professional baseball, Porter shattered the Wingnuts' club record hitting streak, hitting safely in 19 straight from June 10th through June 30th. Porter hit .485 during the 19 games. His hot June not only earned him two Batter of the Week honors, but also the league's Batter of the Month award. Porter hit .481 in June with six home runs and 21 RBI in 27 games while striking out just seven times the entire month.

An MVP candidate the last two seasons, Hunt is tied for third in the league with 10 home runs. During a stretch in late May, Hunt went 17 for 43 (.395) with four home runs and 11 RBIs in a 10-game stretch. Hunt is batting .290 with runners in scoring position, and has driven in 40 runs in 51 games. Hunt and Porter are the only two Wingnuts to have started in every game this season.

The four starters beats the Wingnuts' total from last season when Kevin Hooper, Michael Thompson, and Brenan Herrera started at shortstop, third base, and second base respectively.

The 2009 All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, TX, home of the Grand Prairie AirHogs. Several skills competitions, including a home run derby, are scheduled to take place prior to the game.

Pitchers and reserves for both squads will be announced within the next several days. Sioux Falls Canaries' manager Steve Shirley will make those selections for the North.

The Wichita Wingnuts, 2009 North Division champions, conclude a four-game series tonight with the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts fall to Saints in late innings

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts bullpen spoiled another great start by Will Savage, allowing five runs over the last two innings, in a 7-5 loss to the St. Paul Saints on Thursday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

The real fireworks occurred before the game even started, as Wingnuts manager Kevin Hooper continued his argument with the umpire crew from last night, and was ejected. Hooper was angry that Wingnuts slugger Dustan Mohr was ejected last night and subsequently suspended for tonight's game.

When the game started, Savage and St. Paul starter Mitch Wylie put on a pitchers' duel for six innings - a game that was tied at 1-1. After St. Paul went ahead 2-1 in the seventh, the Wingnuts were gifted two runs on a two-out wild pitch by Michael Bille to go up 3-2. St. Paul went up 5-3 in the eighth on a three-run home run by Jason Cooper, but Wichita quickly tied it in the bottom of the eighth on a two-out double by Michael Thompson.

In the ninth, St. Paul rallied for two runs with two outs to go up 7-5, with Cooper picking up another RBI. The Wingnuts left two men on base in the ninth - the story of the night - as Wichita stranded 11 men on base. Bille earned the win, while Justin Young suffered the loss for Wichita. The Wingnuts have struggled early in the second half, falling to a record of 1-3.

The Wingnuts now head to Shreveport where they will start a three-game set with the Captains on Friday. The Wingnuts will return home on Monday to host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts stopped by Saints, Hailstorm

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts fell 2-1 to the St. Paul Saints on Wednesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in a game shortened by a massive hail storm.

With the Wingnuts coming to bat in the bottom of the seventh, ominous skies suddenly appeared, giving way to rain and then hail. Hail fell steadily for nearly 30 minutes, ranging between golf and baseball size, causing widespread damage to cars in the parking lot. Tom Buske earned his first pro win, while Adam Cowart suffered the defeat.

The Wingnuts and Saints will conclude their series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Will Savage will get the start for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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'Nuts hang on for first second half win

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts picked up their first win of the second half, hanging on for an 8-7 decision over the St. Paul Saints on Tuesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

St. Paul got on the board in the first with two runs on RBI singles by Alex Fonseca and Brent Krause. Wichita got one back in the bottom of the inning on an RBI groundout by Greg Porter. The Wingnuts exploded in the third for four runs, sending 10 men to the plate. Dustan Mohr walked with the bases loaded, followed by a two-run single by Kelly Hunt. Stephen Pearson knocked in the final run of the inning on an RBI groundout.

In the sixth, St. Paul got a lead-off home run from Jacon Butler and an RBI double by Scott Knazek to cut the lead to 6-4. The Wingnuts tacked on a run in the bottom of the inning on a solo home run by Nick Blasi. St. Paul added runs in the seventh, Wichita countered with one in the bottom of the inning and St. Paul cut the lead to 8-7 with a run in the eighth. In the ninth, however; new closer Joe D'Allesandro got a leadoff groundout and struck out the last two Saints on six pitches to pick up his first save and give starter Gabe Medina his league-leading seventh win of the season. Josh Horn led the Wingnuts with three hits and three runs.

The Wingnuts and Saints will do battle again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart will get the start for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts open second half with loss

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts opened the second half of the season with a 4-1 loss to the St. Paul Saints on Monday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

St. Paul took a 2-0 lead in the second on a solo home run by Brent Krause and added a run thanks to a Wichita error. The Wingnuts got one back in the second when Michael Thompson singled home Stephen Pearson. Thompson and Greg Porter finished the night 3-4 for Wichita.

St. Paul added two more runs in the seventh with RBI going to Jeff Eure and Andrew Schmiesing. Eure reached base in all four plate appearances. Brandon Kintzler earned the win for St. Paul, going seven strong innings, while Kerry Ligtenberg recorded his 10th save of the season.

The Wingnuts and Saints will do battle again on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Gabe Medina will get the start for Wichita. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Close Out First Place Half With Shutout Win

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs 4-0 at Haymarket Park on Sunday night.

The Wingnuts finally broke through in the top of the seventh. With two outs and Michael Thompson on third base, Nick Blasi hit a groundball into the hole at shortstop and beat out the relay to first to drive in the game's first run.

Derek Blacksher fired six shutout innings, allowing five hits, walking three, and striking out five. It marked the ninth consecutive start that Blacksher worked at least six innings. Blacksher improved to 5-1 with the win.

The Wingnuts took a 4-1 lead in the top of the eighth. Dustan Mohr leadoff with a double into the left field corner. On the next pitch, Kelly Hunt singled up the middle to plate Mohr. Two batters later, Steve Pearson tripled to right-center, scoring Hunt from first. Pearson then scored on Michael Thompson's sacrifice fly to deep center.

Tyler Rhoden pitched scoreless baseball in the seventh and eighth innings. Justin Young pitched a scoreless ninth to finish off the Wingnuts' third team shutout win of the season.

Mohr's sixth inning double extended his hitting streak to 13 games in a row, tying him with Kevin Hooper for the second-longest in franchise history. Pearson's triple extended his streak to eight consecutive games.

Wichita returns home Monday night to open four-game series with the St. Paul Saints. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Flamethrower

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts purchased the contract of right-hander Joe D'Alessandro on Monday afternoon.

A native of Woodbury, NJ, D'Alessandro was purchased from the Frontier League's Washington Wild Things. The righty began the 2009 season in the Atlantic League with the Lancaster Barnstormers where he was 1-1 with a 4.43 ERA in 18 appearances, striking out 15 batters.

Pitching in his first tour with the Wild Things in late 2008, D'Alessandro earned four saves while posting a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings. He struck out 26 while walking only 12.

D'Alessandro was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 23rd round in 2005, reaching full-season Low-A ball with the Savannah Sand Gnats in 2007. Entering the 2009 season, D'Alessandro had struck out 71 hitters in 76.0 career innings pitched.

To make room for D'Alessandro, the Wingnuts released left-handed pitcher Ronnie Morales.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series tonight against the St. Paul Saints. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Fall Twice in Lincoln

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts dropped the first two games of their three-game series against the Lincoln Saltdogs, falling 8-3 in the completion of Friday's suspended game and 7-3 in the nightcap of a Saturday double header.

With the game tied at 1-1, the teams resumed in the bottom of the third after Friday's game was suspended due to rain. The Saltdogs went ahead on an RBI single by Steve Alexander in the bottom of the fourth off of Doug Hurn. Greg Porter homered in the top of the fifth to tie the game, but Josh Burruss hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning to put Lincoln in front for good. Leading 4-3 in the eighth, the Saltdogs plated four more runs, including a two-run homer from Deacon Burns.

In the second game, the Wingnuts again took an early lead on a hit by Greg Porter, this time a long home run to right-center field. Lincoln scored twice in the second to take the lead, but RBIs from Brenan Herrera and Porter in the third gave the Wingnuts a 3-2 advantage. Lincoln scored twice in the fifth to move in front 4-3, and once again broke it open late, scoring three times in the bottom of the sixth in the seven-inning game.

Dustan Mohr had hits in both games to extend his hitting streak to 12. Josh Horn singled in game one, before having his hitting streak stopped at nine in the nightcap.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs finish their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday, July 6th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Friday's Game Suspended

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts game on Friday at Lincoln has been suspended and will resume Saturday at 4:35 p.m.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs are currently tied at 1-1 with Lincoln scheduled to bat in the bottom of the third. Friday's game will be completed as a nine-inning game at 4:35 p.m. Saturday's originally scheduled game for 6:05 p.m. will now be played as a seven-inning contest and will begin shortly after the completion of Friday's game.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their series tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Will Savage is scheduled to pitch against Jim Paduch. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Monday, July 6th when they open a four-game series against the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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'Nuts come back to beat Explorers

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts resumed their winning ways with a 4-3 comeback win over the Sioux City Explorers on Thursday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Trailing 3-1 in the seventh Wichita exploded for three runs on six hits, sending eight men to the plate. Michael Thompson knocked in the first run with a double, but Patrick Brooks was thrown out at home for the second out of the inning. Sioux City pulled starter Nick Singleton, but reliever Ty Marotz had trouble getting the final out. Brenan Herrera singled home Thompson, and after a Josh Horn single, Nick Blasi doubled home the go-ahead run. Thompson, Herrera, Horn and Joe Muich each had two hits for the 'Nuts.

Starter Gabe Medina earned the win, pitching seven innings. Newcomer Julio Torres had an easy eighth in his pro debut, before Doug Hurn and Richard Salazar combined to get the final three outs, stranding the tying run on third. Wichita finished the first half of the season 9-1 versus Sioux City.

The Wingnuts, now 31-14, will finish the first half of the season with a three-game set at the Lincoln Saltdogs starting tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts will start the second half of the season on Monday when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Earns Batter of the Month for June

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' left fielder Greg Porter was named the American Association's Batter of the Month for June.

The honor marks the first time that a Wingnuts player has received a Player of the Month award from the league. Porter hit .481 in 27 games in June, going 50 for 104 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. Porter drew 22 walks while striking out a mere seven times. The West Point, TX native scored 23 runs and collected 11 doubles. Twice during the month, Porter earned Player of the Week accolades.

The hot stretch by Porter, which includes an active franchise-best 19-game hitting streak, vaulted Porter atop the league batting race. Porter is currently hitting .391, 26 points better than the next best hitter. Porter ranks first in slugging percentage (.598) and hits (66). He also ranks second in on-base percentage (.488) and is tied for fourth in extra-base hits (20).

Porter spent each of the last two seasons at the AAA level, playing in the Angels, Yankees, and Nationals organizations. Porter was a two-sport athlete at Texas A&M University. In addition to his baseball resume, which includes a trip to the 1999 College World Series, Porter was a wide receiver for the Aggies football team.

Porter's lifetime batting average is now at .298 in nine seasons of professional baseball. The left-handed hitting slugger has more hits (854) than games played (792) in his career.

The North Division champion Wingnuts continue a three-game series tonight against the Sioux City Explorers at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Hot Dogs cost just $1.25, courtesy of Indian Hills Meat and Poultry and 100.5 The Wolf. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter, Wingnuts' streaks come to end

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts winning streak ended at a franchise-best nine games in a 6-1 loss to the Sioux City Explorers on Wednesday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Sioux City, who ended their own eight-game losing streak, got their offense from an unlikely source as pitcher Tyler Meigs went 3-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Meigs, who was the starting ptcher and batted ninth last night, was playing DH due to Sioux City's depleted roster.

The Explorers went up 3-0 before Wichita got their lone run in the sixth on an RBI groundout by Greg Porter. Porter went 0-4 on the night, however; ending his franchise-record hitting streak at 19 games. Stephen Pearson was the only Wingnuts player with multiple hits, going 2-4. The win was Sioux City's first over Wichita this season in nine meetings.

Wichita and Sioux City will finish their three-game series on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Gabe Medina will get the start for the Wingnuts. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts continue winning ways

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts celebrated pitching coach Luke Robertson's 30th birthday with their 30th win of the season, a 4-2 decision over the Sioux City Explorers on Tuesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Sioux City did all their damage in the top of the first, getting an RBI single from Landon Camp and an RBI double from Justin Nelson. After that is was all Wingnuts, led by Derek Blacksher who went seven strong innings.

The Wingnuts quickly tied the game in the bottom of the first on an RBI groundout by Greg Porter, followed by a solo home run by Dustan Mohr, his seventh of the season. In the third, Josh Horn walked with two outs and stole second. Porter singled him home to extend his hitting streak to 19 games. Porter knocked in another run with a single in the fifth to finish 2-3, with a walk and three RBI.

Doug Hurn pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Richard Salazar had an easy ninth to pick up his second save. The Wingnuts, who have already clinched the North Division first half title, are a perfect 8-0 against Sioux City this season and have now won a franchise-best nine games in a row. Wichita returns to action on Wednesday to host Sioux City at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Mohr Named Batter of the Week

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' right fielder Dustan Mohr has been named the American Association Batter of the Week for June 22nd-28th.

Mohr hit safely in all seven games, posting a .406 batting average (13-32) with 10 RBIs. On Saturday, Mohr hit a three-run double to break open what was eventually a 7-0 victory that closed the Wingnuts within one game of the division title.

Mohr currently ranks second in the league with 39 RBIs, and is riding an eight-game hitting streak. The seven-year Major League veteran has hit safely in 32 of 40 games this season.

The award marks the third time this season that a Wingnuts' player has captured Player of the Week Honors. Greg Porter has been named Batter of the Week twice already this year.

The Wingnuts, 2009 North Division Champions, return to action Tuesday night when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. The North Division Series, which will pit the Wingnuts against the North Division's second half winner, is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 1st at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Information regarding playoff tickets will be available shortly. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Add Lefty Torres

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed left-hander Julio Torres on Tuesday afternoon.

Torres recently finished his career at Odessa College in Texas where he posted a 12-5 record. Starting in Odessa's final regular season game this past May, Torres allowed just one run while pitching a complete game and clinching a playoff berth for the Wranglers.

As a freshman in 2008, Torres went 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 64.0 IP. The 21-year old will be available for the Wingnuts' series opener against Sioux City on Tuesday night.

To make room for Torres, the Wingnuts released right-hander Amad Stephens.

The Wichita Wingnuts, 2009 North Division champions, open a three-game series against the Sioux City Explorers on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts host Mardis Gras in June, and also feature Shiner Bock "Beer-for-a-Buck", courtesy of Standard Beverage. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts clinch North Division

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts edged the St. Paul Saints 2-1 on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium to clinch the Northern Division first half title.

Will Savage, fresh off a no-hitter, tossed seven innings, allowing just one run to move to 3-3 on the season. Trailing 1-0, Wichita tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Joe Muich in the third inning and went ahead for good on an RBI single from Stephen Pearson in the fifth. Pearson went 2-3 with a walk and Greg Porter went 3-4 to extend his hitting streak to 18 games.

In the ninth, St. Paul had a runner on third with two out, but Richard Salazar struck out Steve Butler to nail it down. Wichita led the north Division from the third day of the season and has now won a franchise-best eight games in a row.

Their are still six games left in the first half and Wichita returns to action on Tuesday to host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Nuts shutout Saints, magic number down to one

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts blew out the St. Paul Saints 7-0 on Saturday Night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium, dropping their magic number to just one game to clinch the Northern Division first half title.

After stranding men in scoring position in three of the first four innings, Wichita exploded in the fifth sending ten men to the plate. With Michael Thompson on first and one out, the next six Wingnuts batters reached base via hits. Greg Porter, who extended his hitting-streak to 17 games with a first inning single, knocked in the first run with a bases loaded single. Dustan Mohr followed with a bases-clearing double and was knocked in by Kelly Hunt. Joe Muich doubled in Hunt for the final run of the inning. The Wingnuts added a run in the seventh on another single by Porter.

The Wingnuts, who have received tremendous starting ptching efforts during their current seven-game winning streak, got another phenomenal one tonight from Adam Cowart. Cowart tossed a 91-pitch complete game shutout, allowing just three hits, two walks and struck out three.

Wichita, who now has a seven-and-a-half game lead over St. Paul with seven games remaining in the first half, can clinch the North Division with a win over the Saints on Sunday. Game time is 5:05 p.m. and a large crowd is expected. Will Savage, who threw a no-hitter on Tuesday at Sioux City, gets the start for the 'Nuts. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts blow lead, but earn comeback win in 13

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts bullpen struggled in the late innings with a 5-2 lead, fell behind in the 12th, but ultimately came back for a 13-inning win over the St. Paul Saints on Friday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Trailing 1-0, Wichita scored four runs in the third inning, sending nine men to the plate. Josh Horn, Kelly Hunt, Joe Muich and Stephen Pearson knocked in the runs. Wichita missed a golden chance to blow the game open, failing to score with the bases loaded and no one out in the fourth. St. Paul cut the lead in half before Brenan Herrera homered in the sixth to put Wichita up 5-2.

In the eighth Ronnie Morales faced four batters - all of whom reached base - and ended up allowing three runs. Anthony Norman had the game-tying single with two outs off reliever Tyler Rhoden. In the bottom of the inning Dustan Mohr singled with two outs. Greg Porter, who was on first, tried to score, but in a massive collision at home plate Scott Knazek held on to the ball for the final out.

In the 12th, St. Paul scored two runs on a double by Todd Self and a sacrifice fly by Norman. In the bottom of the 12th Wichita tied the game on an RBI single by Herrera and a two-out single by Nick Blasi. In the 13th Dustan Mohr reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to third on two wild pitches. With two out Pearson ripped a ball off the center field wall to give Wichita an amazing victory. Pearson finished the night 5-7.

Wichita got a tremendous start from Gabe Medina, who allowed just three hits and two runs in seven strong innings of work. Doug Hurn earned the victory in relief. Greg Porter extended his hitting-streak to 16 games.

Wichita, who now has a six-and-a-game half lead over St. Paul with eight games remaining in the first half, hosts the Saints on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart gets the start for the 'Nuts. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sweep Explorers, Eyeing Saints

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 2-1 on Thursday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

Wichita finished off a four-game sweep and won their fifth game in a row, while improving to 7-0 against the Explorers this season.

The Wingnuts took a first inning lead for the second straight night. Nick Blasi and Josh Horn drew four-pitch walks to open the game. Two batters later, Dustan Mohr singled through the left side to score Blasi and give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead.

The Explorers tied it in the bottom of the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Walter Young. The Wingnuts however took regained the lead in the next half inning. Josh Horn singled with one out. After Greg Porter flew out to right field, Horn advanced to second on a wild pitch. Dustan Mohr was then intentionally walked. With Kelly Hunt at the plate with two on and two out, X's starter Trevor Fox uncorked two more wild pitches, the last of which allowed Horn to score the go-ahead run.

Brad Davis turned in a terrific start, allowing one run on five hits in eight innings of work. The left-hander walked two and struck out one, needing just 96 pitches in his eight frames.

Doug Hurn, Richard Salazar, and Justin Young combined to work a scoreless ninth inning and preserve the win. Young got former Wingnut Derek Schermerhorn to hit into a forceplay to end the game with the tying and winning runs on base.

Greg Porter extended his hitting streak to 15 games in a row with a seventh inning double.

With the St. Paul Saints' loss to Sioux Falls, the Wingnuts' magic number to clinch the American Association North is down to five with nine games remaining in the first half.

The Wingnuts return home tomorrow night when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m Wichita sends right-hander Gabe Medina to the mound against Saints' righty Reed Dickert. 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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Wingnuts Win Fourth in a Row

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 12-8 on Wednesday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

Nick Blasi and Steve Pearson each had four base hits, while Joe Muich drove in four. Greg Porter singled in his first at bat to extend his hitting streak to 14 games in a row. All nine Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit and one run scored.

The Wingnuts offense exploded early, scoring five runs in the top of the first. Nick Blasi leadoff the game with a double down the right field line. Two batters later, Greg Porter singled to center field to put runners on the corners. The hit set a new Wingnuts' club record, extending Porter's hitting streak to 14 straight games. Dustan Mohr lined an RBI single to left field to put Wichita on the board. With Porter in motion off of second, Kelly Hunt grounded a single through the vacated left side of the infield to make it 2-0. Joe Muich was next and hit a three-run home run over the left field fence on an 0-2 pitch.

Wichita pounded out five more runs in the second inning. Hits by Brenan Herrera, Nick Blasi, and Josh Horn opened up a 6-0 lead. Greg Porter walked to load the bases and was followed by an RBI groundout from Dustan Mohr. A walk to Kelly Hunt reloaded the bases, which setup an RBI single by Joe Muich. With the bases still full, Steve Pearson singled to center to drive in two more runs and give the Wingnuts an early 10-0 lead.

Leading 10-2 in the fifth, Michael Thompson homered on a line drive over the left field wall to extend the lead to 12-2.

Derek Blacksher started for Wichita, allowing four runs, three earned, in six innings of work. Blacksher struck out three and walked four to earn his third win of the season. Amad Stephens and Ronnie Morales pitched scoreless ball in the seventh and eighth. The Explorers rallied for four runs against Justin Young before the righty struck out Brent Dean to end the game.

The Wingnuts conclude their series with Sioux City tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Brad Daivs matches up against lefty Trevor Fox. 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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Savage Pitches Into History Books

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts shutout the Sioux City Explorers 1-0 on Tuesday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

Wingnuts' starter Will Savage pitched a no-hitter while the Wingnuts improved to five games ahead of Sioux City in the North Division.

Savage threw 124 pitches while striking out seven to earn his second win of the year. Along the way, the right-hander walked four and hit a batter, and never allowed a runner past second base. In the bottom of the sixth, Savage issued a one-out walk to leadoff hitter Dustin Jones. With Jones running, Nick McCoola slapped a one-hopper down the third base line that Michael Thompson snared to throw out McCoola, prevent a game-tying double, and preserve the no-hitter.

Four of Savage's seven strikeouts came in his final two innings of work, including the last two batters that he faced. Savage struck out Justin Nelson for the third time in the game to finish the masterpiece.

Greg Porter hit a two-out solo home run on a deep flyball to left-center field in the top of the third to give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. In his first at bat, Porter singled to right-center to extend his hitting streak to 13 games, tying Kevin Hooper's club record set last year.

The no-hitter is the second in the four-year history of the Ameican Association and the first since August of 2006. Prior to Tuesday's game, no Wingnuts' starter had ever reached six full innings without allowing a hit.

The Wingnuts continue their series with Sioux City tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher matches up against lefty Michael Campbell. 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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Wingnuts Pound Explorers

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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Porter Named Batter of the Week for Second Time

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' left fielder Greg Porter has been named the American Association Batter of the Week for June 15th-21st.

It is the second time this month that the Wingnuts' slugger has received Batter of the Week honors. Porter went 10 for 19 (.526) with two home runs, five RBIs, and five runs scored in six games last week.

On Tuesday night, the West Point, NY native hit a game-ending double in the bottom of the seventh in a 2-1 win versus Sioux Falls. Sunday afternoon at St. Paul, Porter cracked two home runs in the Wingnuts 11-10 victory over the Saints.

Porter is currently on an 11-game hitting streak in which he is 17-34 (.500) and is two games shy of tying Kevin Hooper's club record hitting streak of 13 straight games. In his last 18 games, Porter is 33 for 65 (.508) with 18 runs scored, 14 extra-base hits, 11 RBI , and 18 walks. Entering tonight's action, Porter is leading the league in hitting at .373.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series against the Sioux City Explorers tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Park. The Wingnuts have a 3.0 game lead over Sioux City with 13 games left in the first half. Adam Cowart starts for the Wingnuts and will be opposed by right-hander Steve Spurgeon. 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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Wingnuts Survive Saints' Rally

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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Wingnuts Edged by Saints

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-4 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Saturday night.

Wichita led 4-2 heading into the sixth, but the Saints rallied from behind to take their second straight over the Wingnuts. The Wingnuts left 12 men on base over the first seven innings, before going down in order in both the eighth and ninth.

After falling behind 2-0, the Wingnuts rallied in the top of the third to take the lead. Nick Blasi hit an infield single, Josh Horn was hit by a pitch, and Greg Porter walked to load the bases with no one out. Dustan Mohr knocked in the first run with an RBI groundout to second base, scoring Blasi and cutting the lead to 2-1. Kelly Hunt singled home Horn on a line drive to left field. Joe Muich followed with another RBI single to left to put the Wingnuts in front.

Wichita extended its lead in the fifth. Kelly Hunt doubled down the left field line to start the inning and advanced to third on a deep flyout to left by Joe Muich. Steve Pearson came up and singled to right field to drive in Hunt.

The Saints tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. With runners on first and third and two outs, Chris Herbert singled off the glove of Josh Horn to score a run and trim the lead to 4-3. Steve Butler drew a walk, which was followed by an infield single off the bat of Andrew Schmiesing.

The Saints took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Jeff Eure off of Ronnie Morales.

Brad Davis went six innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking three in a no-decision. Ronnie Morales was charged with the loss, allowing an unearned run. Doug Hurn pitched the final 1.2 IP for Wichita, not allowing a run.

Reed Dickert earned the win in relief, pitching 1.2 IP of scoreless ball. Mike Bille worked a perfect eighth, while Kerry Ligtenberg retired the side in order to earn the save.

The Wingnuts end their series at St. Paul tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Gabe Medina returns to the mound for Wichita after missing his last start. The Saints are expected to throw right-hander Reed Dickert. The game can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 26th when they host the Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Bats Silent as Saints Take Opener

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-0 to the St. Paul Saints on Friday night at Midway Stadium.

Derek Blacksher kept the Wingnuts in the game for six innings, but Wichita left 11 runners on base while suffering their third shutout loss of the season.

The Saints got off to a fast start, plating three runs in the bottom of the first. With runners on first and third, and after a brief rain delay, Todd Self lifted a sacrifice fly to center that scored Andrew Schmiesing and gave the Saints a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Jeff Eure doubled inside the third base line to score two more runs.

The Saints took a 4-0 lead when Andrew Schmiesing doubled to right-center on a hit-and-run in the fourth inning that scored Steve Butler from first.

Derek Blacksher worked six innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Blacksher struck out five and walked four. Saints' starter Brandon Kintzler pitched seven shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out four. Justin Young and Doug Hurn combined for two scoreless innings of relief for Wichita.

The Wingnuts and Saints continue their series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Brad Davis opposes Saints' righty Charlie Ruud. The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 26th when they host the Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Canaries walk past Wingnuts

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts bullpen struggled in the eighth inning as the Sioux Falls Canaries beat Wichita 7-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Wichita fought back from deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to tie the game in the seventh on an RBI single by Josh Horn, who finished the game 3-3 with a walk and two RBI. In the eighth Tyler Rhoden gave up a single and two walks, before being pulled for Justin Young. Young walked the first three batters he faced and allowed four runners to score before finally retiring the side.

Wichita pulled to within 7-5 in the bottom of the inning and had two men on with one out, but were unable to get the equalizer. Kris Regas, who recorded the final two outs in the eighth, retired the Wingnuts in order in the ninth to record his 12th save of the season. Sioux Falls took two out of three games in the series, the first series Wichita has lost at home this season.

Wichita returns to action on Friday at the St. Paul Saints for the start of a seven-game road trip. The Wingnuts will return home next Friday to host St. Paul. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts, Canaries split doubleheader

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.

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Wingnuts game suspended until Tuesday

Wichita, KS- After awaiting a two-hour rain delay, Monday's Wingnuts game versus Sioux Falls has been suspended due to unplayable field conditions.

The game will resume in the top of the fourth inning on Tuesday at 5:05 p.m. with the Wingnuts leading 1-0. The game will be nine innings; however the regularly scheduled game for Tuesday will follow and be a seven-inning affair. Fans with tickets from Monday's game can redeem their tickets for Tuesday or for Wednesday's 12:05 p.m. game.

For tickets or more information call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts pound 18 hits, hang on for victory

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts pounded 18 hits but had to hang on in the end, edging the St. Paul Saints 9-8 on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

For the third straight game, St. Paul took a quick 2-0 lead in the second, in part to a home run by Ole Sheldon. The Wingnuts exploded in the bottom of the inning, rapping six hits and scoring three runs. Dustan Mohr had a two-run single in the inning. Josh Horn put Wichita up 4-2 with an RBI in the third, Mike Thompson doubled home a run in the fourth and Patrick Brooks hit a solo home run in the fifth to extend the lead to 6-2.

St. Paul plated three in the sixth to cut the lead to one, but the Wingnuts scratched across a run in the bottom of the inning and plated two more in the seventh, thanks to Brooks second home run of the game. Nick Blasi, who went 5-5, scored the final run on a wild pitch after he tripled.

Things got hectic in the ninth as St. Paul cut the lead to 9-8 and had runners on second and third, but Amad Stephens got Jacob Butler to ground out to second to end the game. Butler went 3-5 for the Saints including a home run. Josh Horn and Brooks, who scored four runs, had three hits each for Wichita.

The Wingnuts are 5-1 versus St. Paul this season and now lead the Saints by five games in the Northern Division. The 'Nuts will host the Sioux Falls Canaries on Monday at 7:05 p.m. in the start of a three-game series. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts rally past Saints

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts staged an impressive late-inning comeback, defeating the St. Paul Saints 5-4 on Saturday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

St. Paul took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Todd Self and a two-out Wingnuts error. St. Paul added a run in the second on an RBI single by Self to go up 3-0. Wichita got on the board with a run in the second, but could have done more damage as they had bases loaded and no one out. The Wingnuts run scored on a double play ground out by Patrick Brooks.

St. Paul went up 4-1 in the sixth before the 'Nuts bats took over. Wichita cut the lead to 4-3 on a two-run homer by Dustan Mohr in the bottom of the inning, his fifth of the season. Wichita got a huge break in the seventh when an inning-ending ground ball by Josh Horn was booted by Saints second baseman Andrew Bennett, allowing Brooks to score the tying run. In the eighth, Michael Thompson singled home the winning run with two outs.

Wichita starter Derek Blacksher recorded eight strikeouts in seven innings. Justin Young pitched a quick eighth to record the win and Amad Stephens notched his seventh save, picking up two strikeouts in the ninth. Horn, Thompson and Mohr led the Wingnuts with two hits each.

The Wingnuts now lead St. Paul by four games in the Northern Division with the final game of the series Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Brad Davis will get the start for Wichita, going up against Charlie Ruud. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Saints quiet Wingnuts, sellout crowd

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts had trouble scoring runs, despite numerous chances, falling 7-1 to the St. Paul Saints in front of a sellout crowd of 6,162 fans on Friday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

St. Paul took a quick lead on a first inning solo home run by Todd Self. The Saints went up 2-0 on a sacrifice fly by Self in the third. In the fifth, a two-out error by Brenan Herrera led to a third run, thanks to a two-out single by Ole Sheldon.

Wichita left runners on base in the second, third and fourth before cutting the lead to 3-1 on an RBI double by Kelly Hunt in the bottom of the inning. Unfortunately Wichita left the bases loaded. St. Paul blew the game open with three runs in the ninth to make a winner out of starter Mitch Wylie. Todd Self finished the night with two hits a stolen base, three RBI and three runs for the Saints. Greg Porter reached base in all four at bats for the Wingnuts, with a single and three walks. The Wingnuts left 10 runners on base in the game.

The Wingnuts now lead St. Paul by three games in the Northern Division with game two of the series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher will get the start for Wichita, going up against Brandon Kintzler. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Canaries' Slam Spoils Four Homer Night

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-5 to the Sioux Falls Canaries on Thursday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Wichita set a new club record with four home runs, but a grand slam by Cory Harris in the bottom of the seventh polished off a five-run Canaries rally.

For the second straight night, Steve Pearson homered to right-center field. After a one-out single by Greg Porter in the top of the second, Pearson left the yard hitting a high fly ball that cleared the back fence and gave Wichita an early 2-0 lead.

Sioux Falls rallied against Adam Cowart in the bottom of the inning. The Canaries loaded the bases with one out and scratched out runs on an RBI groundout by Ryan Grant and a two-out infield single by Joe Anthonsen.

Michael Thompson crushed a home run to leadoff the top of the fifth putting the Wingnuts back in front at 3-2. Adam Cowart walked Canaries' leadoff man Joe Anthonsen to open the bottom of the fifth, but promptly picked him off first base. Cowart then retired the next two hitters to preserve the 3-2 advantage.

The Wingnuts extended their lead in the very next frame. This time Joe Muich, who was behind 0-2, ripped a fly ball over the left field wall to make it 4-2. On the next pitch, Greg porter hit a line drive over the wall in right for his fourth home run of the season and his third in the series against the Canaries.

Adam Cowart retired the side in order in the sixth, but ran into trouble in the seventh. Three straight singles loaded the bases with one out against Cowart who was relieved by Tyler Rhoden. Tim Hutting drew a walk from Rhoden to force home a run and cut the lead to 5-3. Cory Harris followed with a grand slam home run that just cleared the fence in right-center field to put the Canaries in front at 7-5.

Cowart took a no-decision, allowing five runs on seven hits in 6.1 IP. Cowart did not allow a base hit from the third through the sixth innings. The game marked the first time that the Wingnuts lost when leading after five innings. Wichita had previously been 13-0 in that situation.

The Wingnuts return home on Friday night when they open a three-game series against the St. Paul Saints. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with the Wingnuts sending Will Savage to the mound against Saints' right-hander Mitch Wylie. It's QuikTrip Buy-In Night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium as well as the first birthday celebration for Wingnuts' mascot Spinner. The Wingnuts will also sign autographs following the game, courtesy of The Wolf and BOB FM. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Bounce Back Against Canaries

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 7-3 on Wednesday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.

In the top of the second, Greg Porter drew a one-out walk against Canaries' emergency starter Chris Weast. After Weast struck out Steve Pearson, Michael Thompson doubled to straight-away center field to drive in Porter from first base with two outs, giving Wichita a 1-0 lead. Brenan Herrera drew a walk to put runners on first and second base. Nick Blasi came up next and hit a groundball that deflected off of the chest of second baseman Joe Anthonsen to score Thompson from second. The error put Wichita in front 2-0.

Steve Pearson homered over the right field fence on the first pitch of the top of the fourth inning, his first of the year. The longball sparked a rally for the Wingnuts. Hits by Thompson and Blasi helped put two on for Josh Horn who singled to short right field on an 0 and two pitch to score Brenan Herrera with the Wingnuts' fourth run of the game. Dustan Mohr was next and jumped on the first pitch, doubling to left-center field to score two more runs. The Wingnuts went on to load the bases, giving Pearson another at bat in the inning. The first baseman hit a high flyball to left-center that was eventually caught.

The Canaries got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, getting a two-out two-run home run from Reggie Taylor for a second straight game.

Gabe Medina tossed seven strong innings, allowing just the two earned runs on five hits. Medina struck out three and did not walk a batter. Medina has now won four of his last five starts.

The Wingnuts added to their lead in the top of the seventh. Greg Porter leadoff and drilled a home run on a high line drive that cleared a 16-foot fence in the deepest part of Sioux Falls Stadium more than 410 feet away.

The Canaries scored a run off of Ronnie Morales in the eighth inning on a two-out, RBI single from Cory Harris. Doug Hurn came on in relief with two on and two out and got Fraser Holmes to fly out to center field to retire the side. Hurn pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two, and earned his second save of the season.

The Wingnuts finish their four-game series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Adam Cowart goes to the mound for the Wingnuts. Sioux Falls counters with righty Ben Moore. Wichita returns home on Friday, June 12th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Streak Ends in Close Loss

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts had their six-game winning streak snapped in a 3-2 loss to the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

After allowing the opposition to score first in their previous four games, the Wingnuts pushed across two runs in the top of the first against Canaries' starter Travis Kane. Nick Blasi leadoff the game with an infield base hit up the middle. Two batters later, Dustan Mohr doubled off of the fence in left field. Left fielder Beau Torbert misplayed the ball, allowing Blasi to score from first base. Catcher Ken Lup was charged with a passed ball that allowed Mohr to reach third base. Then with two outs, Joe Muich singled through the hole on the left to make it 2-0.

Sioux Falls answered back in the bottom of the inning against Brad Davis. Tim Hutting singled with one out. Cory Harris was next and doubled off the top of the wall in left. Hutting scored on Beau Torbert's RBI groundout to cut the lead in half.

The Canaries took their first lead of the afternoon in the bottom of the third. After Michael Thompson and Patrick Brooks helped turn a double play, Torbert reached on an error by Thompson with two outs and no one on base. Reggie Taylor came up next and hit a line drive home run just over the short porch in right-center field making it 3-2 Canaries.

Davis went 6.2 IP allowing three runs, only one of which was earned, and did not walk a batter for a second consecutive start. Justin Young took over for Davis with two on and two out in the seventh, striking out Cory Harris to keep Wichita within one run. Davis is now 2-2 after the loss.

Facing setup man Patrick Lawler in the eighth, Brenan Herrera doubled with two outs to move the tying run into scoring position. Closer Kris Regas was called on by Sioux Falls and got Dustan Mohr to ground out back to the mound.

Wichita had hope in the ninth when shortstop Tim Hutting committed an error that allowed Kelly Hunt to reach first to leadoff the inning. Regas came back to strike out Joe Muich for the first out. Greg Porter came up next and hit a long drive to center field, but it was run down by Reggie Taylor for the second out. Porter had his hitting streak snapped at eight games. Josh Horn pinch hit for Steve Pearson and was struck out by Regas on a full count to end the game.

The Wingnuts play game three of their four-game series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Gabe Medina goes to the mound for the Wingnuts. Sioux Falls is expected to throw righty Chris Weast. Wichita returns home on Friday, June 12th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Blacksher, Longballs Lead Wingnuts to Sixth Straight Win

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts won their sixth game in a row on Monday night, defeating the Sioux Falls Canaries 6-4 at Sioux Falls Stadium.

The Wingnuts blasted three home runs, while Derek Blacksher worked six innings without allowing no earned runs. The six-game winning streak ties Wichita's team record set earlier this season.

Trailing 1-0 in the third, Nick Blasi homered over the left field fence, his second of the season, to tie the game. In the fourth, the Wingnuts took their first lead of the game. Kelly Hunt and Greg Porter hit back-to-back singles to open the inning. After Michael Thompson sacrificed both runners into scoring position, Steve Pearson drove in Hunt with an infield base hit past Canaries' starter Ryan Ford.

After cranking three home runs over the weekend, Hunt launched his league-leading eighth home run of the year on the first pitch from Ford in the top of the sixth to extend Wichita's lead to 3-1.

Derek Blacksher allowed no earned runs in six strong innings. The right-hander yielded just four hits while striking out three and walking three en route to his second win of the year.

Richard Salazar took over in the seventh inning for the Wingnuts and retired the side in order. With two out in the top of the eighth, Greg Porter smashed his second home run of the season over the left-center field wall.

Tyler Rhoden worked the eighth inning, allowing a run, but escaped further trouble by getting Patrick Reilly to hit into an inning-ending double play started by second baseman Patrick Brooks.

The Wingnuts extended their lead again in the ninth, beginning with a one-out single by Patrick Brooks that fell just out of the reach of a sliding J.D. Reininger in right field. Nick Blasi dropped a bunt to the left side for a hit on the next pitch from reliever Matthew Reilly.
Brenan Herrera followed with a bunt of his own which Reilly threw wild down the right field line to score Brooks and advance Blasi to third. Dustan Mohr was next and singled on the first pitch, putting the fourth consecutive pitch in play, and driving in Blasi to make it 6-2.

The Canaries rallied for two runs off of Amad Stephens in the bottom of the ninth, but Stephens coaxed Wingnuts' nemesis Beau Torbert to groundout to shortstop to end the game at 6-4.

Greg Porter, who was named American Association Batter of the Week earlier in the afternoon, finished with three hits. Nick Blasi also contributed three base hits.

The Wingnuts play game two of their series with the Canaries tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 12th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts overcome Saltdogs, weather for fifth straight win

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts completed their third sweep of the season and extended their winning-streak to five games, beating the Lincoln Saltdogs and torrential rain in amazing comeback fashion on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium, 5-1.

Lincoln finally scratched a run across in the fifth to break a scoreless tie thanks to a balk and two Wingnuts errors and it looked like that might hold up. Heavy wind and rain took over after six innings, causing a rain delay of 96 minutes. When the rain delay started at 6:50 p.m. there were 6,011 fans in attendance. After the rain, lightning and pitch black skies subsided, play finally resumed at 8:26 p.m. with a skeleton crowd of around 611 fans.

In the eighth, with heavy rain and lightning again approaching, the Wingnuts erupted for five runs and batted around. Nick Blasi doubled home the tying run, followed by an RBI single by Dustan Mohr. With two outs, Greg Porter singled home a run and then Brenan Herrera added two more with a double down the right field line. The rain and lightning picked up again in the top of the ninth, but Amad Stephens made quick work of the Saltdogs to seal the victory and earn his sixth save of the season.

Wingnuts starter Will Savage was phenomenal again, allowing just one run. Doug Hurn pitched a scoreless seventh and Tyler Rhoden a scoreless eighth to record the victory.

The Wingnuts now hit the road for four games, starting tomorrow night at the Sioux Falls Canaries. Wichita will return home on Friday to host the St. Paul Saints for a three-game set. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Porter Named Batter of the Week

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' left fielder Greg Porter has been named the American Association Batter of the Week for June 1st-7th.

Porter hit safely in all six games last week, going 14-27 (.519) with seven doubles. The former two-sports star at Texas A&M is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak. Entering tonight's game at Sioux Falls, Porter is hitting .326 on the season with eight doubles and 14 RBIs.

Porter becomes the third Wingnuts' player to garner Player of the Week honors, with outfielder Blake Gailen and pitcher Gustavo Mata earning the distinction last year.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series tonight at Sioux Falls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher matches up against lefty Ryan Ford. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and wordlwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 12th when they host the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Tie Record for Second Time in Three Games

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs 16-3 on Saturday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts scored 16 runs, tying a club record, for the second time in three games. Kelly Hunt finished the game with two home runs, a double, and six RBIs.

Trailing 1-0 in the second, the Wingnuts were supported by two-out base hits to take the lead. Nick Blasi singled to right field with the bases full and two down to tie the game. Josh Horn followed with a two-run single, also to right field, making it 3-1.

The Wingnuts never trailed again, and pounded out six more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Dustan Mohr drew a bases loaded walk to force across the Wingnuts' fourth run of the game. Kelly Hunt was next and drilled a grand slam home run to right-center field to break the game open at 8-1. After a walk to Joe Muich, Greg Porter doubled off of new reliever Zac Cline to left-center, driving in Muich with Wichita's ninth run of the game.

Still leading 9-1, the Wingnuts scored six more times in the sixth inning. Hunt blasted his second homer of the game, this one over the video board in left-center. Muich followed Hunt with another walk and was doubled to third by Greg Porter. Brenan Herrera lifted a sacrifice fly to center to plate Muich. The Wingnuts went on to load the bases, and scratched out another run when Josh Horn's groundball was misplayed by Lincoln third baseman Shea McFeely with two outs to score another run. Dustan Mohr followed and singled home two more runs. Already with a home run in the inning, Hunt came up and doubled off the base of the fence in left field to make it 15-1.

The Saltdogs managed two more runs off of Wichita starter Adam Cowart, both in the seventh inning. Cowart earned his first Wingnuts' victory, allowing three runs in six-plus innings of work. Ronnie Morales threw two scoreless innings, while Justin Young finished the game with a scoreless ninth.

Josh Horn leadoff the bottom of the eighth with his second home run of the season, giving him four hits in the game. Nick Blasi and Greg porter each had three base hits. All three of Porter's hits were doubles.

The series concludes tomorrow night at 5:05 p.m. with the Wingnuts sending Will Savage to the mound. Lincoln counters with lefty Jonathan Figueroa. It is Credit Union of America Buy-In Night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Medina, Muich Roll Over Saltdogs

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won their third straight game on Friday night, beating the Lincoln Saltdogs 6-2 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

Gabe Medina allowed two runs on just three hits in seven innings of work while striking out six to earn his third win in his last four starts. The right hander allowed two runs in the first inning and shut the Saltdogs down from the second through the seventh innings.

Trailing 2-0 in the first, the Wingnuts took advantage of a pair of walks from Lincoln starter Vince Davis. With two on and two out, Joe Muich crushed a three-run home run off the scoreboard in left field to put the Wingnuts in front 3-2 on just one swing.

In the third, Wichita broke the game open. Nick Blasi leadoff with a double to right center, and then scored on an RBI single by Josh Horn. Two batters later, Kelly Hunt hit a towering home run over the upper fence in left field to make it 6-2 Wichita.

Medina's strong start kept the Wingnuts in front the rest of the night. Richard Salazar came out of the bullpen and pitched scoreless baseball in the eighth and ninth to finish off the win.

Game two of the series takes place tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Adam Cowart goes for the Wingnuts against Lincoln righty Brian Campbell. The Wingnuts host their first Multi-Cultural Night, presented by the Midwest Transplant Network. Fireworks will follow Saturday night's game, presented by Journal Broadcast Group. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Record Offensive Night Takes Series

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 16-5 on Wednesday night at Cohen Stadium.

The 16 runs tied a franchise-best, while the Wingnuts set new single-game records with 23 base hits, 11 doubles, and 13 extra-bae hits. Every starter in the Wingnuts lineup had at least one extra-base hit and at least one run scored. Greg Porter went 4-6, while Kelly Hunt drove in four with two doubles and a triple.

The Wingnuts hit in the clutch in the top of the first, plating three runs. Diablos' starter Mark Michael retired the first two hitters to face him, but allowed a single to Dustan Mohr with two outs. Kelly Hunt, Joe Muich, and Greg Porter all followed with long RBI doubles to move Wichita in front 3-0.

The barrage continued in the second inning. With one out, Brenan Herrera hit his second home run of the season on a high fly ball that just cleared the fence in left field. Two batters later, Josh Horn doubled off the wall in right field. After Horn advanced to third on a wild pitch, Dustan Mohr doubled off the very top of the left-center field wall to bring in Horn and make it 5-0 Wingnuts.

Joe Muich walked to leadoff the top of the third and advanced to third on Porter's second double of the game. Steve Pearson lined into a double play, started by relief pitcher Garvis Romero. Michael Thompson then doubled down the left field line to cash in Muich and extend Wichita's lead to 6-0.

Wichita blew the doors off completely in the top of the fifth, driving in eight runs and sending 11 hitters to the plate. The inning began with singles from Joe Muich and Greg Porter. After both runners advanced on a groundball by Steve Pearson, Michael Thompson doubled off the top of the fence in left-center field to drive in two and give Wichita an 8-0 lead. Brenan Herrera singled down the left field line to score Thompson and make it 9-0. Nick blasi doubled to left-center field and Josh Horn followed with a walk to load the bases. Dustan Mohr walked with the bases loaded to force home a run and the Wingnuts lead 10-0. Kelly Hunt came up next and tripled to center field, clearing the bases and making it 13-0. Joe Muich followed with an RBI single to cap off the eight-run frame.

The Wingnuts went on to score single runs in the sixth and ninth innings. El Paso scored a pair of runs in both the fifth and eighth innings, and a single run in the ninth.

Mohr, Hunt, Porter, Muich, and Thompson all had three hits or more, while eight Wingnuts had multi-hit games.

Brad Davis earned the win, pitching eight innings and allowing four runs on 10 hits. The lefty walked none and struck out five to improve to 2-1 on the season. Doug Hurn worked the ninth inning allowing a run before closing out the win.

The Wingnuts have Thursday off before returning home to host the Lincoln Saltdogs on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts send Gabe Medina to the mound, who struck out nine his last time out. Reknowned entertainer "Rally" will be on hand at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wingnuts also host their annual "Girl Scout Night" promotion. Fans can also catch autographs of their favorite Wingnuts players following the game, courtesy of the Wichita Eagle and BOB FM. For tickets and more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Outlast Diablos in 11 Innings

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts snapped their four-game losing streak with a 7-6, 11-inning win over the El Paso Diablos on Tuesday night at Cohen Stadium.

With the game tied 5-5 in the top of the 11th, Joe Muich leadoff with a single to center that bounced by Kennard Bibbs and allowed Muich to take third. Muich then scored when Arnoldo Ponce's relay into third base bounced into the stands to give the Wingnuts a 6-5 lead. The Wingnuts went on to load the bases and scratched out an insurance run when Brenan Herrera hit into a double play.

The insurance run proved large as the Diablos scored two hitters into the bottom of the 11th on an RBI single by Gerardo Verastegui off of Tyler Rhoden. Verastegui was then doubled off of first base when Hector Bernal lined out to Josh Horn at second base. Rhoden then got leadoff hitter Kennard Bibbs to fly out to right field to end the game, earn his first save of the season, and preserve the Wingnuts' 7-6 victory. Amad Stephens earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th.

The Diablos scored early for the second straight game, plating three runs in the bottom of the first. Jorge Alvarez and Roberto Mejia had RBI singles, while Adam Hale knocked in a run with an RBI groundout.

Wichita rallied to tie the game in the top of the third inning. After hits by Steve Pearson and Brenan Herrera, Josh Horn singled to right field with two outs to score Pearson and cut the lead to 3-1. Dustan Mohr came up next and hit a sharp groundball that got by shortstop Arnoldo Ponce into short left field. Herrera scored, followed by Horn who scored all the way from first as left fielder Tyler Johnson had to chase down the ball from deep left field. The two-run double by Mohr tied the game at 3-3.

Eddy Rodriguez hit a two-out double down the left field line in the bottom of the fourth to score Adam Hale, giving El Paso its second lead of the night at 4-3.

Michael Thompson answered back in the top of the fifth, leading off the frame with his first home run of the season. The long blast over the left field wall re-tied the game at 4-4.

The Wingnuts kept through the sixth thanks to two great defensive plays. In the fifth, Joe Muich threw out leadoff man Kennard Bibbs trying to steal second base for the first out of the inning. In the sixth, Adam Hale tried to stretch a double into a triple and was gunned down on a perfect relay throw to third by Horn.

The defense paid off the next inning when Greg Porter opened the frame with a double to right-center field. Steve Pearson sacrificed Porter to third. Thompson then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Porter and give the Wingnuts their first lead of the night at 5-4.

Derek Blacksher started for Wichita and took a no-decision. After giving up the three runs in the first, Blacksher kept Wichita in the game, giving them the chance to comeback. The right-hander tossed 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking two.

After Blacksher recorded the first out in the home seventh, Hector Bernal singled off of new pitcher Ronnie Morales. Kennard Bibbs was next and slapped a groundball down the third base line that appeared fourl, but was ruled fair and resulted in a single. Justin Young came out of the bullpen and struck out Ponce on three pitches for the second out. Jorge Alvarez was next and singled on the ground into right field on Young's first pitch to knot the game at 5-5.

The series resumes tomorrow night at 8:05 p.m. Wichita sends Brad Davis to the mound against the Diablos' Mark Michael. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and wordlwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 5th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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No Support for Savage's Gem

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 1-0 to the El Paso Diablos on Monday night at Cohen Stadium.

Will Savage started for Wichita and allowed one run on just four hits, but took the loss. Savage recorded 10 groundball outs and at one point retired 11 hitters in a row. The right-hander struck out three and walked three.

After Savage retired the first two hitters in the bottom of the first, Jorge Alvarez worked out a walk. Juan Camacho came up next and hit a chopper to the right side that went off the glove of a leaping Steve Pearson and down the right field line to score Alvarez all the way from first.

The Wingnuts missed a chance in the top of the third, loading the bases with no one out on hits by Joe Muich, Michael Thompson, and Patrick Brooks. However, Diablos' starter Nick Martin struck out Nick Blasi and then got Pearson to hit into an inning-ending double play. Martin pitched 6.1 shutout innings, helping himself out with two double plays and two pickoffs of runners trying to steal second.

In the top of the seventh, with the tying run on first and no one out, Joe Muich hit a line drive toward the gap in left center field that was caught by a diving Tyler Johnson to prevent Greg Porter from scoring from first base.

Tyler Rhoden worked a scoreless eighth inning, while Diablos' closer pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his seventh save of the season.

The series resumes tomorrow night at 8:05 p.m. Wichita sends Derek Blacksher to the mound against the Diablos' Dane De La Rosa. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and wordlwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 5th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Cats Sweep Wingnuts

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-2 to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Sunday evening.

The Wingnuts scored first for the first time in the series with a run in the top of the first. Nick Blasi doubled to leadoff the game and extended his hitting streak to seven straight games. After Brenan Herrera advanced Blasi to third on a ground ball to the right side of the infield, Greg Porter hit an opposite field single to left-center to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.

The Cats came back in the bottom of the second against Wichita starting pitcher Adam Cowart, scoring three runs to take the lead. John Allen opened the inning with a single to left. Michael Bell reached base on a groundball hit to the hole on the left side that was ruled an error on shortstop Brenan Herrera. Kelley Gulledge followed with a ground rule double to center field that tied the game at 1-1. Aljay Davis then hit a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Cats a 2-1 lead. After a single through the left side by Brian Fryer, Isa Garcia hit another sacrifice fly to make it 3-1.

The Cats extended their lead in the third. Michael Bell followed a one-out single by John Allen with a double off the wall down the left field line. Allen scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Gulledge. Cowart finished the night allowing four runs, two earned, in four innings of work. The right-hander walked two and struck out two.

Fort Worth extended their lead to 5-1 on a two-out, RBI single by Davis in the fifth off of Wingnuts' reliever Richard Salazar. In the top of the seventh, Brenan Herrera cut the lead to 5-2, driving in Josh Horn with an RBI groundout to second base.

Salazar allowed one run in three innings of long relief, while Ronnie Morales worked a scoreless eighth to extend his scoreless inning streak to 9.1 innings.

Wichita travels to El Paso, TX for a three-game series against the Diablos beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. The Wingnuts send right-hander Will Savage to the mound against Diablos' lefty Nick Martin. Coverage can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday, June 5th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Medina Strong, but Wingnuts Edged Again

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts flel 2-1 to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Saturday night.

Gabe Medina and Joel Kirsten hooked up in a starting pitching duel that carried a scoreless tie into the sixth inning. Medina pitched eight innings, the longest outing of the year by a Wingnuts' starter, allowing two runs on just four hits and striking out nine in the complete game loss.

The Cats broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth, cashing in a leadoff walk to Cameron Blair. Medina retired Brian Fryer and Isa Garcia on fly balls to center field, but with two outs, Blair stole second and scored on an RBI single by Ryan Patterson to give Fort Worth a 1-0 lead. After a stolen base by Patterson, Pat O'Sullivan singled to right field to drive home the Cats' second run.

The Wingnuts cut the lead in half in the top of the seventh inning. Dustan Mohr ripped an off-speed pitch from Kirsten that landed just over the wall and just inside the left field foul pole for his fourth home run of the season and his second of the series.

In the top of the eighth, the Wingnuts got a leadoff single by Zach Goldberg to put the tying run on base. Josh Horn came up next and deadened a popup bunt in fair territory. However, as Horn was running to first base, he collided with Cats' reliever Alex Morales and was then called out on interference. Morales stayed in the game after a lengthy delay and allowed an infield single to Nick Blasi to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base. Morales came back to strike out Brenan Herrera and then left-handed reliever Taylor Parker came into the game and got Greg Porter on a groundball to first base.

Dustin Cameron worked a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save for the second straight night. Mohr had three hits in the game, including the home run, and is now five for six since returning to the lineup after missing two games due to an injury.

The Wingnuts finish their series against the Cats tomorrow night, sending right-hander Adam Cowart to the mound. The Cats throw lefty Ryan Riddle for the 6:05 p.m. game that can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 5th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Streak Ends at Six

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts saw their winning streak snapped in a 5-4 loss to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Friday night.

The Cats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, snapping a streak of 47 consecutive innings in which the Wingnuts had not trailed. Ryan Patterson singled with two outs off of Brad Davis. Pat O'Sullivan came up next and lifted a deep fly ball to right field that went off the glove of Dustan Mohr, allowing Patterson to score.

The Wingnuts came back in the top of the fourth, scoring the first runs of the season against Cats' starter Aaron Crow. Mohr and Kelly Hunt opened the inning with singles. Michael Thompson followed by laying down his second sacrifice bunt of the game. Steve Pearson came up next and doubled just inside the third base bag and down the left field line to give the Wingnuts a 2-1 lead.

Fort Worth stormed back in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Bell lead off with a double down the left field line and was then singled to third by Kelley Gulledge. Brad Davis came back to strike out Aljay Davis for the first out of the inning, but Cameron Blair re-tied the game with an RBI single to left field. Brian Fryer came up next and hit a groundball to shortstop that went off the glove of Brenan Herrera, allowing Gulledge to score the lead run. Isa Garcia followed with an RBI single to center field to give the Cats a 4-2 advantage.

Davis allowed four runs, two earned, in four innings of work, walking one and striking out five. Doug Hurn came out of the bullpen in the fifth inning for Wichita, and kept the Wingnuts in the game, allowing one run on four hits in 3.2 innings of work.

In the top of the seventh, Brenan Herrera got the Wingnuts one run closer, crushing a home run well over the left field fence. It was Herrera's first home run of the season. Pat O'Sullivan homered off of Hurn in the bottom of the inning to re-extend the Cats' lead.

In the top of the eighth, Dustan Mohr blasted another long home run to left, his third of the year, and pulled the Wingnuts back within one run. Cats' closer Dustin Cameron worked a perfect ninth to earn the save.

The Wingnuts continue their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Gabe Medina will try and win his third consecutive start, while the Cats counter with veteran Joel Kirsten. All the action can be heard locally on 1410AM KGSO and worldwide at www.kgso.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 5th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts sweep rival Saints for sixth straight win

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts completed their second straight sweep and extended their winning-streak to six games, knocking off the St. Paul Saints 5-2 on Thursday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in front of 3,632 fans.

Wichita jumped on the board early again, scoring three runs in the second. Michael Thompson knocked in the first run before Josh Horn singled home two more with a two-out single. Wichita added a run in the third on an RBI single from Stephen Pearson, who finished the night 2-4. St. Paul cut the lead to 4-2 on a two-run double by Ole Sheldon in the sixth, before the 'Nuts added a run in the bottom of the inning. Nick Blasi singled home the last run, again with two outs.

Derek Blacksher picked up the win, going six innings. Justin Young, Adam Cowart and Amad Stephens each chipped in a scoreless inning of relief. Josh Horn and Kelly Hunt each went 3-4 for the Wingnuts, who now lead St. Paul by five games in the Northern Division with a record of 11-2. Wichita outscored St. Paul 21-7 and never trailed in the three-game series.

The Wingnuts now hit the road for six games, starting tomorrow night at the Fort Worth Cats. Wichita will return home next Friday to host the Lincoln Saltdogs in a three-game set. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts pound Scheppers, Saints for fifth straight win

Wichita, KS- Kelly Hunt hit a pair of two-run homers as the Wingnuts extended their winning streak to five in a row, pounding the St. Paul Saints 11-2 on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

With several MLB scouts in attendance to watch St. Paul starter Tanner Scheppers, the Wingnuts first three batters reached base, as the 'Nuts went up 2-0. Scheppers is expected to be a first round pick in the June MLB Draft. Wichita added three more off Scheppers in the third, thanks to Hunt's first home run of the game, an opposite field shot.

St. Paul cut the lead to 5-2 before Wichita exploded for six runs in the eighth, sending 10 batters to the plate. Every Wingnut player had at least one hit and everyone but Stephen Pearson scored a run. The Wingnuts first five hitters each had two hits. Starter Will Savage recorded his first win of the season, going 6 1/3 innings.

Wichita now leads St. Paul by four games in the Northern Division with a record of 10-2. The Wingnuts will close out their series with St. Paul tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. and Derek Blacksher will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Add Control Artist, Face Prospect Tonight

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made their first in-season roster move of 2009, signing right-handed pitcher Adam Cowart.

A former 35th round draft pick of the Giants in 2005, Cowart joins the Wingnuts with a career record of 34-17 and a 2.80 ERA.

After finishing at Kansas State University in 2006, Cowart won his first 10 decisions in pro ball, en route to a 10-1 record and a 1.08 ERA, best in the Northwest League. The Houston, TX native earned a promotion to the South Atlantic A-ball League in 2007, and went 14-7 with a 2.39 ERA that ranked third.

Cowart reached AA for the first time in 2008, going 8-7 for the Connecticut Defenders in the Eastern League. After a slow start in the rotation, the sidearmer was moved to the bullpen where he thrived in his new role. Cowart, pitching in relief for the first time in his pro career, posted a 1.37 ERA in nine relief outings, spanning 19.2 innings and bringing his season ERA down to 3.76.

Cowart has been a control artist throughout his career, having struck out 231 hitters while walking only 70 in 408.1 innings pitched. Cowart has walked two or fewer batters in 82 of his 84 career outings, and in 64 of 66 starts. To make room for Cowart, the Wingnuts released rookie left-hander Nathan Parker who appeared in four games.

The Wingnuts continue their series tonight against the St. Paul Saints at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wichita will be facing the Saints' Tanner Scheppers, the 48th overall pick in the 2008 draft and an expected first round pick next month. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts win fourth in a row

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts extended their winning streak to four with a 5-3 win over the St. Paul Saints on Tuesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Wichita took a 1-0 lead in the third on a two-out single by Brenan Herrera. The 'Nuts extended the lead to 3-0 in the fourth when St. Paul right fielder Daron Roberts dropped an inning-ending pop up by Stephen Pearson two score a pair. St. Paul made it 3-1 in the fifth, then cut the lead to 3-2 in the eighth when Dustan Mohr dove for and missed a ball that rolled to the wall for an inside-the-park home run by Brent Krause. Mohr left the game injured.

The Wingnuts extended the lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the eighth on RBI singles by Michael Thompson and Joe Muich. St. Paul added a run on an error in the ninth before closer Amad Stephens closed the door for his fourth save of the season. Richard Salazar (2-0) picked up the win for Wichita.

Wichita now leads St. Paul by three games in the Northern Division with a record of 9-2. The Wingnuts will face St. Paul's Tanner Scheppers tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Scheppers was picked 48th in the MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and is expected to be a top pick in the June MLB Draft. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Horn, Blasi Polish off Road Sweep

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts finished a three-game road sweep of the Sioux City Explorers with an 11-3 win at Lewis and Clark Park on Sunday night.

Eight Wingnuts hitters collected at least one base hit, while eight Wingnuts also scored at least on run as Wichita tallied 16 hits as a team. Josh Horn and Nick Blasi each had three hits.

The Wingnuts struck early and often in the top of the first inning. Nick Blasi singled to right field to leadoff the game, which was followed by Brenan Herrera's double just inside the third base bag to put runners on second and third with no outs. Two batters later, Dustan Mohr singled home Blasi on a line drive to short center field, giving the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead.

With Herrera on third base, Kelly Hunt lifted a deep fly ball to right field to score the Wingnuts' shortstop and make it 2-0. It was the second straight game that Hunt had a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Michael Thompson came up next and ripped a double to deep center, over the head of Anthony Webster, and drove in the third run of the inning.

The Explorers scratched out single runs in the first and fourth innings against Wichita starter Gabe Medina, but the Wingnuts found more clutch offense in the top of the fifth. With two on and two out in the inning, Steve Pearson singled to center field to drive in Kelly Hunt from second base to make it 4-0. The hit signaled the end of the night for X's starter Tim Layden. Jeff Jamnik was brought in from the bullpen and was greeted by Josh Horn who doubled into the left field corner to score Michael Thompson and Pearson and give the Wingnuts a 6-2 lead.

Medina delivered six strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. The right-hander struck out five and walked two while earning his second win in his last two starts. Medina also recorded seven of his 18 outs on ground balls.

In the top of the sixth, Brenan Herrera was hit by a pitch followed by a walk to Greg Porter. Dustan Mohr sacrificed both runners into scoring position, setting up a two-run single on a line drive to center by Kelly Hunt to extend his hitting streak to eight games and give the Wingnuts an 8-2 lead. In the seventh, Josh Horn belted his first home run of the season, a high fly ball over the left field fence to make it 9-2.

Nick Blasi drilled his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the top of the ninth to extend the lead to 11-3.

Nathan Parker and Ronnie Morales combined to pitch the final three innings to finish up the win. Parker allowed one run in two innings, while Morales pitched a scoreless ninth.

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday to face the St. Paul Saints in the opener of a three-game series at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Wichita sends Richard Salazar to the mound against Saints' left-hander Adam Cox. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tuesday is Taco Tico Buy-In Night. Shiner Bock Beers will be on sale for just $1.00, courtesy of STandard Beverage. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Two-Out Runs Lift Wingnuts Again

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 5-2 at Lewis and Clark Park on Saturday night.

With two runners on and two outs in the seventh inning, Greg Porter chopped a single up the middle to score Josh Horn from second base and break a 1-1 tie.

Looking for insurance, the Wingnuts rallied for a second straight night in the ninth inning after starting with two outs and no one on base. Nick Blasi worked out a walk and then stole second base, his third steal of the year. Brenan Herrera and Greg Porter followed with walks to load the bases. Dustan Mohr, who scored the Wingnuts' insurance run in the ninth inning on Friday, dropped a single just inside the right field line that scored Blasi and Herrera. Porter came around to score on a throwing error by X's outfielder Dustin Jones to make it 5-1 Wingnuts.

Wichita scored first for the second straight game when Kelly Hunt hit a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the first, giving the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. The Explorers drew even on Nick McCoola's RBI single to right field. Sioux City went on to load the bases, but Wingnuts' starter Brad Davis worked out of the jam without further damage.

Davis worked six strong innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out five to earn hisfirst win of the year. Davis was helped by two phenomenal defensive plays on consecutive hitters by second baseman Josh Horn in the bottom of the fifth inning. Horn ran down a ground ball off the bat of Nick McCoola in short right field before making a spinning throw to first base for the out. Anthony Webster came up next and hit a sharp grounder up the middle that Horn ran down and picked on the back hand before making another moving throw.

Ronnie Morales and Tyler Rhoden pitched scoreless baseball in the seventh and eighth innings. Neither pitcher has allowed an earned run this season. Kelly Hunt's single in the fourth inning extended his hitting streak to seven games, and is the longest hitting streak of the year for a Wingnuts' player.

The Wingnuts finish their series tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. Wichita sends right-hander Gabe Medina to the mound to make his third start of the year. Sioux City counters with lefty Tim Layden. All the action can be heard on Sports Radio 1410AM KGSO.

Wichita returns to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Goldberg, Blasi Lead Comeback

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Sioux City Explorers 7-5 in their road opener at Lewis and Clark Park on Friday night.

The Wingnuts scored three runs in the top of the eighth after there were two outs and no one on base to take the lead for good.

Kelly Hunt hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot over the left field wall in the top of the second inning to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.

After the Explorers took a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the second, the Wingnuts regained the lead in the third. Zach Goldberg, who ended the home second with the back end of a strike him out-throw him out double play, led off with a double to left center. Two batters later, Nick Blasi evaded a tag on a wide throw from third base to put two men on. Brenan Herrera reached on an infield base hit to load the bases. Greg Porter then singled up the middle to drive home Goldberg and Blasi to give Wichita a 3-2 lead.

The Explorers grabbed the lead back scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Derek Blacksher struck out the first two hitters of the inning, which gave him five consecutive strikeouts on just 17 pitches. However, back-to-back two-out singles by Nick McCoola and Anthony Webster setup an RBI single to left by Walter Young to tie the game. Webster came around to score the lead run on a throwing error by Greg Porter.

In the top of the eighth inning, Michael Thompson drew a two-out walk and was singled to third base by Steve Pearson. Zach Goldberg collected his third hit of the game with an RBI single to left field to tie the game at 4-4. Josh Horn worked out the second walk of the inning to load the bases, and then Nick Blasi singled home two runs on a line drive to left field, giving the Wingnuts a 6-4 advantage.

After the Explorers scratched out a run in the bottom of the eighth, the Wingnuts scored another insurance run on Kelly Hunt's two-out, RBI double to left.

Blacksher took a no-decision, striking out nine in six innings of work. Goldberg and Hunt each collected three hits.

Doug Hurn, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning, earned his first win of the season. Amad Stephens needed just seven pitches to pitch a perfect ninth and earn his third save.

The Wingnuts play game two of their series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard on Sports Radio 1410AM KGSO. Wichita returns to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the St. Paul Saints at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts win streak ends at five

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts continued to hit the ball, but failed to come up with a single clutch hit, falling 4-0 to Sioux Falls on Thursday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Wichita pounded nine hits, but left runners on base in every inning but the first and the last (12 total), and seven in scoring position. The Canaries, meanwhile, got all they needed with a three-run, two-out rally in the third inning. Trevor Lawhorn had the clutch hit, knocking in a pair with a double. The Canaries added an insurance run in the sixth to make a winner out of starter Jino Gonzalex. William Savage went seven innings but suffered the loss for Wichita.

Despite the loss, Wichita remains two games up in the Northern Division with a record of 5-2. The Wingnuts will travel to Sioux City tomorrow for a three-game set with the Explorers, before returning home on Tuesday to start a three-game series with their hated rivals, the St. Paul Saints. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts, Muich walk-off Canaries in 13

Wichita, KS- Joe Muich hit his first home run of the season, a walk-off shot in the 13th, leading the Wingnuts to a 4-3 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Wednesday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Trailing 1-0, Sioux Falls got on the board with a three-run double by Trevor Lawhorn in the fifth inning, before Wichita scored single runs in the sixth and seventh. Wichita's tying run came on a wild pitch by Patrick Lawler.

After that the bullpen took over, as five Wingnuts relievers combined to pitch eighth scoreless innings. Sioux Falls had a golden opportunity to score, putting a man on third in the 11th with no outs, but Ronald Morales and Tyler Rhoden retired the next three batters to end the threat. Rhoden pitched the final 2 1/3 innings to earn the win, while Kyle Zaleski faced just one batter - Muich - to take the loss.

Wichita, 5-1 and two games up in the Northern Division, will host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday in the season finale. Will Savage will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Sellout crowd watches Wingnuts win again

Wichita, KS- Kelly Hunt hit his first home run of the season and Joe Muich went 3-4, leading the Wingnuts to a 6-4 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Tuesday in front of 6,175 fans at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Sioux Falls got on the board in the third, scoring two runs on a two-run single by Beau Torbert. The Wingnuts notched one in the bottom of the inning then went ahead with three in the third, sending eight runners to the plate. Josh Horn and Brenan Herrera had RBI in the inning. Sioux Falls tied the game in the fifth, before Wichita went ahead to stay on an RBI single from Stephen Pearson in the bottom of the inning. Pearson knocked in an insurance run in the seventh.

Gabe Medina notched the win going seven strong innings, with Tyler Rhoden and Amad Stephens closed things out with an inning of work each.

Wichita will host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. again on Wednesday. Will Savage will get the start. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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'Nuts pound Saltdogs in series finale

Wichita, KS- Greg Porter went 4-5 with a homerun and three RBI, leading the Wingnuts to an 11-4 victory over Lincoln on Sunday at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 in the third, Wichita exploded for five runs, thanks in part to a pair of Lincoln errors. Kelly Hunt had the big hit in the inning with a two-run double. Wichita picked up two more in the fourth and three in the fifth. Every Wichita player reached base and all but one Wichita starter scored a run. Nick Blasi and Joe Muich each recorded two hits. The
Wingnuts were aided by four Lincoln errors and despite the 11 runs, also left a total of 13 men on base.

Richard Salazar picked up the win in relief, while Doug Hurn pitched the final three innings to record a save. Wichita returns to action on Tuesday when they will host the Sious Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Mohr leads 'Nuts to doubleheader sweep

Wichita, KS- Dustan Mohr went 3-6 with 5 RBI, including a walk-off home run in game two, leading the Wingnuts to a doubleheader sweep of the Lincoln Saltdogs on Saturday night at Lawrence Dumont Stadium.

Mohr hit a two-run home run and knocked in an insurance run with a sacrifice fly, leading the Wingnuts to a 3-1 victory in game one. Tyler Rhoden earned the win, while Amad Stephens struck out the side in the seventh to earn the save.

In the nightcap, the Wingnuts led 6-4 with two outs in the last inning, thanks to four Saltdogs errors. Lincoln rallied though for two runs off Amad Stephens, setting up Mohr's heroics. Michael Thompson and Patrick Brooks each had two hits in game two.

Wichita and Lincoln will wrap up their series on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. and fans can get free admission with their Riverfest Button. For tickets or more information call the Wignuts at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts clipped by Saltdogs in opener

Wichita, KS- The Wingnuts dropped their season opener 5-3 on Thursday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to the Lincoln Saltdogs.

Lincoln led 2-0 before the Wingnuts tied it with a pair of runs in the third thanks to a two-run double by Brenan Herrera. Lincoln took the lead for good with two runs in the fourth. Both starters lasted only four innings each, turning the game into a bullpen battle.

Lincoln went up 5-2 with a run in the seventh thanks to a walk and two stolen bases by Josh Burrus. Wichita scored a run in the bottom of the seventh but left two runners on and a total of 10 for the game. Jim Paduch got the win in relief while Carlos Guevara notched the save. Wichita starter Gabe Medina suffered the loss.

The two teams will battle again on Friday at 7:05 p.m. and admission is free with a Riverfest Button. For tickets call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Friday's Game is Postponed

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have postponed Friday night's game versus Lincoln and rescheduled it as part of a double header on Saturday evening.

Saturday, May 16th will consist of two seven-inning contests beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Riverfest Button Night, which had been scheduled for Friday, will now take place during Sunday's game at 5:05 p.m. Fans showing their Riverfest button can receive a free general admission to Sunday's contest versus Lincoln.

For ticket information for this weekend's games, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Return to KGSO

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their 2009 radio partnership with Sports Radio 1410 KGSO.

For the second straight year, the Wingnuts home and road broadcasts will be carried on 1410AM KGSO, Wichita's only all sports radio station, and Wichita's only locally-owned radio station. The Wingnuts hit the airwaves beginning with tonight's season opener versus Lincoln. Each broadcast includes a 20-minute pregame show as well as a postgame show featuring that games's highlights.

KGSO will broadcast at least 80 Wingnuts regular season and potential postseason contests. The Wingnuts can also be heard worldwide at www.kgso.com A link to KGSO's internet audio can be found at the Wingnuts' website www.wichitawingnuts.com

The Wingnuts open the 2009 season tonight at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Tickets are on sale now for all Wingnuts' home games. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Meet the Wingnuts at the Rowdy Beaver

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will be on hand at the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern on Monday, May 18th.

Wingnuts players and coaches will be available to meet with fans and sign autographs from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Rowdy Beaver is located at Kellogg and West St.

The Wingnuts open their second season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale to the public and can be purchased via phone or at the Wingnuts' office. For more information, call (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Announce Promotional Schedule

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their 2009 promotional schedule on Tuesday.

A full link to the Wingnuts' 2009 promotional schedule can be found here: http://wichitawingnuts.com/promotions.html

Weekly promotions once again run six nights a week, beginning with Military Mondays, where fans can receive one free General Admission ticket with the presentation of a Military I.D. Shiner Bock "Beer-for-a-Buck" returns for every Tuesday night, with Shiner Bock beers available for just one dollar, courtesy of Standard Beverage.

"Weenie Wednesdays", another fan favorite from last season, returns as a mid-week promotion. Hot dogs will cost just $1.25 throughout the entire game, courtesy of Indian Hills Meat and Poultry. "Thirsty Thursdays" return for the following night, with all domestic draft beer and soda available for just one dollar all night. Each Thursday, with the exception of opening night, will also see the return of the Wingnuts' Home Run Derby. Fans have the opportunity to actually step onto the field after the game and prove to their friends whether or not they can hit one out of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Basham's Rent to Own gives Wingnuts' fans another opportunity to take swings on the field with their "Bash'em With the Big Boys Promotion". Fans can enter at any of Basham's three locations to win a round of live batting practice with Wingnuts players. Two fans will be selected each month.

Postgame autograph sessions with the Wingnuts return following every Friday home game. Fridays also feature special events, appearances, and giveaway items. Another Wichita tradition continues following every Saturday home game, as fans will be treated to a first class fireworks extravaganza.

The fun begins on May 14th when the Wingnuts open the season. The first 5,000 fans through the gates receive a 2009 Wingnuts Magnet Schedule with a postgame fireworks show right after the Wingnuts' match versus the Lincoln Saltdogs.

In addition to the weekly promotions, the Wingnuts have a number of great one-time events lined up throughout the year. The Wingnuts offer their first ever bobblehead promotion when Big Fish Bail Bonds presents "Kevin Hooper Bobblehead Night" on June 26th. The Wingnuts will attempt to break their all-time attendance record of 8,225 when Baker University presents "Pack the Park Night" on June 27th. On July 24th, the world famous "Super Fan" will be on hand for in-game entertainment. The Wingnuts host their first "Bark in the Park" event on July 26th, presented by Newman University. August 20th features a "Wings" and "Nuts" pre-game party, hosted by Channel 963 and 107.3 The Road. The Wingnuts host their second annual Baseball Card Giveaway on August 28th.

On May 27th, the Wingnuts host "Guaranteed Rainout Night". If there is no rain, everyone in attendance receives a free ticket to the Wingnuts game on May 28th. On June 5th, "Rally", a reknowned mascot, brings his act to Wichita. The following night, "Multi-Cultural Night" returns to Wichita, presented by Midwest Transplant Network. Multicultural Night celebrates the diverse cultures of the Wichita community. Pre and post game activities will take place, along with a multitude of cultural booths, performances, and special guest appearances.

The decrease in gas prices allows fans to win at the ballpark as well. On July 28th, the Wingnuts host "Gas Prices = Ticket Prices" where the price of one gallon of gas gets you into the ballpark. "Awful Night" makes its long awaited return on July 9th, presented by Brand Plumbing.

Two day games are scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th and Wednesday, July 29th. Both contests begin at 12:05 p.m. and are great for both a business luncheon or day camp event.

Throughout the season, fans will also have the chance to snag some free tickets with several "Buy-In Nights" on the schedule, hosted at various local businesses.

Though the Wingnuts will be out of town for Independence Day, an NBC contest will take place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on July 4th with a fireworks show afterward.

The Wingnuts open their second season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season, group, and picnic packages are also on sale. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Finalize Roster

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts finalized their 22-man opening night roster on Monday, releasing seven players and signing infielder Patrick Brooks.

Brooks, who is expected to fill a utility role for Wichita, is entering his third season of professional baseball. The Vallejo, CA native spent the end of last season with the Frontier League's Windy City Thunderbolts, where he was a teammate of Wingnuts' second baseman Josh Horn. The Thunderbolts went on to win their second straight Frontier League championship. Brooks played collegiately at the University of Texas-Pan American, before signing with the Chicago Cubs' organization as a non-drafted free agent in 2007.

The Wingnuts released seven players from their training camp roster, including pitchers Jeff Reekers and Lance Odom, catcher Scott Daniels, infielders Louie Curcio, Dustin Smith, and Derek Jennings, and outfielder Bill Duffy.

Wichita now has 22 players on their roster including returning players Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Richard Salazar, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, Amad Stephens, and Steve Pearson. The Wingnuts' 13 new players includes Brooks, Horn, Kelly Hunt, Zach Goldberg, Greg Porter, Nick Blasi, Joe Muich, Nathan Parker, Tyler Rhoden, Derek Blacksher, Will Savage, Gabe Medina, and Ronnie Morales.

The Wingnuts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 14th when they hose the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale for all Wingnuts' home games. Season, group, and picnic packages are also available. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts End Spring Training With Loss

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-2 in an exhibition match against the Fort Worth Cats on Saturday night at LaGrave Field.

Cats' starter Aaron Crow threw four scoreless innings, while Brian Fryer contributed two RBI.

The Cats broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Ryan Patterson's sacrifice fly scored Brian Fryer for a 1-0 Cats' lead. They added another run in the sixth inning as Fryer's sacrifice fly scored Aljay Davis, who had been hit by a pitch to start off the frame.

The Cats made it 5-0 with a three-run eighth that included an RBI double by Michael Bell, a run-scoring single by Charles Carter and another sacrifice fly by Fryer. Fryer was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Catcher Zach Goldberg drove in both runs for Wichita with a two-run single in the ninth inning. The Wingnuts finish their preseason schedule with a record of 1-2 and will now prepare for their season opener on Thursday.

The Wingnuts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Cats Steal Spring Game From Wingnuts

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts dropped a 5-2 exhibition decision to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Friday night.

Kelley Gulledge's three-run homer in the ninth inning Friday night gave the Cats a 5-2 win over Wichita at LaGrave Field. The Wingnuts are now 1-1 in the preseason.

The Cats took an early lead in the game as Ryan Patterson scampered home from third on a wild pitch. The Wingnuts took a 2-1 advantage in the fourth when Kelly Hunt hit a two-run shot to left. Wingnuts' pitchers held the Cats to just three hits through the first eight innings.

The Wingnuts play the Cats in Fort Worth again on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. in their last exhibition game of the season.

The Wingnuts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on sale for all 48 home games. Season, group, and picnic packages are available as well. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Open Spring With Win

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.

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Wingnuts Exhibition vs. Newman Tonight

WICHITA, KS- Tuesday's exhibition game between the Wichita Wingnuts and the Newman University Jets has been postponed due to inclement weather.

The contest will be made up Wednesday, May 6th at its originally scheduled time of 7:05 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. All tickets can be purchased for just $7.00 at the gate beginning one hour before game time.

The Wingnuts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale for all Wingnuts' home games. Season, group, and picnic packages are available as well. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Tickets on Sale Now

WICHITA, KS- Individual tickets are now on sale to the public for all 2009 Wichita Wingnuts home games.

The Wingnuts are entering their second season in the American Association, and open the season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start as low as $6.00 for general admission, and can be purchased via phone or at the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium front office.

Season tickets, group packages, and picnic outings are still on sale as well. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Open Exhibition Season Against Newman University

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their exhibition schedule today, headlined by a match against Newman University on Tuesday, May 5th.

The contest versus Newman University begins at 7:05 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. All seats will be considered General Admission, and can be purchased for just $7.00. It will be the first time this season that the Wingnuts take the field in uniform under new manager Kevin Hooper. The Wingnuts are coming off of a 45-50 record in their inaugural season, which included a second place finish in the first half of 2008.

The Newman University Jets compete in the Heartland Conference at the NCAA Division-II level. Newman hitters will be allowed to use aluminum bats, while Newman pitchers will use NCAA-sanctioned baseballs. The Wingnuts will use wood bats and standard American Association balls.

Later in the week, the Wingnuts travel south for two more exhibition games. On Friday, May 8th, the Wingnuts head to LaGrave Field to play the Fort Worth Cats. The following night, Wichita heads across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area to QuikTrip Park, where the Wingnuts will battle the Southern Division champion Grand Prairie AirHogs. Both games commence at 7:05 p.m.

The Wingnuts will hold their second annual media day on Monday, May 4th at 1:30 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. All Wingnuts players, as well as manager Kevin Hooper will be available for interviews and photographs. All print, radio, and television media are invited. For more information on media day, contact Steve Schuster at (316) 264-4625, or sschuster@wichitaprosports.com

Also on May 4th, Wichita Wingnuts tickets will officially go on sale to the public. Individual ticket prices range from $6.00-$12.00, with discounts available for seniors, military, and youth 12 and under. Children ages two and under can receive free admission.

The Wichita Wingnuts open the 2009 season on Thursday, May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Former Shockers Blasi and Muich Join Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced two major player additions, signing former Wichita State University Shockers Nick Blasi and Joe Muich.

Blasi (pronounced BLAY-zee) will be entering his sixth year of professional baseball, and has more career hits (547) than games played (530). A lifetime .277 hitter, Blasi has played at the AAA level each of the last two seasons, most recently for the Charlotte Knights, AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. A Wichita native and resident, Blasi was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 12th Round in 2004, following a standout college career at Wichita State.

Blasi started his college ball at Butler Community College, before joining the Shockers in 2003 when he hit .321 in 69 games. The following season, Blasi ranked third on the Shockers with a .366 average, tied for second with 10 home runs, and fourth with 51 RBI. Blasi's finest professional season came at the AAA level in 2007 with the Sacramento River Cats. That season Blasi hit a career-high .316 in 89 games, scoring 55 runs and driving in 41 more.

Blasi was a teammate of Wingnuts' left-handed pitchers Brad Davis and Leonard Landeros at various levels of the Oakland Athletics organization in 2006 and 2007. The 27-year old Blasi is expected to take over center field duties for the Wingnuts.

Muich (pronounced MYOO-itch) is heading into his fourth professional season, and was a teammate of Blasi at Wichita State in 2003 and 2004. The Fenton, MO native has played at the AA level in the New York Yankees' organization the past two seasons. A standout defensive catcher, Muich was selected by the Yankees in the 12th Round of the 2005 draft and began his professional career the following season, hitting .276 with four home runs and 24 RBI in Low-A for the Charleston RiverDogs.

In 2007, Muich cranked a career-high six home runs in 47 games for Charleston and earned his first promotion to AA. Muich enjoyed a four-year career at Wichita State from 2002-2005. As a junior in 2004, Muich hit .293 with four home runs and 42 RBI. During his senior season in 2005, the 26-year old hit .297, led the Shockers with nine home runs, and collected 42 RBI for a second consecutive year. Muich also handled a pitching staff in 2005 that went 51-24 and included eventual Major Leaguer Mike Pelfrey.

Blasi and Muich join returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, Amad Stephens, and Leonard Landeros, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, Derek Blacksher, Kelly Hunt, Greg Porter, Josh Horn, Louis Curcio, Ronnie Morales, and Lance Odom to round out the Wingnuts' spring training roster at the maximum 28 players.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Pair of Arms

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made two more additions to their roster, signing left-handed pitcher and former Wichita State University Shocker Ronnie Morales as well as right-handed pitcher Lance Odom.

Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 45th round in 2007, Morales is entering his third professional season. The southpaw has appeared in 51 pro games, all in relief, notching five wins, five saves, and 69 strikeouts in 79.2 career innings. Morales posted a 3.67 ERA in two seasons pitching for the White Sox' rookie level affiliate in the Pioneer League. The Austin, TX native appeared in seven games for the Shockers in 2007, striking out four in 3.1 IP. Prior to his time at Wichita State, Morales pitched at the University of Texas-Pan American.

Odom is a sidearming right hander from Winter Park, FL. The 29-year old's career began in the Minnesota Twins' farm system in 1999 when he pitched for the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate. Odom earned a promotion to the Midwest League in 2000 before injuries slowed his career. Odom has played with several independent teams since 2004, most recently pitching for the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League last season. Odom has appeared in 43 professional games, all of them in relief.

The Wingnuts also cleared a roster spot by trading outfielder Chris Colton to the Flornce Freedom of the Frontier League in exchange for a player to be named later. In the Wingnuts inaugural game on May 8th of last year, Colton collected the first hit and RBI in team history.

The two additions join returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, Amad Stephens, and Leonard Landeros, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, Derek Blacksher, Kelly Hunt, Greg Porter, Josh Horn, and Louis Curcio to give Wichita 26 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training. The Wingnuts' final two roster spots will be announced soon.

The Wingnuts also announced that they will host another job fair on April 11th for those who could not attend the fair this past weekend due to inclement weather. The April 11th job fair will take place from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

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Wingnuts Re-Sign Landeros, Acquire All-Star Horn

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have made three more additions to their roster, re-signing pitcher Leonard Landeros, purchasing the contract of infielder Josh Horn from the Frontier League, and trading for utility player Louie Curcio from the Golden League.

Landeros was a steady presence in the Wingnuts' rotation last year, going 7-5 with a 4.11 ERA while making a career-high 17 starts. Landeros finished second on the Wingnuts' staff with 96.1 IP and allowed just six home runs. A former 29th round pick of the Athletics in 2001, Landeros is 20-17 in eight professional seasons and reached the AAA level in 2007 with Oakland. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Landeros and fellow Wingnuts' left hander Brad Davis were teammates at various levels in the Athletics' organization. The Exeter, CA native's best work last season came down the stretch. In five starts from July 17th through August 15th, Landeros posted a 1.39 ERA and allowed just 28 hits in 39.1 IP.

Horn is a two-time Frontier League All-Star with the Windy City Thunderbolts. Playing mostly third base each of the last two seasons, Horn hit a combined .295 with 36 doubles, 14 home runs, and 96 RBI in 184 games played. The Shelbyville, TN native played college baseball at Columbia State Community College, before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University. As a senior for the Blue Raiders in 2006, Horn hit .330 in 55 games while playing second base, which is the position he is expected to fill for the Wingnuts.

Curcio comes to the Wingnuts from the Golden League's Yuma Scorpions in exchange for outfielder Blake Gailen. A true utility man, Curcio can play infield, outfield, and catcher. The Brooklyn, NY native played at Seminole Community College in 2004 and 2005, before turning pro on an international level. Curcio played in Italy for the Grosseto Orioles in 2006.

Gailen hit .266 for the Wingnuts in 88 games while also making 13 appearances as a pitcher. Gailen was named the team's inaugural "Unsung Hero" prior to the final game of 2008.

Landeros, Horn, and Curcio join returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, Derek Blacksher, Kelly Hunt, and Greg Porter to give Wichita 24 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder returns home this weekend for two games, beginning with a contest versus Texas on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. For more information, call the Wingnuts/Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Land Veteran Hitter

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have made another significant addition for the 2009 season, signing veteran outfielder Greg Porter.

Drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 45th round in 2001, Porter has spent the last four seasons in the high minors. A left handed hitter, Porter is a .292 career hitter, with more base hits (788) than games played (749). In eight years of professional baseball, all of them in the affiliated minor leagues, Porter has hit .286 or better six times, while eclipsing the .300 mark four times.

Porter spent the first seven years of his career in the Angels' organization, before splitting time with the Washington Nationals' and New York Yankees' AAA affiliates in 2008. Last season, Porter hit .255 in a combined 92 games with Scranton-Wilkes Barre and Columbus, both members of the AAA International League. Porter reached AAA for the first time in 2007, hitting .345 in 56 games with seven home runs and 33 RBI for the Salt Lake Bees of the Pacific Coast League.

Prior to reaching AAA, the West Point, NY native was one of the top hitters in the AA Texas League, playing with the Arkansas Travelers for three seasons. Porter hit .286, .298, and .294 respectively from 2005-2007, which included a career-high 20 home runs and 71 RBI in 2006. Porter is a lifetime .317 hitter with 16 runs scored and 19 RBI in 31 games at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

Porter, who stands at six feet four inches, 225 pounds, began his career in the Rookie level Pioneer League in 2001, hitting .331 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI in just 39 games. After a rough season in 2001 in which he hit .229, Porter rebounded in 2003 and hit .305. The 76-point improvement earned him a promotion to the High-A California League where he hit .318 in 2004 with Rancho Cucamonga.

Porter played three seasons of college baseball at Texas A&M University from 1999-2001. The 28-year old has played most of his professional career in the outfield, while also possessing experience at first and third base. Porter's left handed bat will help balance the Wingnuts' lineup. He is expected to play left field for the Wingnuts in 2009.

Porter joins returning Wingnuts players Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, Derek Blacksher, and Kelly Hunt to give Wichita 22 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training.

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Wingnuts Land Slugger

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced the latest addition to their roster with the signing of slugging infielder Kelly Hunt.

A 29th round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2003, Hunt comes to the Wingnuts after playing for the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League in 2008. With Florence, Hunt produced an MVP-caliber season, hitting .308 with 26 home runs and 73 RBI in 75 games. Hunt's 26 long balls, .614 slugging percentage, and ratio of one home run for every 11.35 at bats all topped the Frontier League.

Now in his seventh year of professional baseball, Hunt has hit at least 18 home runs in each of the last five seasons. During that span, Hunt has totaled 114 home runs and 390 RBI in 536 games played, for an average of 35 home runs and 118 RBI per 162 games.

Hunt, who will be 28 years old at the start of the season, has played in the independent ranks since 2007, splitting time with the South Coast League's Aiken Foxhounds and the Atlantic League's York Revolution two seasons ago. Hunt dominated in the SCL in 78 games with Aiken, finishing third in batting average (.337), fifth in doubles (20), first in home runs (24), fourth in RBI (68), and first in slugging percentage (.694). When Aiken's season ended, Hunt went on to hit three homeruns in 12 games with York.

The right handed batting Hunt reached AA in 2006 with the Erie SeaWolves, bashing 22 home runs which ranked third in the Eastern League. On July 1st of that season, Hunt cranked three home runs while knocking in seven, both career-bests. In 2005 while playing for the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the pitcher-dominated Florida State League, Hunt finished fourth with 86 RBI while hitting 18 home runs. Hunt played for the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest league in his first full professional season in 2004, hitting .275 with the fourth most home runs (21) and the third most RBI (102).

Hunt played collegiately at Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he hit .439 as a senior in 2003 before Detroit selected him in the draft. His professional career began shortly thereafter when he hit .257 in 47 games for the Oneonta Tigers of the New York-Penn League.

The Toledo, OH native has split time at first and third base each of the last two years, and is expected see time at both positions as well as designated hitter with the Wingnuts. Hunt, who stands at six feet four inches, 245 pounds, was recruited by Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper, who spent three years of his own career in the Tigers' organization.

Hunt joins returning Wingnuts players Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, and Derek Blacksher to give Wichita 21 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training. The Wingnuts expect to make two more high-profile player announcements, including one with local ties, in the next week.

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Wingnuts Strengthen Pitching Through Trade

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced another addition to their 2009 roster with the acquisition of pitcher Derek Blacksher from the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League.

A 33rd round draft pick of the Florida Marlins in 2007, Blacksher spent the 2008 season with Gateway, posting a 10-8 record with a 4.57 ERA. The 10 wins ranked fifth in the Frontier league. Blacksher struck out 110 hitters in 128.0 innings, while walking 49. The 24-year old right hander soaked up innings for Gateway, pitching into the seventh inning in 13 of his 19 starts, and pitching into the eighth inning in seven of them. On August 8th, Blacksher struck out a career-high 14 hitters in 8.0 innings of work in a win over Kalamazoo. The Orange, TX native struck out five or more hitters in 13 of his 19 starts.

Blacksher comes to the Wingnuts via trade, with Gateway receiving future considerations from Wichita. Blacksher played his college ball at McNeese State University where he struck out 87 hitters in 104.2 IP as a senior in 2007 before getting drafted by Florida. The right hander started his professional career shortly after the draft, latching on with the Marlins' Gulf Coast Rookie affiliate. While in the GCL, Blacksher went 3-1 with nine saves and a 0.49 ERA in 18.1 IP, while striking out 25 and walking seven. The nine saves ranked third in the Gulf Coast League. In between his time in rookie ball, Blacksher earned a callup to the New-York Penn League (Short Season A-Ball) striking out eight in 7.1 IP and notching two more saves.

Blacksher joins returning Wingnuts Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, as well as fellow newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, Dustin Smith, Tyler Rhoden, Nathan Parker, and Drew Holder to give Wichita 21 players under contract for the 2009 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training. Beginning Wednesday, the Wingnuts expect to make three high-profile player announcements.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder return home this weekend for two games, beginning with a contest versus Texas on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. For more information, call the Wingnuts/Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Add Pair of Young Arms

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced two more player acquisitions, with the signing of pitchers Tyler Rhoden and Nathan Parker.

Rhoden, a 22nd Round draft pick by Cincinatti in 2007, spent each of the last two seasons in the Reds' organization. The 24-year old right hander reached High-A with Sarasota in 2008. In 37 career appearances, 36 of them out of the bullpen, Rhoden has posted a 5-1 record with a 4.82 ERA. The Jacksonville, FL native has struck out 47 hitters in 71.0 professional innings. Prior to being drafted, Rhoden played collegiately at Vanderbilt University, where he was teammates with several recent high-profile draft picks, including Tampa Bay's David Price and Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez. Rhoden helped the Commodores to the 2007 NCAA Super Regionals and a #1 national ranking for virtually the entire season.

Parker, a 23-year old left hander, will be in his first professional season. The Tulsa, OK native played his college ball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Over the last two seasons, Parker has struck out 72 hitters in 82 innings pitched. Parker appeared in 35 games, 13 of them starts, during his final two years with the Trojans.

The Wingnuts also announced their first trade of the offseason, sending right handed pitcher Gustavo Mata to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in exchange for outfielder Drew Holder. Mata was 4-7 in 18 appearances, 17 of them starts, with a 3.69 ERA. Holder hit .283 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI for the AirHogs last season, helping them reach the American Association Championship Series.

Rhoden, Parker, and Holder join newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, Jeff Reekers, Gabe Medina, and Dustin Smith, as well as 2008 returnees Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, Justin Young, and Amad Stephens, giving the Wingnuts 20 players officially signed for 2009. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training, which will begin in early May. The Wingnuts expect to announce several more player signings in the coming days, including several high-profile signings.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Three More

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced three more signings, including the return of Amad Stephens and the addition of right handed pitcher Gabe Medina, and second baseman Dustin Smith.

Stephens, one of the top eighth inning setup men in the American Association last season, is expected to move into the closer's role for 2009. A former New York Yankees farm hand, Stephens posted a 1.87 ERA in 50.0 innings last season, while striking out 41. The San Diego, CA native proved durable with 18 of his 37 outings lasting more than one inning. Stephens started 2008 with the Lincoln Saltdogs before signing with the Wingnuts as a free agent and did not allow a hit in his first nine innings with Wichita.

Medina, another former Yankees prospect, is expected to join the Wingnuts' starting rotation. A local product, Medina played his college ball at Emporia State University, and resides in Emporia, KS. Medina has a career record of 5-3 with a 4.01 ERA in 56 appearances. In 139.0 career innings, Medina has struck out 123 batters while walking just 37. Drafted by New York in the 15th round in 2006, Medina spent three seasons in the Yankees' organization.

Smith, a true rookie from Chesnee, SC, finished his college career at Southern Wesleyan University last Spring. Smith hit .256 for the Warriors in 2008 and led the squad with 22 runs scored and 18 stolen bases. Smith is expected to compete for the Wingnuts' starting job at second base.

The three players join 2008 returnees Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Richard Salazar, Brenan Herrera, Brad Davis, Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Doug Hurn, and Justin Young, as well as newcomers Derek Jennings, Zach Goldberg, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, and Jeff Reekers, giving the Wingnuts 17 players signed for 2009. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training, which will begin in early May.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder hosts the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. Hot dogs are just $1.00 during the entire game. For more information, call the Wingnuts' and Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Return Four More

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced the signing of four more players for the 2009 season, with the return of Steve Pearson, Blake Gailen, Justin Young, and Doug Hurn.

Pearson hit .261 with five homeruns last season, while tying for the team lead in RBIs with 51. The 25-year old Petaluma, CA native primarily played first base, where he excelled defensively. Pearson led all American Association first basemen with a .995 fielding percentage, committing just three errors and helping turn 71 double plays. On May 9th, Pearson hit the first homerun in Wingnuts history, a shot over the right-center field fence that bounced from MacLean Blvd. into the nearby Arkansas River. Pearson carried the Wingnuts' offense during the middle of the season, hitting a torrid .383 from May 27th through July 6th, a stretch that also included 31 RBI in 30 games.

"Steve showed signs last year of what he is capable of doing", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. " He's a solid first baseman and can also play the outfield, making him very valuable. He's going to be very valuable again this year as one of our few left handed bats who will play first, outfield, and designated hitter.

Gailen, who was named the Wingnuts' "Unsung Hero" prior to the final game of the season, hit .266 with three homeruns and 41 RBI. The West Hills, CA native also worked in 13 games on the mound, starting two, and posting a 4.66 ERA in 36.2 IP. On July 25th at St. Paul, Gailen nearly hit for the cycle, collecting a homerun, two doubles, and a single, before getting thrown out at third in his final at-bat, trying to stretch a double into a triple. Gailen led all American Association outfielders with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

"Blake was another very valuable member of our team last year, not only being able to play the outfield, but also take the mound at times", said Hooper. "A two-way guy that always gives you options. A left handed bat in the lineup with some speed that can put pressure on a defense, will also show signs of some good pop for a guy with a little frame."

Young, a 25-year old right handed pitcher, began the season in the Wingnuts' rotation, carrying a 3.26 ERA into late June. The Colorado Springs, CO native experienced a rough patch in the second half, but still finished fifth on the team with 85.1 IP. Young's best moment came on May 19th when he pitched eight innings allowing one run on four hits and striking out six over then-defending champion Fort Worth.

"Justin is a guy that could either start or come out of the pen", said Hooper. He struggled with the strike zone at times, but he is a bulldog out on the mound. I am expecting big things out of him this year whether it be as a starter or a reliever."

Hurn, a true rookie in 2008, made 21 appearances with a 5.45 ERA in 38.0 IP. Used primarily as a reliever, Hurn showed durability, with 11 of his 21 outings lasting for more than one inning. In just his second professional outing, Hurn pitched 5.2 IP of long relief allowing just one run on May 31st versus Sioux City.

"Doug is a rookie with alot of promise", said Hooper. "He wants the ball in his hands all the time and is a good ground ball guy when he keeps the ball down, which is very valuable on the turf."

The quartet of signings join other 2008 returnees Michael Thompson, Dustan Mohr, Brenan Herrera, Richard Salazar, and Brad Davis, as well as newcomers Jeff Reekers, Bill Duffy, Scott Daniels, Zach Goldberg, and Derek Jennings as players under contract for 2009. Several more signings are expected in the next two weeks, including several more returning players and a high-profile signing.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder returns to the Kansas Coliseum on Wednesday, February 25th when they host the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Wingnuts/Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Return Three Key Members

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have signed three more players for the 2009 season, announcing the return of pitchers Brad Davis and Richard Salazar, and infielder Brenan Herrera.

Davis, a 26-year old lefthanded pitcher, led the Wingnuts last season in starts (18), innings pitched (111.0), wins (8), and strikeouts (70). Davis started and won the inaugural game in Wingnuts' history on May 8th of last year. On May 29th, Davis pitched the first nine-inning complete game in the team's history, allowing one run on three hits in a win over Sioux Falls. The Frankfort, KY native did not miss a start during the course of the season.

Salazar, a 28-year old lefthanded pitcher, began last season in the bullpen, posting a 3.06 ERA in 16 appearances. The Caracas, Venezuela native made a permanent transition to the starting rotation in late June. While in the rotation, Salazar went 5-5 in 12 starts with an ERA of 3.70 after not having started a game since August of 2006. Salazar was named the Wingnuts' inaugural "Pitcher of the Year" prior to the season's final game.

Herrera, a 26-year old right handed hitting infielder, was both a midseason and postseason All-Star last year. The Lawton, OK native finished tied for eighth in the batting race, hitting .317 with five homeruns. Herrera's 51 RBI tied him for the team lead, and his 27 doubles ranked second in the American Association behind teammate Michael Thompson. Herrera started at second base at the All-Star Game in St. Paul and collected two hits. Herrera had a 10-game hitting streak from July 9th-19th and finished third in fielding percentage among second baseman at .973.

Both Davis and Salazar are expected to rejoin Wichita's starting rotation, while Herrera is slated to take over at shortstop after Kevin Hooper assumed the team's managerial duties. The trio joins fellow returnees Michael Thompson and Dustan Mohr, and newcomers Jeff Reekers, Bill Duffy, Scott Daniels, Derek Jennings, and Zach Goldberg as Wingnuts who are currently under contract for 2009. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through the end of Spring Training, which will commence the first week of May.

Several more signings, including a handful of returning players and a high-profile signing will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Wingnuts open their second season on May 14th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium when they host the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets and partial plans are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Veteran Mohr to Return in 2009

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced the re-signing of veteran outfielder Dustan Mohr.

A seven-year Major League veteran, Mohr played with the Wingnuts during their inaugural season in 2008, collecting 41 RBI in 53 games played.

Mohr earned a midseason pickup with the Colorado Rockies' AAA affiliate in Colorado Springs, before returning to the Wingnuts in July.

The Hattiesburg, MO native hit .283 with men on base for Wichita last year. Mohr had a pair of two-homerun games, including a performance on July 11th versus Lincoln in which he connected for a double, two homeruns, and a season-high six RBI.

Mohr spent seven seasons in the Major Leagues, most notably with the Rockies and the Minnesota Twins. Mohr is a lifetime .500 hitter in the MLB playoffs, going 7 for 14 in the 2002 American League Division Series and Championship Series. Mohr was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 9th round in 1997 after finishing his college career at the University of Alabama. He has 49 career Major League homeruns, including a career-best 17 with the Rockies in 2005. 2009 will be Mohr's 13th year in professional baseball.

Mohr joins returning third baseman Michael Thompson, as well as newcomers Zach Goldberg, Derek Jennings, Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, and Jeff Reekers as players under contract for the upcoming season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through training camp, before reducing their rosters to 22 during the regular season.

The Wingnuts open their second season at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on May 14th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Season tickets and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

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Wingnuts Sign Rookie Trio

WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts announced three more signings on Friday, with the additions of Scott Daniels, Bill Duffy, and Jeff Reekers.

Daniels, a catcher, played collegiate ball at both Hiwassee College and Milligan College, both located in Daniels's home state of Tennessee.

Reekers, a right handed pitcher, made his professional debut in the American Association with the Lincoln Saltdogs in 2008. A native of Moraga, CA, Reekers made two appearances for Lincoln, working 3.1 innings and allowing one earned run. Reekers played at the University of California-Davis, where he went 9-7 as a starting pitcher from 2007-2008. He struck out 47 hitters while walking 29 in 121.1 IP during that stretch.

Duffy, a left handed outfielder, played four seasons of collegiate ball at Lewis University from 2004-2008. The Clarendon Hills, IL native hit .289 as a senior in 2008, stealing six bases in seven attempts, and scoring 31 runs in 46 games. Duffy led the Flyers in batting average in 2007, hitting .337 in 55 games. As a freshman in 2005, Duffy finished second on the team in average at .311.

The newly signed trio joins returning All-Star third baseman Michael Thompson, as well as catcher Zach Goldberg, and shortstop Derek Jennings, giving the Wingnuts six players under contract for the 2009 season.

The Wingnuts open their second season against the Lincoln Saltdogs on May 14th, 2009 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. First pitch is now scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Season tickets and group packages are on sale now. For more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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Wingnuts Sign Two

WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts have announced two more signings for the 2009 season, with the addition of catcher Zach Goldberg and shortstop Derek Jennings.

A Wichita native, Goldberg joins the Wingnuts after spending most of 2008 with the division-rival St. Paul Saints. Goldberg began training camp with the Wingnuts, before making his way to Evansville in the Frontier League, and eventually the Saints, where he appeared in 23 games. He hit safely in nine of his first 13 games, and three of his six RBI came against Wichita. Goldberg split time with the Sioux City Explorers and the Frontier League's Kalamazoo Kings in his rookie season in 2007, hitting .281 in 13 games with two homeruns.

Jennings was a standout for the Seattle Studs, hitting .276 with 26 RBI in 49 games. The Renton, Washington native was named to the 2008 NBC World Series All-American Team at shortstop, helping the Studs reach the tournament's championship game. Jennings had stints in the Frontier League with River City and Fargo-Moorhead before joining the Studs.

Goldberg and Jennings join returning All-Star third baseman Michael Thompson as Wichita's current players under contract for 2009. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players through Spring Training, which will take place May 2nd-May 13th.

Wichita opens the 2009 season on May 14th against the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wichita Thunder also return to action this weekend, hosting the Texas Brahmas on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. For Wingnuts and Thunder ticket information, contact the Wichita Pro Sports office at 264-4625.

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Thompson Returns to Hot Corner for 2009

WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts have announced their first player signing for the 2009 season with the return of third baseman Michael Thompson.

Thompson hit .305 while leading the team in homeruns (10), slugging percentage (.488), and finishing third with 48 RBI. The Covina, CA native was selected as a reserve for the 2008 All-Star Game in St. Paul. After an injury to the starting DH, Thompson was given the chance to start in the game and collected a hit. Thompson also won the annual homerun derby prior to the game.

Thompson was the only Wingnut to appear in all 95 games in 2008, starting in 93 of them. He reached base in each of Wichita's first 30 games with either a hit or a walk, and also started the season with a 12-game hitting streak. Thompson led the American Association with 29 doubles, and helped start 28 double plays, the most by any third baseman. Thompson had 28 multi-hit games, while hitting safely in 71 of 95 games.

Originally drafted by the Astros in the 26th round in 2005, Thompson made his way to the Royals organization where he was also an All-Star with the class-A Burlington Bees of the Midwest League in 2007. Thompson finished fourth in the Midwest League in 2007 with 19 homeruns.

Thompson's signing comes one day after Kevin Hooper was introduced as Wichita's field manager for 2009.

The Wingnuts have also announced their 2009 schedule. Wichita opens their season with a four-game series against the division rival Lincoln Saltdogs on Thursday May 14th. The schedule includes six Fridays and six Saturdays. The Wingnuts will play on the road from July 31st-August 16th while the 75th annual National Baseball Congress World Series takes place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder are back in action this Friday at the Kansas Coliseum when they take on the New Mexico Scorpions. Opening faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Wichita Pro Sports office at 264-4625.

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Hooper Named Wingnuts' New Manager

WICHITA, KS - The Wichita Wingnuts have announced that former shortstop Kevin Hooper will be their field manager for the 2009 season.

Hooper ends a 10-year playing career that included two seasons in the Major Leagues, four in AAA, and one as a member of the Wingnuts.

In 2008, Hooper won the American Association batting title by 40 points, hitting .373. Hooper went 34 for 35 in stolen bases, and was never actually thrown out by an opposing catcher on a steal attempt. The Lawrence, KS native started in the American Association All-Star Game in July, collecting two hits, and was also named to the league's postseason All-Star team. He was named the Wingnuts' team MVP prior to the final game of the season.

Hooper ended the season on a nine-game hitting streak, going 21 for his last 39 (.538) to pull ahead even further in the batting race. On May 28th vs. Sioux Falls, Hooper collected his 1,000th career hit with an infield single.

Defensively, Hooper led all shortstops with a .973 fielding percentage, and helped lead an infield defense that turned a league-best 109 double plays, and committed the league's fewest errors (92).

Hooper had a stellar four-year career with the Wichita State Shockers from 1996-1999, leaving the program with a lifetime .358 batting average. Almost 10 years later, he still ranks in the top 10 in Shocker history in runs (5th, 287), hits (7th, 315), doubles (7th, 58), and triples (9th, 17). In 1998, he had the third highest fielding percentage for a second baseman in Shockey history at .978.

Originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 49th round in 1998, Hooper remained at Wichita State for his senior season and was then drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 8th round in 1999. Hooper made it to AAA by 2002, and went on to win back-to-back International League (AAA) Championships with the Toledo Mud Hens in 2005 and 2006. While playing with the Calgary Vipers in 2002, Hooper assembled a 31-game hitting streak (48-127, .378). In 2005 while with Toledo, Hooper had the distinction of playing one inning at every position on the final day of the season, including earning the save on the mound with a perfect ninth inning.

Hooper made it to the Major Leagues in 2005 with the Detroit Tigers, and earned his first career Major League hit on July 21st with a single off of Minnesota Twins' veteran pitcher Terry Mulholland. Hooper earned another callup with the Tigers in 2006.

Pitching coach Luke Robertson and hitting coach Chris Mileham will remain with the club under Hooper.

Wichita also announced their 2009 schedule, which begins on Thursday May 14th vs. Lincoln. The American Association playoff format remains intact, with the first and second half winners from each division playing each other in a best-of-five series. The winners of each divisional series advance to the best-of-five championship series. The Wingnuts feature 25 home dates in the first half, and 23 home dates in the second half. The home schedule also includes six Friday and six Saturday home games. The Wingnuts will play on the road from July 31st-August 16 while the 75th annual National Baseball Congress World Series takes place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts went 45-50 in their inaugural season, which included a 26-21 second-place finish in the first half. For information regarding season ticket packages and group outings, call the Wingnuts office at 264-4625.

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For Tickets Call 316.264.NUTS (6887)

Wingnuts News

News Archives

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Wingnuts Never Give Up In Extra-Inning Win

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Three Wingnuts Pitchers Added to All-Star Team

Wingnuts Shutout by Captains

Wingnuts Drop Series Opener in Shreveport