Wichita Wingnuts News

WICHITA, KS- Former Wichita Wingnuts' pitcher Will Savage has been invited to Major League camp with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Photo Credits: Terri Ashcroft, Evan & Meeks Photography

Savage--who has pitched in the Dodgers' organization each of the last two years--will compete for a Major League roster spot this spring, and has the chance to become the first Wingnuts' player to reach the pinnacle of professional baseball.

"It's very surreal," said Savage. "I kind of have to put it all in perspective. Having the setbacks that I've had really makes me appreciate the opporunity."

After starring for the Wingnuts' in 2009, Savage was purchased by Los Angeles in February of 2010. Since then, the 27-year-old right-hander has made two all-star teams, and risen through three levels of the Dodgers' farm system.

"I'd take 22 of him," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "When he took the mound, he was fierce. He wanted the ball at all times, and he was going to give you everything he had. He had a true passion for the game. He took a lot of pride in what he did, and he took a lot of pride in what he did during the four days that he wasn't pitching. As a skipper, I can't ask for much more. Now he gets his first invite to Big League camp, which is a huge deal, because he's going to put himself in front of that whole Major League staff and have a chance to shine."

Any baseball player would consider it a dream come true to simply reach the Major Leagues. But for Savage, a native of Los Angeles' West Hills, the chance to do it with the team he grew up rooting for would be extra special.

"You've got Don Newcombe and Sandy Koufax coming in to talk to you," said Savage. "It just gives you goosebumps. These guys are legends in the game that you hear about growing up. Then you get to meet them face-to-face and actually have them share their experiences and trying to help you get to where they were. It's unbelievable.

"Every night I would go to bed as a little kid dreaming of pitching at Dodger Stadium. Hopefully that dream will be realized here pretty soon. Anytime I slip on that Dodgers uniform, I don't take anything for granted. With my whole family being Dodgers fans, and the chance to be able to go back home to Los Angeles and pitch in front of them, it would make everybody's dream come true.

This past season, Savage went 12-6 for the Double-A Southern League's Chattanooga Lookouts. Savage led the Southern League in wins, while finishing eighth in ERA (3.95), and second in both WHIP (1.25) and walks allowed per nine innings (1.84).

Savage allowed two or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 25 appearances, and yielded more than four just three times all season. Savage also logged at least 6.0 innings in 17 of his 23 starts, and was voted to the Southern League's mid-season all-star team.

Savage earned two promotions within the organization in 2010, climbing from Low-A Great Lakes to High-A Inland Empire, and eventually finishing in Chattanooga. Savage was a mid-season all-star for Great Lakes, leading the Midwest League in wins at the time of his selection. His 2.80 ERA with the Loons fell 23.0 innings shy of qualifying for second in the league.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies out of the University of Oklahoma in 2006, the 26th-round pick pitched exclusively out of the bullpen during his first three professional seasons. Savage signed shortly after the draft, and posted a 2.68 ERA in 40.1 innings during his first pro summer. The season concluded with Savage helping the Low-A South Atlantic League's Lakewood BlueClaws capture a championship.

In 2007, Savage was promoted to the High-A Florida State League with Clearwater, and had another strong year. He worked 62.0 more innings with a 3.63 ERA, and again helped his club to a championship.

Two succesful years in the Phillies' system led to another promotion in 2008--this time to the Double-A Eastern League with Reading. But an arm injury limited Savage to just eight and two-thirds innings, and his season was cut short for good on May 15th. Savage rehabbed his way back into playing shape, but was released by Philadelphia the following spring. It was during his cross-country trip back home that Savage and the Wingnuts made contact.

"We fell on him really late that year," said Hooper. "We were getting ready to start camp, and he was driving back after getting released. It was a close stop with him living in Oklahoma at the time, so he came in and threw a bullpen for us. The rest is history."

Signing with the Wingnuts presented Savage the opportunity to re-establish himself within the baseball community. It also opened the door for him to do something he had never done professionally--become a starting pitcher.

Prior to 2009, all 70 of Savage's professional outings came in relief. Even during his final two years at Oklahoma, Savage had made just six starts in 72 appearances. But a strong frame--Savage is 6-foot-4 and a former junior college quarterback--and deep arsenal of quality pitches made the decision mutually intriguing for both parties.

"Sometimes, that's what it takes to get a guy back to affiliated ball," said Hooper. "You move him into a rotation where he's going to pitch every fifth day, and he's going to log seven innings a night. Scouts are going to be able to come out and watch him do that and get a gauge on how he responds. For 'Savy', it's been nothing but great, and hopefully he's on his way to bigger and better things."

The results were nothing short of terrific. Savage was a major component of a Wingnuts' club that went a league-best 58-38, and a pitching staff that dominated the American Association with a 3.52 team ERA. Savage finished fourth in the league, and first on the Wingnuts, with a 2.94 ERA.

"The Wingnuts were a launching point for me," said Savage. "When I got released by the Phillies, I was out of the bullpen, and 'Hoop' gave me the opportunity to be a starter. The guy was so knowledgeable having played for a long time. I enjoyed being around him and learning the intracacies of the game. Luke (Robertson) was also instrumental in helping me with the transformation from being a bullpen guy to a starter. That helped me out tremendously."

On June 23rd, Savage earned a piece of baseball history when he no-hit the Sioux City Explorers in the midst of a pennant race. The feat was even more impressive when you consider that it was just the eighth start of Savage's pro career, and it came on the road in a 1-0 contest.

"I was fortunate enough that they made a plaque for me. I have it hanging in my office, and I get goosebumps every once in a while when I look at it. It's something that doesn't happen very often, and there's a lot of luck involved. I remember Mike Thompson making a backhanded, diving play down the line to save the no-hitter. 'Hoop' gave me the lineup card, so I definitely remember all of those guys that were a part of it, and it's something I'll never forget."

Just five days after the no-hitter, Savage started and won what proved to be the clinching game of the Wingnuts' first half division title. As Savage continued to build his resume as a starter, he also earned more and more trust from his manager.

With a playoff spot assured, Hooper had the luxury of setting his postseason rotation exactly how he wanted. It was Savage who was chosen to start Game One of the Division Series, emerging from a staff that boasted four all-stars, four top-10 ERA finishers, and both the Right- and Left-Handed Pitchers of the Year. Savage once again rose to the occassion, pitching seven strong innings to earn the victory in the franchise's first ever playoff game.

Savage--who currently resides in Oklahoma with his wife Lacey and their four-month old son Maverick--is just weeks away from starting Big League camp with the Dodgers. Over the last four years, Savage has overcome both injury and disappointment in taking his career to new heights, and he has done it in a completely different role. His former manager could not be more proud.

"I got a taste of the Major Leagues," said Hooper, "and I want every single guy to have that opportunity. 'Savy' was a joy to be around, and I couldn't be happier for him. It would be truly special seeing him on TV pitching in the Major Leagues. It would be a special day for our entire organization."

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Closer Returns to Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts re-signed right-handed pitcher Josh Dew on Monday.

Photo Credit: Jancy Ireland Photography

Dew had a dominant 2011 season while serving as the Wingnuts' closer. In 34 appearances, the right-hander was 3-1 with a 1.12 ERA and 20 saves. Dew struck out 62 hitters, while allowing just 27 hits and 19 walks in 40.0 innings of work. The Montgomery, AL native also made it through the entire season without allowing a home run.

Dew's 20 saves ranked third in the American Association--which also tied a Wingnuts' single-season record--while his ERA was the lowest among any pitcher with at least 22.0 innings. Over the last two seasons, Dew has not allowed an earned run in 62 of his 70 appearances.

"Josh was hands down the best closer in the league from what I saw," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "I may be biased because he is a Wingnut, but we would not have had the season we had last year without Josh Dew closing the door in the ninth.

"Josh was a top priority for us to re-sign because he was a free agent. He had hip surgery this offseason, and should be ready to go in time for Spring Training in May. Hopefully he will save some more games for us and then get back to affiliated ball, because he deserves another opportunity without question."

A 14th-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007, Dew enters his fifth season of professional baseball. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Dew is 11-6 with 43 saves and a 2.59 ERA in 153 career games. Dew, who turns 27 next week, has 230 strikeouts in 188.0 lifetime innings in which he has allowed just five total home runs. Dew pitched two seasons in the Cardinals' organization, and reached the Double-A level with Springfield in 2008. After missing the 2009 season due to injury, Dew signed with the Golden League's Chico Outlaws, helping them win a championship in 2010. Dew was drafted out of Troy University where he spent his junior and senior seasons. A two-way star for the Trojans, Dew was 12-3 on the mound with a 2.69 ERA while hitting .321 with 25 home runs and 98 RBI in just 110 games at the plate.

Wingnuts' right-handed pitcher Nick Singleton has also signed a contract with the Mexican League's Campeche Pirates. Singleton is the winningest pitcher in team history, sporting an 18-5 record with a 3.00 ERA in 31 starts and four relief outings over the last two years. Wichita retains Singleton's reversionary rights. Campeche's regular season is scheduled to finish July 29th.

The Wingnuts now have seven players under contract for the 2012 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 5th.

2012 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Josh Dew
RHP Alex Kaminsky
LHP Shawn Joy
RHP Josh Lowey
RHP Brandon Mathes
C Eric Rodriguez
LHP Nick Walters

The Wingnuts open the 2012 season on Thursday, May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are all on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Trade for Two, Grybash Retires

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts acquired two pitchers on Wednesday, trading for left-hander Nick Walters and right-hander Alex Kaminsky.

Photo Credits: Gateway Grizzlies, Keith Cole and Bryan Leeds

Walters starred for the Frontier League's Gateway Grizzlies last season, going 2-1 with one save and a 2.81 ERA in 39 relief appearances. The left-hander struck out 54 batters in 41.2 innings of work, averaging 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Walters also allowed just 20 base hits, holding opponents to a .145 batting average. Walters had five separate outings last year in which all of his outs were recorded via strikeout.

A native of Phoenix, AZ, Walters had an even better season for Gateway in 2010 where he was 5-0 with three saves and a career-low 1.14 ERA. Walters struck out 71 in just 47.1 innings that year--an average of 13.5 strikeouts per nine--while scattering a paltry 18 base hits.

"Nick is a left-hander we just acquired via trade whom I am very excited to see," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He will be a big part of our bullpen, and hopefully it won't be long before he gets another chance in affiliated ball. I have heard nothing but great things about Nick, not only as a pitcher, but as a person as well, which is always at the top of my list."

Walters was a 31st round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in 2004, and is entering his eighth year of professional baseball. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Walters is 16-14 in his career with 13 saves and a 3.20 ERA. In 290.0 lifetime innings pitched, Walters has averaged 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings, and has finished with more strikeouts than innings pitched in five of his seven pro seasons. Walters spent two years with the White Sox before latching on with the Oakland Athletics' organization where he reached the High-A California League in both 2007 and 2009.

Kaminsky is a third-year professional who split time with three different American Association clubs in 2011. The rookie right-hander was a combined 7-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 25 games--15 of them starts--for Fargo-Moorhead, El Paso, and Shreveport-Bossier. The Fostoria, OH native totaled 101.2 innings, striking out 88 and walking 43. On July 24th, Kaminsky worked six and two-thirds innings to earn a win against the Wingnuts while pitching for El Paso.

"Alex had a pretty good year in our league for a rookie. When you have to have four rookies on the roster, someone like Alex becomes really valuable. We've heard really good things about him from a lot of people, and there were other teams interested in him. We had a neat little bond right away when I found out he had watched me play in Toledo for a number of years. He's excited for the opportunity, and will compete for a spot in our rotation."

Following a succesful, four-year career at Wright State University, Kaminsky signed with the Cleveland Indians as a non-drafted free agent in 2010. Kaminsky--who will be 24 on opening night--had excellent numbers during his lone year with the Indians. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound righty worked to a 2.37 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 72.0 innings. Kaminsky finished the season in Double-A Akron where he fired three scoreless innings. Kaminsky was 21-9 in his career at Wright State with a 4.39 ERA in 56 appearances.

Kaminsky and infielder Jonathan Johnson were acquired in December from Laredo in exchange for infielder Jimmy Mojica and right-handed pitcher Marcos Tabata. Johnson was traded to Gateway the following week to acquire Walters.

The Wingnuts also learned that pitcher Dan Grybash has announced his retirement. Grybash started the Wingnuts' second game of 2011 at Amarillo before exiting with a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

"Walking away from the game is hard because it's defined who I've been for so long," said Grybash. "But it's nice to be able to look back and see where baseball has taken me. I tell people all the time, it wasn't about the money. It was about going out and competing, and being around my teammates everyday."

The Chicago native pitched for eight seasons and finishes with a lifetime 41-25 record and a 3.77 ERA. Grybash finished with a winning record six times during his eight-year career. The right-hander was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2003 out of Carthage College, and reached the High-A Florida State League during his three years with the organization.

Grybash joined the independent ranks in 2005 and helped the Fort Worth Cats to consecutive championships in 2005 (Central League) and 2006 (American Association). After one season of pitching in his hometown for the Northern League's Schaumburg Flyers, Grybash returned to Fort Worth for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, helping the Cats return to the playoffs both years. Shoulder surgery forced Grybash to miss the entire 2010 season, eventually leading him to Wichita this past summer.

"My career was about as up and down as it gets," said Grybash, "but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I was a small kid in high school. When I was younger, I never thought any of this would happen.

"I loved Wichita, even though it was only for two-thirds of an inning. I have no regrets about trying to come back and play. Everything with the Wingnuts was a great experience. The Robertsons are like a second family. They all treated me really great. And Hoop was a great guy to play for. I love how he made people accountable, and I couldn't have asked for a better manager to end my career with."

The Wingnuts now have six players under contract for the 2012 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 5th.

2012 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Alex Kaminsky
LHP Shawn Joy
RHP Josh Lowey
RHP Brandon Mathes
C Eric Rodriguez
LHP Nick Walters

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Five-Time All-Star Horn Retires

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts shortstop Josh Horn has announced his retirement from professional baseball.

Horn closes out a five-year playing career--the last three of which were spent in a Wingnuts' uniform--that includes two championships, five all-star appearances, and more base hits (548) than games played (467). A member of four teams that reached the playoffs, Horn hit .290 or better in each of his five seasons, and at least .300 in four of them.

"I had a great time doing what I did," said Horn. "But I think God has opened up some other doors for me, and I feel like I have to walk through those doors and close this one.

"I learned a lot about baseball, and I learned a lot about myself," said Horn. "The game has taught me a lot. I was around a great group of guys and a great coaching staff. They taught me a lot about the game, and they taught me a lot about life itself."

A native of Shelbyville, TN, Horn hit .322 over his three seasons with the Wingnuts, and retires as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (271), base hits (341), runs scored (187), RBI (125), walks (117), and stolen bases (46). Horn's 20-game hitting streak from August 29th, 2009 through June 5th, 2010 also remains a club record.

"He meant a ton to me," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He's my type of guy, no question. I told him I can't thank him enough for being the type of guy that he is, and how he carried himself on and off the field. It's been a joy having him around the last three years, not only for myself, but for the organization as well, because he's a first class act."

Horn hit .330 as a senior at Middle Tennessee State University in 2006 before starting his professional career the following summer with the Frontier League's Windy City Thunderbolts. Horn spent two years in the Chicago area--serving primarily as a third baseman--and helped Windy City capture back-to-back Frontier League championships.

The Wingnuts acquired Horn prior to the 2009 season where he opened the year as Wichita's starting second baseman. Horn moved to shortstop full-time in early-June and held down the position through the end of 2011. Horn hit .310 in 2009 with 68 runs scored, 43 RBI, and stole 19 bases without ever being thrown out by an opposing catcher. One of Horn's signature moments came on August 24th of that season when he slugged a game-ending home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to defeat the Lincoln Saltdogs.

"I can think back to when 'Hoop' moved me to shortstop, and I was kind of intimidated," said Horn. "But as time went on--like anything you do--you get more and more confident. Baseball is a game of failure, so you learn to deal with that, and it makes you a stronger person."

Horn was the North Division's starting shortstop at the 2009 American Association All-Star Game in Grand Prairie, scoring a run and collecting two hits. And although he was admittedly 'intimidated' at first by changing positions, Horn still finished the season second in fielding percentage among American Association shortstops.

Horn hit .331 during another all-star campaign in 2010, and was one of only three starters from the Wingnuts' opening night lineup to play through the entire season. For a second straight year, Horn was voted the starting shortstop for the North Division, but was unable to participate due to an ankle injury.

In 2011, Horn saved arguably his best season for last, hitting .326 and starting all 100 games. Horn set career-bests in runs scored (75), doubles (31), and RBI (55). Horn was a major factor in the Wingnuts' charge to the playoffs down the stretch, hitting .371 over the team's final 42 games. At the end of the season, Horn was named to the American Association's Postseason All-Star team.

But for all of his on-field accomplishments, Horn is mostly remembered for his genunine personality, and strong work ethic.

"He's just one of those guys who was like that when he came," said Hooper. "And that's what I mean when I say he's 'our type of guy'. He's a great teammate and a great baseball player, but a lot of people are going to remember him as a great person to be around."

"That means a lot," said Horn. "People judge you by your character, so when somebody says something about you like that, it means a lot to me, no doubt about it."

And although he was never given the opportunity to play for a Major League organization--despite an all-star resume, consistent production, a likeable personality, and strong work ethic--Horn is nothing but grateful for his time in the game.

"I have no regrets," said Horn. "Baseball has brought me a lot of good things. If I hadn't played baseball, I never would have come to Wichita, never would have met my wife, and never met some of the great people that I've met. Obviously God didn't have it in the books for me to play affiliated ball or go to the Big Leagues, but I have nothing to be bitter about. I gave it 120 percent, did the best I could do, and can lay my head down at night and have peace about it."

Horn's manager shares similar thoughts.

"I've told him many times that he should have no regrets," said Hooper. "It's tough because everybody you talk to asks, 'how does a guy like that not get an opportunity?', but he has no control over that.

"Life's a big picture. This is just a small piece of it, and I think it's all worked out for him. He knew nothing about Wichita when we got him in the trade, and now he's met his wife here, he's found a job here, and this is probably where he's going to spend the rest of his life."

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Wingnuts Acquire Pitcher of the Year Lowey

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two players to their 2012 roster on Tuesday, trading for right-handed pitcher Josh Lowey, and signing catcher Eric Rodriguez.

Lowey was stellar in 2011 where he was 11-2 with a 2.44 ERA in 20 starts for the Frontier League's River City Rascals. Lowey pitched a career-high 129.1 innings--the third consecutive year in which he has reached the century mark--struck out 114, and walked only 46. A native of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Lowey finished the season tied for third in the Frontier League in wins, fourth in ERA, and fifth in strikeouts. Following his successful regular season--in which he was named the Frontier League's Pitcher of the Year--Lowey posted a 1.74 ERA during three playoff starts, and helped River City reach the Frontier League Championship Series. Lowey helped clinch the first round of the playoffs for River City, yielding just one earned run over seven innings against Southern Illinois in Game Four.

"Josh was the Frontier League Pitcher of the Year last season and we are very excited to add him to our rotation," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "River City Manager Steve Brook and I are good friends and I had been working very hard for a couple of months to acquire him. We feel like we have a stong core of our rotation coming back and Josh is only going to make it better. I really look forward to seeing him take the mound for us in 2012."

In four professional seasons, Lowey is an impressive 29-9 with a 3.17 ERA over 349.2 innings. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Lowey began his career with the Frontier League's Windy City Thunderbolts in 2008, appearing in seven contests. Lowey spent the next three seasons in River City where he earned at least eight wins, logged more than 100 innings, and posted an ERA of 3.55 or below each year. Lowey played two seasons of college baseball at Mercer University, which followed two years at Northwest Florida State College. Lowey and his twin brother, Jason, pitched together throughout college while also spending time together in Windy City and River City.

Lowey's rights were acquired from River City earlier this month in exchange for first baseman Gerardo Avila. The Wingnuts acquired Avila from the NABL's Yuma Scorpions in late-November.

Rodriguez is a true rookie who finished his senior year last spring at Benedict College in South Carolina. A right-handed hitter and fielder, Rodriguez hit .327 with two home runs and 34 RBI in 36 games played for the Tigers. The 6-foot, 195-pound catcher added 12 doubles, four triples, and was 14 for 16 in stolen base attempts. Rodriguez also made two appearances on the mound, striking out two batters in 2.0 innings pitched. At the end of the season, the Kailua, HI native earned SIAC All-Conference honors.

"Eric will come battle for our backup catching position," said Hooper. "He can really run, has a great arm, and is going to be very versatile because of his outfield experience in the past. Eric has a great work ethic and we look forward to seeing him this spring."

The Wingnuts now have four players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins May 5th.

2012 Wingnuts Signings
LHP Shawn Joy
RHP Josh Lowey
RHP Brandon Mathes
C Eric Rodriguez

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. You can also shop Wingnuts for the holidays by visiting the Wingnuts' merchandise kiosk at Towne West Mall. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Hooper to Remain With Wingnuts Through 2013

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced at a Friday press conference that field manager Kevin Hooper has signed a two-year extension that will keep him through the 2013 season.

"I am very excited to be returning as the manager of the Wichita Wingnuts for the next two seasons," said Hooper. "I can't give enough thanks to Josh Robertson and the entire Wingnuts' organization for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank all of our fan base for supporting us throughout the years. I can only hope we keep adding to the number of fans night in and night out that attend beautiful Lawrence-Dumont Stadium."

Hooper enters his fourth year as Wingnuts' manager, and 14th overall in professional baseball. The Lawrence, KS native has guided the Wingnuts to a winning record in each of his first three seasons at the helm, with an overall mark of 163-129 (.558). During this stretch, the Wingnuts have reached the playoffs twice--winning division titles in 2009 and 2011--while falling just one game shy of both the division crown and wild card in 2010.

"We are thrilled to have 'Hoop' back for another two years," said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson. "He represents everything there is about the word 'team', and we are confident that he will continue to play a major role in making Wichita proud of its professional baseball team."

Over the last three years, the Wingnuts have sold the contracts of nine players to Major League organizations, and one other to the Mexican League. En route to winning the Central Division title in 2011, the Wingnuts ranked first in the American Association in team batting average (.311), on-base percentage (.388), and slugging percentage (.460). On the other side of the ball, Wichita finished third in team ERA (4.52) and second in team fielding percentage (.975).

"I've tremendously enjoyed my past three seasons managing here, and hope to create many more great memories in the years to come," said Hooper. "I thoroughly embrace and love the entire process of recruiting, building a team, and being able to spend so much time with my family here at home."

Hooper has also managed numerous individual accomplishments. Since 2009, the Wingnuts have had seven players named to the league's postseason all-star team, and featured 11 mid-season all-stars from 2009-10. In 2009, Hooper was honored as the American Association's Manager of the Year. The Wingnuts were a league-best 58-38 that season--a team that included American Association Player of the Year Greg Porter, as well as the Right- and Left-Handed Pitchers of the Year, Derek Blacksher and Brad Davis respectively.

Hooper's playing career started in 1999 when the Florida Marlins drafted him in the 8th round out of Wichita State University. The 35-year old Hooper ascended quickly through the minors and spent six of his 10 professional seasons at the Triple-A level. Hooper reached the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in both 2005 and 2006. Hooper's playing career concluded with the Wingnuts in 2008, a season that saw him notch his 1,000th professional hit, and win the American Association batting title by 40 points.

Hooper and his wife Lindsey now reside in Valley Center with their two daughters Lucy and Laney.

The Wingnuts currently have two players under contract for the 2012 season and expect to make several more announcements before the new year.

The Wichita Wingnuts open the 2012 season on May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets, mini packs, and group outings are on sale now. You can also shop Wingnuts for the holidays by visiting the team's merchandise kiosk at Towne West Mall. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Sign Righty and Lefty

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their first player moves for the 2012 season on Monday, signing pitchers Brandon Mathes and Shawn Joy.

Mathes enters his fourth season in professional baseball, and third overall with the Wingnuts. Last summer, the right-hander posted a 4.50 ERA for Wichita while earning one save in 31 appearances. In late July, Mathes was traded to the Frontier League's Florence Freedom where he made 20 more appearances, and pitched to a 2.54 ERA with five saves. A native of Oklahoma City, OK, Mathes totaled 59 strikeouts in 74.1 innings between the two clubs. Mathes' rights were re-acquired from Florence at the end of the season.

"We are very excited to have Brandon back for the upcoming 2012 season," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "When we traded him away the last month of the season, I demanded that he be the player that we got back at the end of the year. Hopefully he will come in, earn a spot in our bullpen, and become a big peice of our puzzle. He is just going to get better and better each and every year with experience."

After making one appearance for the Northern League's Joliet JackHammers late in 2009, Mathes' first full professional season came with Wichita the following year. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Mathes became a key contributor out of the Wingnuts' bullpen, striking out 46 in 51.2 innings with a 4.35 ERA. Mathes, who will be 25 on opening night, was a two-way star at Kansas Wesleyan University where he earned KCAC Player of the Year honors in both his junior and senior seasons. During his senior campaign in 2009, Mathes went 8-1 on the mound with a 1.38 ERA, and hit .335 with 21 doubles and 21 stolen bases as the Coyotes' leadoff hitter.

Joy also pitched in the Frontier League last season, going 6-4 with a 3.92 ERA in 18 games for the Southern Illinois Miners. The Topeka, KS native logged a career-high 105.2 innings in what was his second year with the Miners, and third straight in the Frontier League. On August 11th versus Rockford, Joy pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout. Joy walked one, struck out four, and did not allow a hit over the final eight and two-thirds innings. The Wingnuts acquired Joy to complete the April 2011 trade that sent Sean Teague to Southern Illinois.

"Shawn is a left-hander from the state of Kansas," said Hooper, "and I like to have that local flavor around as much as I can. We were very happy in obtaining him in a trade when the season ended. He will compete for a spot in our bullpen and is also very valuable because he has starting experience under his belt. I'm excited to see what he can do on the mound to contribute and help us win ballgames."

The 25-year old Joy is 16-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 240.2 career innings over 92 appearances. Joy has averaged just 2.54 walks and 0.67 home runs per nine innings as a professional. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound lefty was originally signed by the New York Yankees in 2008 out of Southern Illinois University. Joy debuted for the Yankees' Rookie-level Gulf Coast affiliate later that summer. During his junior and senior seasons at Southern Illinois, Joy combined for an 11-5 record and a 4.26 ERA in 31 starts. Joy also played two seasons at Cloud County Community College.

American Association teams can carry up to 28 players on their roster during spring training, which begins in early May.

The Wichita Wingnuts open the 2012 season at home on May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. Fans can also do their holiday shopping with the Wingnuts by visiting the team's merchandise kiosk at Towne West Mall. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Announce 2012 Schedule

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their schedule for the 2012 American Association season on Wednesday.

To view the Wingnuts' entire 2012 schedule, clich here.

The American Association maintains the continuous 100-game schedule introduced last season, with three division winners and one wild card qualifying for the playoffs. The Wingnuts remain in the Central Division along with Gary SouthShore, Kansas City, Lincoln, and Sioux City.

Earlier this week, the league also welcomed the Laredo Lemurs into the South Division. The Shreveport-Bossier Captains and Fort Worth Cats are not expected to operate in 2012, leaving the American Association with 13 teams. Fort Worth's players were distributed through a league-wide draft last month. The rights to Shreveport-Bossier's roster have been transferred to Laredo.

To counter the odd number of clubs, the American Association has partnered with the independent Can-Am League to form an interlocking schedule for 2012. Throughout the season, five American Association teams will participate in a 10-game road trip to Can-Am League cities, while five Can-Am League teams will do the same in American Association territories. This covers the 100 games that would have otherwise been played by a "14th" American Association club.

2012 marks the second straight year the Wingnuts travel to every city in the American Association at least once. Meanwhile, 11 different teams make their way to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, including four that did not appear in 2010.

For the first time since 2009, the Wingnuts open their season at home, hosting the Lincoln Saltdogs May 17th-20th. Wichita then welcomes the Can-Am League's New Jersey Jackals for a three-game series before heading on a six-game road trip to Gary SouthShore and Fargo-Moorhead.

The month of June kicks off with a seven-game homestand against defending champion Grand Prairie, and longtime division foe Sioux City.

The Wingnuts renew their in-state rivalry with the Kansas City T-Bones June 8th-10th at Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones make their first trip to Wichita the following weekend. The teams have 10 total head-to-head matchups scheduled in 2011.

The end of June is highlighted by a six-game homestand against two North Division playoff teams. From June 26th-28th, the St. Paul Saints return to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium for the first time since 2010, while the Winnipeg Goldeyes make their first ever trip to the Air Capital June 29th-July 1st.

The Wingnuts spend most of their time in early-July down South, making stops in Grand Prairie, Amarillo, and Laredo. Home series include include Kansas City (11th-12th), Fargo-Moorhead (19th-22nd), and Amarillo (23rd-26th).

The Wingnuts' annual long road trip -- while the NBC World Series takes place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium -- may be the most challenging the team has faced during its five-year history. The five-city, 15-game tour begins in Laredo, and includes three-game stops in Amarillo, Sioux Falls, Lincoln, and Winnipeg.

Upon returning from the trip, the Wingnuts enjoy 14 of their final 20 games at home, starting on August 13th with a seven-game homestand versus El Paso and Sioux City. The final stretch of home games includes three against Gary SouthShore (August 24th-26th) and four more with the Diablos (August 27th-30th). Wichita finishes the 2012 regular season at St. Paul September 1st-3rd.

All Sunday home games this season begin at 2:05 p.m. Monday-Saturday start times remain at 7:05 p.m., with the exception of a 6:05 p.m. start on Friday, June 1st, and a 12:05 p.m. start on Wednesday, June 20th. A full schedule containing all road start times will be released at a later date.

The Wichita Wingnuts open the 2012 season at home on Thursday, May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Shop Wingnuts at Towne West for the Holidays

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have partnered with Simon Malls at Towne West Square to offer team merchandise throughout the holiday season.

The new Wingnuts' kiosk at Towne West Square features a full array of team merchandise--including hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, and more--for both men and women of all ages. The kiosk can be found near the food court inside Towne West Square (located at 4600 West Kellogg), and is equipped to handle both cash and credit card transactions. Information regarding season tickets and group packages will also be readily available.

The kiosk will be open during all Towne West Square hours from 4:00 a.m. on 'Black Friday' (November 25th) through Christmas Eve on Saturday, December 24th.

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts' baseball begins in mid-May. A full schedule is expected to be released in early December. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Hitting the Mark in Winter Ball

WICHITA, KS- Six players who finished the 2011 season with the Wichita Wingnuts are currently playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional).

Pitchers Kendy Batista, Derek Blacksher, Junior Guerra, Matt Nevarez, and Marcos Tabata join catcher Edwin Bellorin as Wingnuts who are currently on LVBP rosters.

The league is considered the highest level of professional baseball in Venezuela, and is commonly referred to as the 'Venezuelan Big Leagues'. The LVBP plays a 63-game regular season from October through December, and features a mix of Venezuelan natives, current and former Major Leaguers, and prospects from both the affiliated and independent minor leagues.

Wingnuts' hitting coach Jose Amado, a native of San Cristobal, played for three different teams over the course of eight seasons in the LVBP. Amado describes it as a very competitive brand of baseball.

"It's really good baseball," said Amado. "You have a lot of good players down there, from 'A' ball all the way up to the Major Leagues. You only play about 60 games, so every night becomes important and makes each game very intense."

Amado still has many baseball ties inside his home country, and has been able to use those connections to help the Wingnuts' organization. In each of the last two years, Amado has both helped the Wingnuts find mid-season upgrades, and also discovered winter ball opportunities for a number of his players.

Blacksher, who was recently signed by the Aguilas de Zulia, is expected to report to Venezuela later this week. The right-hander joined the Wingnuts in a July trade with the Fort Worth Cats, and finished 15th in the American Association in ERA (4.25), 11th in innings pitched (133.1), and tied for second in starts (21). Blacksher was 5-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 10 starts following the trade, and is hoping that success carries over into his first season of winter ball.

"I'm super excited for the opportunity," said Blacksher. "I've talked to some guys who have played there before, and they had a lot of good things to say. I've heard the crowds are great down there so that will also be a lot of fun.

"It's definitely going to be exciting facing Triple-A and 'Big League' talent. I want to do well. My main goal is to go down there, do well, and hopefully get invited to spring training by an affiliated team. Josh (Robertson), 'Hoop', and the coaches are really great about trying to get us to the next level, and hopefully this can lead to that."

When Blacksher arrives in Zulia, he will join Nevarez and Tabata, both of whom were major cogs in the Wingnuts' bullpen during their 2011 playoff run. The duo has combined for 10.1 shutout innings over nine appearances. In five games, Nevarez has struck out eight while allowing just one hit. Tabata has allowed just two hits in five and one-third innings, striking out four.

Batista, Bellorin, and Guerra are all playing for the Tiburones de La Guaira. Batista has made 18 relief appearances, posting a 1.74 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. Bellorin has hit three home runs in his first 63 at bats and ranks second in the league with a 46 percent caught stealing rate. In nine relief appearances and one start, Guerra has struck out 17 over 19.0 innings and yielded just one home run.

Players might participate in the league for various reasons. Some play to stay in shape for the following summer. Others are assigned by a Major League club to improve specific parts of their game, such as developing a certain pitch or learning a new defensive position.

As is the case at virtually every level of the game however, the overarching goal is to win. A lot of the winter ball intensity described by Amado comes from tremendous fan support. Players and fans alike take pride in winning for their country and home city. The smallest capacity in the LVBP is 15,500 while four other stadiums can hold 20,000 or more.

"There are a lot of 'to die for' fans who love their team," said Amado. "A lot of them are not only rooting for a team, but the city they grew up in as well.

"You get to play in front of a lot of people every night," said Amado. "Sometimes in 'A' ball, or even Double-A, you don't see that many fans. With each game being so intense, it can help some guys overcome any fears of playing in front of a lot of people."

The rigors of continuing to play baseball on a nightly basis can also help a player in preparation for the next year.

"You get to see a lot of live pitching while you're there, and it really helps you stay sharp going into spring training," said Amado. "You stay in that pattern of playing every night instead of sitting at home for four or five months waiting for the next season to start."

While the game itself is always the same, traveling to a new location to play can lead to an adaptation period. As someone who spent many years playing in both the United States and Venezuela, Amado's advice is simple.

"Just keep an open mind and have fun. It's going to be a new country and it's going to be different. But players are also treated well. Everyone gets treated like a 'Big Leaguer'. If you go about your business the right way, have fun, and have an open mind, you will have a good experience."

Blacksher believes reuniting with familiar faces will help him ease into his new environment.

"That's going to be awesome to already know some guys, and have some guys who can help me with any language barriers," said Blacksher. "Dwayne Pollok is another guy I played with in Fort Worth, and he's going to be on the same team with us too, so that will be pretty cool."

The top five regular season finishers play in a round robin format that determines the two teams that square off in a best-of-seven championship series. The champion then participates in the Caribbean Series, which also includes the champions from the Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican professional leagues.

Wingnuts' right-hander Nick Singleton is currently pitching for the Mayos de Navojoa in Mexico. Through seven starts, Singleton is 3-1 with a 3.15 ERA.

All-star third baseman Juan Richardson recently began a winter ball tour in his native Dominican Republic.

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins in mid-May with a full schedule expected within the next several weeks. Season tickets, flex packs, and group packages are on sale now. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts' Richardson Earns National Accolades

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' third baseman Juan Richardson has been selected by Baseball America as a member of its 2011 Independent League All-Star Team.

Richardson finished sixth in the American Association batting race at .360, ranked fifth with 86 RBI, and paced the Wingnuts with 12 home runs. The Bani, Dominican Republic native also finished second in the league with a .452 on-base percentage, and fifth with 140 total hits. For a second straight season, Richardson led all American Association third basemen in fielding percentage at .951, besting his own mark of .931 from one year ago.

The 31-year old Richardson delivered one of the most dramatic hits in team history on August 19th versus Gary SouthShore. With the Wingnuts trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Richardson hit a two-out, three-run home run to defeat the RailCats in the opener of the team's most critical series of the year. The comeback triggered a three-game sweep that vaulted the Wingnuts' into first place for the remainder of the season.

Richardson had an especially strong finish in 2011, hitting .413 (45 for 109) with 20 walks, 19 runs scored, and 32 RBI over his final 27 games. On August 27th at El Paso, Richardson tied a league record with a six-hit performance that included two doubles, a home run, and seven RBI. Richardson's 81 runs scored set a new team record, while his 86 RBI tied the Wingnuts' single-season mark. Following the season, Richardson was named to the American Association's Postseason All-Star Team.

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts' baseball begins in mid-May. The American Association's full 2012 schedule is expected to be released before the new year. For information on season tickets, ticket packages, and group outings, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wichita Wingnuts 2011 Season Review

The Wichita Wingnuts enjoyed another successful season in 2011. The fourth-year franchise earned its second playoff berth in the last three seasons and witnessed a number of memeroable moments both at the plate and on the mound.

At 55-45, Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper posted a winning record for a third time in as many seasons since taking over as skipper in 2009. Hooper has now been a part of a winning team in 11 of his 13 seasons in professional baseball, 10 of which have seen the playoffs.

At times, 2011 was a roller coaster, with the team experiencing different levels of highs and lows. But when all was said and done, the Wingnuts were Central Division champions and one of just four teams in the 14-team American Association to reach the playoffs.

"Anytime we can make the playoffs, it's a successful season because you're giving yourself a chance to win a championship," said Hooper. "The ultimate goal is to win a championship every single year, but you can't do that without making the playoffs."

2011 began with a seven-game road trip down South where the Wingnuts took five games from the Amarillo Sox and Fort Worth Cats. The season-opening, four-game series with the Sox included some of the wildest baseball the Wingnuts played all year. The entire series was decided by just five runs, with the Wingnuts winning three of the four. In the third contest, a night that saw the Wingnuts win 17-16, utilityman Tommy Fitzgerald pitched an inning and two-thirds to help rest a tired bullpen. Josh Dew recorded the final out to earn his third save in as many nights to begin the season.

Dew was arguably the best closer in the American Association in 2011. He finished third in the league with 20 saves and posted a 1.12 ERA in 40.0 innings. The big right-hander also struck out 62 batters, averaging an incredible 14.0 strikeouts per nine innings. Dew did not allow an earned run in 30 of his 34 appearances, while his ERA was the lowest among any pitcher in the league who threw at least 22.0 innings.

"I tell you what, Josh Dew is a tough son of a gun," said Hooper. "You hear me talk about 'my type of guys' a lot, and he's definitely on the top of that list. He wants the ball all the time, whether he's in pain or in no pain. He wants the ball if its a save situation, and you can't ask for anything more out of a closer."

The hot start carried into the Wingnuts' first series of the year at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, a three-game sweep of the El Paso Diablos. Wichita outlasted El Paso in their home opener on May 20th, 9-8 in 15 innings. The teams battled for an American Association-record five hours and 22 minutes. The game even had to be played over the course of two nights due to the league's curfew rule. The Wingnuts rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, and later overcame a one-run deficit in the 14th. When the game resumed the following evening, Wichita fell behind again in the 15th before rallying for two in the bottom half to squeeze out the win. Wingnuts' pitchers combined for 22 strikeouts, setting a new league record.

It was another strong year for the Wingnuts' pitching staff, led by fourth-year Pitching Coach Luke Robertson. The Wingnuts finished third in the American Association with a 4.52 ERA, paced the league with nine shutouts, and set a league single-season record with 706 strikeouts. Three Wingnuts' starters ended the year in the top-10 in the league in ERA. Only one other team could claim even two.

After sweeping El Paso, the Wingnuts made their first ever trip to Gary, IN to face the RailCats. Gary SouthShore took two of three. Wichita spent a good portion of the summer chasing the RailCats, but would not get another chance to play them head-to-head until the end of the year.

The Wingnuts bounced back by taking two of three from the Lincoln Saltdogs on the road, and then winning three of four from the Fort Worth Cats in Wichita. On June 1st versus Fort Worth, the Wingnuts staged another ninth-inning rally to tie the game, and eventually won on Josh Workman's RBI double in the bottom of the 12th.

Workman played briefly for the Wingnuts in 2010, but had his season cut short due to injury. Fully healthy in 2011, Workman emerged as an offensive force in the middle of Wichita's lineup. The former Shocker hit .325 with 10 home runs and 68 RBI, and was one of only two Wingnuts to appear in all 100 games.

"'Work' had a great year. The guy can flat out hit and he's another local guy who had a tremendous year and had a lot of fun playing in his home town."

The Wingnuts improved to 15-6 on June 3rd after blanking the Kansas City T-Bones 5-0 at home. Nick Singleton fired eight shutout innings to earn the win and help Wichita improve to nine games above the .500 mark. Singleton turned in another impressive year, tying for third in the league with 11 wins, and tying for ninth with a 3.57 ERA. Singleton's 11-2 mark yielded a league-leading .846 win percentage.

The Wingnuts then experienced the roughest stretch of their season, losing 21 of their next 35 games. During this time, the RailCats overtook the Wingnuts for the Central Division lead, while the St. Paul Saints and Winnipeg Goldeyes each passed Wichita in the wild card standings. At one point, the Wingnuts fell to just one game above the .500 mark.

Singleton was signed by the Mexican League's Monclovo Steelers in mid-June, and would eventually return to the Wingnuts in July. Losing an ace pitcher for any length of time is difficult for a team to overcome, but three young starters managed to keep the Wingnuts afloat into the thick of the pennant race. Wichita won 14 games during Singleton's absence, and nine of them came from rookie starters Junior Guerra, Ryan Hinson, and Chad Sherman.

Guerra and Hinson, considered the team's fourth and fifth starters respectively at the beginning of the season, combined for 20 wins while each finishing in the top-10 in the league in ERA. Each made 20 starts, threw more than 125.0 innings, and never missed a turn in the rotation.

"Those two guys, we didn't know what we were going to get when they showed up, but we sure knew what they had when they left," said Hooper. "Those guys were pretty special. For two rookies to have such good seasons, especially in a starting rotation, is very impressive."

The bullpen was also a major factor in keeping the Wingnuts' in the hunt well into the dog days. In a 35-game span from June 17th through July 25th, the Wingnuts' relief corps pitched to a 2.02 ERA over 111.1 innings.

In addition to Dew, righties Jared Simon and Kendy Batista, as well as left-hander Eric Gilliland, all turned in great seasons. Simon led the club with 47 appearances and posted a 2.93 ERA in 55.1 innings. Batista had a 3.16 ERA in 35 games, and did not allow an earned run in 21 of his final 25 appearances. Gilliland had a 2.53 ERA in 25 games, and finished the year with a 1.46 mark over his final 14 games.

"Simon's an old Shocker also," said Hooper. "Anytime I can get a Wichita State guy, I know what he's going to be made of. I know what their makeup is going to be, I know what Gene and those guys expect over there, and I know that's going to carry over. Simon's a great clubhouse guy too. He's a good guy to be around and another fierce competitor that wanted the ball every single night."

The Wingnuts' defense also shined in 2011, ranking second in the American Association in team fielding percentage. Veteran catcher Edwin Bellorin played a huge role in the team's defensive success. Bellorin caught 94 games, more than any other catcher in the league, while gunning down a league-high 45 potential base stealers. The next closest catcher had 26. Bellorin also drove in 58 runs at the plate and came up with several big hits throughout the year.

"'Bayo' had a special year," said Hooper. "He's one of the better defensive catchers you're going to come across at this level. When you have a guy that caught in the Major Leagues, that's something special. He was awful fun to watch behind the plate, and I can't tell you how many times he came up with big hits for us, especially with two outs."

Wichita began turning their season around for good in early-July. On July 10th, Sherman pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout versus the Shreveport-Bossier Captains, and set a franchise single-game mark with 12 strikeouts. Later that evening, the Wingnuts bolstered their pitching staff with the acquisition of right-hander Derek Blacksher.

Blacksher starred for the Wingnuts in 2009 when he was named the league's Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year. 2011 proved no different as Blacksher won five of his first seven decisions after the trade, and allowed three or fewer earned runs in seven of his 10 starts. Blacksher made his official return two nights after Sherman's masterpiece and worked eight scoreless innings in another shutout of the Captains.

Blacksher was acquired from Fort Worth in exchange for outfielder Ryan Patterson, who left as the team's all-time leader in home runs. Patterson was also named Wichita's Professional Athlete of the Year for his accomplishments during the 2010 season.

Two shutouts in three nights over a great offensive team is impressive enough, but the work of Sherman and Blacksher turned out to be only a preview for what would take place in the series finale on July 13th.

Guerra, recently acquired Matt Nevarez, and Dew combined to no-hit Shreveport-Bossier in a 1-0 Wingnuts' victory. Guerra went the first seven and one-third, striking out nine while earning the win. Nevarez, who became a force out of the bullpen during the second half of the season, used a double play ball to record the final two outs in the top of the eighth. Dew retired the side in order in the ninth, highlighted by back-to-back strikeouts to finish the game. It was the fourth no-hitter in league history, and second in Wingnuts' history, both of which have come in 1-0 affairs.

Two nights after the no-hitter, Hinson pitched seven shutout innings in a win at Grand Prairie, giving the Wingnuts a team record three consecutive shutouts, and four in their last five games. Singleton returned on July 19th at Shreveport-Bossier, and earned the win.

From July 12th through August 23rd, Wichita won 23 of 37 (.622) to vault themselves back into serious contention. After splitting a six-game road trip against the AirHogs and Captains, Wichita won six of seven at home from El Paso, Fargo-Moorhead, and Kansas City. In the final game of their series versus the RedHawks, the Wingnuts scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning in an eventual 14-9 win. Brent Clevlen hit two home runs in the frame, the first of which gave him a longball in four straight games to set a new team record.

Clevlen helped power the Wingnuts' lineup throughout the middle of the year. A former teammate of Kevin Hooper in both the minors and Majors, Clevlen hit .310 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI in just 46 games played. Clevlen was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies in August and assigned to Double-A Reading.

After the successful homestand, the Wingnuts embarked on their annual August road trip while the NBC World Series took place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For a third straight year the Wingnuts came out of the trip with a winning record at 7-6. The trip included series wins at Fargo-Moorhead, Sioux City, and Winnipeg.

Clevlen was purchased while the team was in Fargo, which prompted the Wingnuts to sign former Major Leaguer Carlos Rivera. The slugging first baseman, who was signed by Wichita in a similar capacity in 2010, hit .374 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 23 games to help anchor the league's best offense. Rivera then led the Wingnuts in the postseason, cracking two home runs and driving in eight in just four games.

It was a special year for the Wingnuts' offense, led by second-year Hitting Coach Jose Amado. The Wingnuts led the league in batting for the first time in their history at .311. Wichita also ranked first in on-base percentage (.388), slugging percentage (.460), and for a second straight season struck out on offense fewer times than any other team in the American Association.

The Wingnuts finally returned home on August 16th, and although they dropped two of three to the T-Bones, the Wingnuts were within 2.0 games of first place heading into their long-anticipated showdown with the RailCats.

The Wingnuts also added their final puzzle pieces for the stretch run. Middle infielder Jimmy Mojica was acquired from the Kansas City T-Bones while center fielder Mitch Einertson was acquired from Maui in the NABL. Einertson hit .382 and had 13 RBI in just 14 games for Wichita, and then went 7 for 16 (.438) in four playoff games.

In the August 19th series opener, Gary overcame an early 5-0 deficit and carried a one-run lead into the bottom of the ninth. Infield singles from Mike Conroy and Josh Horn gave the Wingnuts hope. That hope was realized when Juan Richardson crushed a two-out, three-run home run to right-center that won the game and left the Wingnuts just one back of first place. It was the Wingnuts' first game-ending home run since August 26th, 2009, fifth all-time, and the only one to date that was hit while the Wingnuts were trailing.

The stunning finish was one of many highlights in an MVP-caliber year for the Wingnuts' third baseman. Richardson finished fourth in the league in batting at .360, paced the Wingnuts with 12 home runs, and ranked fifth in the American Association with 86 RBI. On August 27th at El Paso, Richardson tied a league record with six hits. Richardson was 6 for 6 in the game with five runs scored and seven RBI.

Consistent hitting and great pitching performances from Singleton and Guerra helped the Wingnuts roll past Gary the next two nights and sweep their way into first place. Wichita never lost control of the division again.

"I think we were all ready," said Hooper. "That was the series we were waiting on all season long, and it's no secret we play pretty well at our ballpark. I feel like our motivation level has been great in those situations the last couple of years."

Shortly before the regular season ended, Richardson and Horn were named to the American Association Postseason All-Star Team. It marked the fifth time in five professional seasons that Horn was an all-star. The shortstop hit .326 with a career-high 55 RBI and 75 runs scored, while setting franchise records for base hits and games played. Horn was also the only Wingnuts player in 2011 to start all 100 games, doing so at one of the most physically demanding positions on the diamond.

Another league record fell on August 25th when Conroy hit his 21st career triple in three years in the American Association. Conroy's clubhouse leadership and all-out style of play earned him Unsung Hero honors at the end of the year. Conroy hit .302 with 23 doubles, 10 triples, 48 RBI, and 66 runs scored. Conroy also proved versatile, hitting in five different spots in the batting order, and playing all three positions in the outfield.

"Conroy was my type of guy in every sense of the word," said Hooper. "He's going to give you everything he's got. He was a 'gamer' and a guy that cared. He expects the game to be played a certain way and expects his teammates to do the same."

The Wingnuts split eight games with Amarillo and El Paso to finish the regular season. And although they lost 14-2 to the Diablos in game 100, the Wingnuts learned in the bottom of the sixth inning that St. Paul had beaten Gary, effectively clinching the Central Division.

It was on to Grand Prairie for Games One and Two of the Division Series. The AirHogs were a league-best 64-36 in the regular season and had taken two of three from the Wingnuts in July. Guerra battled Grand Prairie ace Jason Jennings pitch for pitch in Game One, and the score remained tied 1-1 heading into the top of the ninth. A clutch double from Bellorin against 2011 Relief Pitcher of the Year Jon Hunton highlighted a two-run rally that gave the Wingnuts the lead. The AirHogs staged a ninth-inning rally of their own however, and scored three two-out runs in the bottom half to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Wichita came out swinging the bats early and often the next night. Several clutch hits helped the Wingnuts build an early 3-0 lead. And while the AirHogs scored four runs in the fourth to move in front 4-3, a Rivera three-run homer in the fifth lifted the Wingnuts to six unanswered runs and a 9-4 advantage. Relentless, the AirHogs scored seven unanswered runs of their own. The Wingnuts rallied for two in the eighth to even the score, but the AirHogs slipped by in the bottom of the ninth for a second straight game at 12-11.

Facing elimination, and working without a travel day, the Wingnuts kept their season alive with a 5-3 win in Game Three. Hinson turned in seven gritty innings, allowing three earned runs in the win. Rivera sparked the offense again, this time with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first. Nevarez and Dew were perfect in the eighth and ninth to force a fourth game.

The season came to an end in Game Four, with the AirHogs winning 2-1. Singleton and three relievers limited the AirHogs to two runs on just three hits the entire night, but Grand Prairie's John Brownell kept the Wingnuts off balance for eight innings and only allowed one run. The Wingnuts brought the tying run to third with one out in the bottom of the ninth, but Hunton managed to escape the jam and clinch the series. Grand Prairie eventually defeated St. Paul in five games for the championship.

"We played the best team in the league record-wise and I honestly felt that we matched-up against them really well," said Hooper. "Unfortunately, the ball didn't bounce our way. You lose three games by one run and it makes it pretty tough."

It was a tough finish to the year, but still a successful year for the Wichita Wingnuts. The team has reached the playoffs twice in three seasons under Kevin Hooper, and only missed by one game in 2010. Numerous team and league records were tied or broken over the course of the season, leaving little doubt that fans have much to look forward to in 2012.

"You live and you learn every year, and if you ever think you know everything about baseball you better get out of the game, because this is a game where you can learn something every single day," said Hooper. "I'm always learning and trying to make this the best possible atmosphere I can for our guys.

"Hopefully we can bring, if not one, multiple championships to the City of Wichita. I think we're setting a standard and the pieces are here to keep making this thing a success. We just have to continue to keep making the playoffs and giving ourselves a chance."

Wingnuts' Season Ends in Close Game Four Loss

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts had their season come to and end on Sunday night, losing 2-1 to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in Game Four of the Opening Round at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The AirHogs win the series three games to one, and will face either Winnipeg or St. Paul in the American Association Championship Series on Wednesday.

Nick Singleton and three Wingnuts' relievers held the AirHogs to two runs on three hits throughout the entire game, but Grand Prairie starter John Brownell kept Wichita to one run over eight for the win.

Wichita scored first in the bottom of the second. Carlos Rivera singled on a line drive to center and advanced to second when Jorge Delgado was hit by a pitch. Mitch Einertson doubled to the right field fence to drive in Rivera and give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. Josh Workman drew a four-pitch walk to load the bases with no outs, but Brownell retired the next three hitters in a row to stop the Wingnuts from breaking the game open.

In the top of the third, Singleton allowed a leadoff walk to Guillermo Martinez. David Espinosa singled to center, advancing Martinez to second. Greg Porter pulled a single down the right field line that scored Martinez with the tying run and sent Espinosa to third. With first and third and no outs, Cesat Nicolas grounded into a double play that pushed across the game's decisive run.

Brownell kept the Wingnuts in check from the third through the seventh innings, allowing just two hits and never allowing a runner past first base. Edwin Bellorin led off the bottom of the eighth with a walk and was sacrificed to second by Mike Conroy, but Brownell retired the next two hitters to strand the tying run in scoring position.

Facing closer Jon Hunton in the bottom of the ninth, Juan Richardson led off with a double down the right field line. A Rivera groundout to second moved the tying run to third with one out. Delgado hit a hard, high chopper towards third that was snagged by a leaping Greg Porter. Porter threw to first to get Delgado and keep Richardson at third. Hunton then retired Einertson on a foul popup behind the plate to earn the save.

Singleton took the loss, allowing two earned runs on two hits in six innings. Singleton walked eight and struck out five. Logan Hoch, Jared Simon, and Matt Nevarez combined for two scoreless relief innings.

Brownell earned the win, allowing one earned run on five hits in eight innings. Brownell walked two and struck out five.

The Wichita Wingnuts would like to thank the near 160,000 fans that supported them throughout the entire 2011 season. The Wingnuts earned their second playoff berth and division title in three years.

The 2011 American Association schedule will be released sometime in the next several months. For information on season tickets to the 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts' baseball, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Hustle, Grit in Game Three Keep Wingnuts Alive

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts staved off elimination on Saturday night, winning 5-3 over the Grand Prairie AirHogs in Game Three of the Opening Round at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts now trail Grand Prairie 2-1 in the best-of-five series, and have forced a Game Four which is scheduled for Sunday night at 7:05 p.m.

Ryan Hinson delivered seven strong innings to earn the win, while Matt Nevarez and Josh Dew combined for two perfect innings of relief to close out Wichita's first win of the series.

Tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth, Mike Conroy hit a grounball to first base that deflected off of John Alonso's glove. David Espinosa grabbed the loose ball and flipped it back to Alonso, but Conroy beat the throw and reached on what was scored an error. Jimmy Mojica then ripped a line drive to left-center. Conroy hustled from first to third, narrowly beating Danny Figueroa's throw. Conroy's baserunning allowed Mojica to take second. Josh Horn broke the tie with a groundout to second that scored Conroy. Two batters later, and with Mojica on third, Carlos Rivera made it 4-2 Wichita with a sacrifice fly down the left field line.

The AirHogs trimmed the lead to 4-3 in the top of the seventh on a two-out double down the left field line from Espinosa, but Hinson retired Greg Porter on a groundout to first to strand the tying run on second base.

Nevarez worked a perfect top of the eighth on just 10 pitches, giving the Wingnuts a chance to build an insurance run. In the bottom half, Rivera led off with a line drive single to left. Jorge Delgado, back in the lineup after missing Game Two with an injury, lined a double down the right field line on an 0-2 pitch to give the Wingnuts second and third and no outs. Porter robbed Mitch Einertson for the first out of the inning, snaring a sharp groundball towards third base with the infield drawn in. After Josh Workman was intentionally walked, Edwin Bellorin drove in Rivera with a groundout to third base.

Dew took over in the top of the ninth, and set the side down in order to convert his first postseason save. Dew got Chris McMurray on a groundout to second, struck out Figueroa on three pitches, and fielded a comebacker from Stephen Douglas to seal the win.

The AirHogs took an early 1-0 lead on Cesar Nicolas' two-out, RBI single up the middle in the top of the first.

The Wingnuts answered in the bottom half to take the lead, and never trailed again. Mojica led off with a double to right-center. AirHogs' starter Josh Rainwater retired the next two hitters, but Rivera slugged a two-run home run to right field to put Wichita in front.

Porter tied the game with an RBI single through the right side in the top of the fourth.

Hinson allowed three earned runs on 10 hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out five.

Rainwater took the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, in seven innings. Rainwater walked two and struck out one.

Rivera now has eight RBI in the last two games of the series.

The game started one hour and 27 minutes late due to inclement weather. There was also a 50-minute rain dely during the bottom of the eighth.

2011 Opening Round Schedule (Grand Prairie Leads Series 2-1)
Game 4: Sunday, September 4th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 5*: Monday, September 5th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.

*If Necessary

Game Four of the series is Sunday at 7:05 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wingnuts send Nick Singleton to the mound to try and even the series and force a decisive fifth game. The AirHogs go with right-hander John Brownell. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Wingnuts Handed Another Tough Loss

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 12-11 to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in Game Two of the Opening Round at QuikTrip Park on Friday night.

The AirHogs now have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

The AirHogs won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning for a second straight night, with David Espinosa scoring from third on a wild pitch by Josh Dew. Espinosa drew a one-out walk in the inning against Jared Simon and took third when Greg Porter doubled off the top of the left field fence. The Wingnuts intentionally walked Cesar Nicolas before Dew relieved Simon.

Simon took the loss, allowing one earned run in two and one-third strong relief innings.

Wichita jumped on the board first for a second straight night. Jimmy Mojica led off the game with a double down the left field line, advanced to third on Josh Horn's sacrifice bunt, and scored two batters later on a two-out single down the right field line from Carlos Rivera.

Gerardo Bustamante doubled to center field leading off the second. Edwin Bellorin grounded out to second to move Bustamante to third base. After Mike Conroy was retired on a groundout to second, Mojica laid down a two-out bunt along the third base line that scored Bustamante. The play was ruled an error after John Alonso dropped Greg Porter's throw at first base.

Mitch Einertson, who had four hits in the game, led off the fourth with a single and scored on a hit-and-run double to right-center from Josh Workman.

The AirHogs had the first of three big innings in the bottom of the fourth. Stephen Douglas, German Duran, Espinosa, and Porter all singled on line drives to open the frame, with Porter's cutting the lead to 3-1. Wingnuts' starter Derek Blacksher got Nicolas to ground into a double play, scoring Duran and sending the tying run to third. John Alonso followed with a two-run home run to right field that gave Grand Prairie a 4-3 lead.

The Wingnuts answered back in the top of the fifth. A Mojica single, and a Juan Richardson walk set up a line drive, three-run home run to right from Rivera.

With the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, Horn singled through the middle to increase the Wingnuts' lead to 8-4. Rivera added another run with a sacrifice fly to center.

Grand Prairie plated three in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 9-7. Duran, Espinosa, and Porter all singled against Blacksher to open the inning. With the score at 9-5 in favor of the Wingnuts, Geivy Garcia relieved Blacksher and hit Nicolas with a pitch to load the bases. After Alonso was robbed by Bustamante on a shallow popfly to right, David Thomas ripped a double down the right field line to score two more runs. Kendy Batista relieved Garcia and recorded the next two outs to keep the Wingnuts in front.

Blacksher took a no-decision, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits in five-plus innings. Blacksher walked one and struck out one.

Douglas and Duran singled off Batista to open the bottom of the seventh. Eric Gilliland came on and hit Espinosa to load the bases. Porter then hit a bloop double down the left field line that scored the tying runs. Simon took over for Gilliland and allowed a sacrifice fly to center from Nicolas. On the same play, Porter scored from second when Einertson's throw bounced away from Juan Richardson at third base.

Trailing 11-9 in the top of the eighth, the Wingnuts rallied to tie the game. With the bases loaded and one out, Einertson singled to center field. Workman lifted a sacrifice fly to center that evened the score at 11-11.

Jon Hunton, who earned the win for Grand Prairie, escaped a first and second, one out jam in the top of the ninth to keep the game tied.

Tim Brown started for the AirHogs and also took a no-decision. Brown went five and one-third innings, allowing eight runs, seven earned, on 11 hits. Brown walked one and struck out two.

The first four hitters in Grand Prairie's lineup were a combined 11 for 18 with 11 runs scored.

The Wingnuts host the AirHogs in Game Three of the series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Ryan Hinson takes on right-hander Josh Rainwater. A fireworks show will follow the game.

2011 Opening Round Schedule (Grand Prairie Leads Series 2-0)
Game 3: Saturday, September 3rd - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4*: Sunday, September 4th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 5*: Monday, September 5th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.

*If Necessary

For tickets to Saturday's game, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Wingnuts Suffer Tough Loss in Game One

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-3 to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in Game One of the Opening Round at QuikTrip Park on Thursday night.

The Wingnuts led 3-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, but Grand Prairie rallied for three runs after there had been two outs and no one on base to win the game. Stephen Douglas started the rally with a double down the right field line against Wingnuts' closer Josh Dew. German Duran fought off a single to shallow center field to score Douglas and cut the lead to 3-2. David Espinosa followed with a triple into the right field corner to score Duran and tie the game. Greg Porter was intentionally walked, and then Cesar Nicolas drew an unintentional walk to load the bases. After throwing a first pitch ball to John Alonso, Dew was relieved due to an apparent injury by Kendy Batista. Batista threw three consecutive pitches out of the zone to force in the winning run.

The Wingnuts had just taken the lead, breaking a 1-1 tie with a rally in the top of the ninth. Jorge Delgado led off with a single through the middle. Tommy Fitzgerald pinch ran for Delgado and moved to second on Mitch Einertson's sacrifice bunt. After Josh Workman was intentionally walked, Edwin Bellorin ripped a double into the left field corner to give the Wingnuts a 2-1 lead. Mike Conroy was intentionally walked to load the bases, setting up a sacrifice fly to center from Jimmy Mojica that plated Workman.

Dew took the loss, and was charged with three earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Jon Hunton earned the win in relief, allowing both earned runs in the top of the ninth.

Wichita scored the first run of the series in the top of the third. Conroy led off with a double to left-center. Mojica walked to put runners on first and second. Josh Horn laid down a sacrifice bunt, and then Juan Richardson scored Conroy on a groundball to second base.

Alonso tied the game at 1-1 with an opposite field solo home run against Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra in the bottom of the fourth.

Guerra took a no-decision, allowing one earned run on seven hits in six and two-thirds innings. Guerra walked three and struck out four.

Jason Jennings started for Grand Prairie and took a no-decision. Jennings allowed one earned run on seven hits in eight innings. Jennings walked two and struck out six.

Jared Simon, Eric Gilliland, and Matt Nevarez combined for one and one-third scoreless relief innings to help the Wingnuts keep the game tied through eight.

Game Two of the series is scheduled for Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher faces right-hander Tim Brown. All the action can be heard locally on Sports Radio 1550 KKLE and then on tape delay on Oldies 93.5 KWME. The game can also be heard worldwide at www.kleyam.com and www.wichitawingnuts.com

2011 Opening Round Schedule (Grand Prairie Leads Series 1-0)
Game 2: Friday, September 2nd - QuikTrip Park, 7:05 p.m.
Game 3: Saturday, September 3rd - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4*: Sunday, September 4th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 5*: Monday, September 5th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.

*If Necessary

The Wingnuts host the AirHogs in Game Three of the series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Wingnuts are Central Division Champs!

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts dropped their regular season finale 14-2 to the El Paso Diablos at Cohen Stadium on Tuesday night, but clinched the Central Division by virtue of Gary SouthShore's 9-7 loss versus St. Paul.

The Wingnuts finish the regular season 55-45, winning the division by 1.0 game over the RailCats. The Wingnuts face the Grand Prairie AirHogs in a best-of-five series beginning Thursday night. St. Paul claims the wild card and will face the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the opening round. It is the Wingnuts' second division title in three seasons. Wichita won the North Division's first half crown in 2009.

El Paso scored five early runs against Nick Singleton in the bottom of the first to take control of the game. Albenis Machado, Alberto Espinosa, and Brian Joynt all had RBI hits in the inning, while Kory Drew hit a popfly single to shallow right that drove in El Paso's fourth and fifth runs.

Nelston Teilon hit an RBI double in the third to make it 4-0. Later in the inning, Drew drove in his third of the night with a two-out single to left. Teilon extended the lead to 8-0 with a two-out, RBI double in the fourth.

Juan Richardson knocked in the Wingnuts' lone runs with a single in the top of the seventh.

El Paso put the game away with a four-run bottom of the seventh. Joynt, Martin Parra, and Machado all had RBI in the inning. Espinosa and Parra each drove in a run in the bottom of the eighth for the Diablos.

Singleton took the loss, allowing eight earned runs on 14 hits in five innings. Singleton struck out seven and walked two.

Reymond Cruz earned the win for El Paso, allowing two runs, one earned, on six hits in seven innings. Cruz walked four and struck out five.

2011 Opening Round Schedule
Game 1: Thursday, September 1st - QuikTrip Park, 7:05 p.m.
Game 2: Friday, September 2nd - QuikTrip Park, 7:05 p.m.
Game 3: Saturday, September 3rd - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4*: Sunday, September 4th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 5:05 p.m.
Game 5*: Monday, September 5th - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.

*If Necessary

Junior Guerra faces right-hander Jason Jennings in Game One of the Opening Round on Thursday night at QuikTrip Park. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts host the AirHogs in Game Three of the series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Nutty Ninth Helps Wichita Close in

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 7-6 at Cohen Stadium on Monday night.

With Gary SouthShore's loss versus St. Paul, the Wingnuts now have a 1.0 game lead in the Central Division with one game remaining on their regular season schedule. The Wingnuts have ensured they will at least play in a tie-breaker game on Wednesday, and could clinch the division outright on Tuesday night with a win over El Paso, or a Gary SouthShore loss versus St. Paul.

Trailing 6-5 in the top of the ninth inning, the Wingnuts managed two runs in bizarre fashion to take a 7-6 lead. Facing reliever Reyes Dorado, Juan Richardson lined a one-out single to center field. Carlos Rivera was retired on a bunt to third base, advancing Richardson to second. Jorge Delgado drew a five-pitch walk to put the go-ahead run on first, and was pinch-run for by Tommy Fitzgerald.

Mitch Einertson then hit a popup into shallow left field that was dropped by Brian Joynt. Richardson scored the tying run, Fitzgerald went to third, and Einertson took second. Josh Workman was intentionally walked to load the bases. On a 1-2 count, Edwin Bellorin hit a sinking line drive to left field that was initially ruled a catch by a diving Joynt for the final out of the inning. After a lengthy discussion between the umpiring crew, the call was overturned and ruled a trap. Bellorin was credited with an RBI single that made it 7-6. Several Diablos players and staff were ejected following the decision.

With Josh Dew unavailable for the bottom of the ninth, Matt Nevarez took over and worked a scoreless inning to earn his first save of the year.

The Wingnuts jumped on the board first for a third time in the series, scoring four runs in the top of the second. Einertson singled up the middle and went to third on Workman's single through the right side. Bellorin hit a chopper over Martin Parra at thrid base that scored Einertson with the game's first run. After Mike Conroy hit into a force play for the first out, Jimmy Mojica singled through the left side. Bellorin scored from second, sliding underneath the tag of catcher Alberto Espinosa. Espinosa then tried to throw behind Mojica at first, but sent the ball down the right field line. Conroy scored on the error, while Mojica went to third, giving the Wingnuts a 3-0 lead. Josh Horn finished the rally with a single to right-center that scored Mojica.

El Paso rallied for four of their own in the bottom of the third. Kory Drew led off with a solo home run down the left field line against Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson. Maikel Gonzalez followed with a walk and scored three batters later on Javier Brito's two-out, RBI double to center field. Espinosa tied the game with a two-run home run to left field.

Rivera singled home the lead run in the top of the seventh with two outs to put Wichita back in front 5-4, but a two-out wild pitch thrown by Kendy Batista in the bottom half allowed El Paso to knot the score for a second time.

The Diablos took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the eighth when Adam DeLeo homered to left field off of Eric Gilliland.

Jared Simon earned the win in relief, throwing two-thirds of a scoreless inning. Dorado took the loss.

Hinson took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in six and two-thirds. Hinson walked three and struck out one.

Scott Hodsdon started and took a no-decision for El Paso, allowing five runs—three earned—on 13 hits in eight innings. Hodsdon walked one and struck out three.

The series wraps up on Tuesday night at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. Nick Singleton squares off against right-hander Reymond Cruz. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For information on potential tie-breaker and playoff tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Richardson, Horn Named All-Stars

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' third baseman Juan Richardson and shortstop Josh Horn have been elected to the American Association's 2011 Postseason All-Star Team.

Richardson currently ranks fourth in the league in batting at .361, fifth with 84 RBI, and has belted a team-best 12 home runs. On Saturday night at El Paso, the Bani, Dominican Republic native tied an American Association record with six hits, and tied a Wingnuts' club record with seven RBI. The 31-year old Richardson has helped lead the Wingnuts' offense down the stretch. Richardson is hitting .419 over his last 26 games in which he has 32 RBI. From June 24th through July 8th, Richardson hit .472 during a 14-game hitting streak.

Horn earns all-star honors for a third straight year in a Wingnuts' uniform and for a fifth time in five professional seasons. The Shelbyville, TN native is hitting .325 with four home runs, and a career-high 55 RBI. Horn's .325 average is best among American Association shortstops with more than 300 at bats. Like Richardson, the 27-year old Horn is finishing the season strong. Over his last 41 games, Horn is batting .370 with 34 runs scored and 24 RBI. Horn had a 15-game hitting streak earlier this season from July 15th through July 30th.

St. Paul Saints' outfielder Ryan Patterson was also named to the team. Patterson opened the season with the Wingnuts, and hit .299 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI in 55 games prior to being traded to Fort Worth in July.

The Wingnuts play their final scheduled regular season game tonight at El Paso at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. If the Wingnuts win, or if the Gary SouthShore RailCats lose to the St. Paul Saints, the Wingnuts will clinch the Central Division. Should the Wingnuts lose and the RailCats win, a one-game playoff would be scheduled for Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

For tickets to any potential Wingnuts' home playoff games or tie-breakers, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Diablos Down Wingnuts, Three Teams Tied Again

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 3-2 to the El Paso Diablos at Cohen Stadium on Sunday evening.

With St. Paul's win at Gary SouthShore earlier on Sunday, the Wingnuts, Saints, and RailCats are once again in a three-way tie for the final two playoff spots with two games left in the regular season.

The Wingnuts got off to a fast start for a second straight night, scoring twice in the top of the first, but managed zero runs the rest of the way. In the bottom of the fifth, Brian Joynt reached on an infield single when Josh Horn deflected a groundball on his backhand side into shallow left field. After Adam DeLeo lined out to center, Kory Drew lined a single to center field that put runners on first and third with two outs.

Drew took off for second and stopped short of the bag to set up a rundown play. When Edwin Bellorin threw down to second base, Joynt broke for home plate. Jimmy Mojica quickly fired back to Bellorin, but Joynt narrowly slid underneath the tag to cut the Wingnuts' lead to 2-1. Maikol Gonzalez reached on an infield single to third base to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base. With Gonzalez in motion off first, Albenis Machado blooped a single into shallow center field that scored both Drew and Gonzalez to give El Paso a 3-2 lead.

The Wingnuts stranded the tying run in scoring position in the sixth and seventh innings, and had a leadoff hit batsman erased in the eighth on a groundball double play. Kyle Cremers, who converted a nine-out save, retired the Wingnuts in order in the top of the ninth to finish the win.

Jimmy Mojica led off the game with a walk and scored two batters later when Juan Richardson doubled to right-center field. After Carlos Rivera flied out to right field, Jorge Delgado ripped a single to left to score Richardson with the Wingnuts' second and final run.

Derek Blacksher took a tough loss, working a complete game. Blacksher allowed three earned runs on nine hits in eight innings, walking none and striking out five.

Luis Montano earned the win for El Paso, allowing two earned runs on six hits in six-plus innings. Montano walked three and struck out two.

The series continues Monday night at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. Ryan Hinson faces righty Scott Hodsdon. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For information on Wingnuts' tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Information Regarding Potential Wingnuts' Tie-Breakers

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts head into their final two games of the 2011 regular season tied with the Gary SouthShore RailCats atop the Central Division, and tied three-ways with the RailCats and St. Paul Saints for the American Association wild card.

The Wingnuts finish the season with two games at El Paso. Meanwhile, the RailCats and Saints have two games remaining in their head-to-head series at U.S. Steel Yard.

Should the Wingnuts win their final two contests, Wichita would be guaranteed an outright playoff spot. Based on geography, the Wingnuts would face Grand Prairie in the opening round, regardless of what method is used to get in. Games One and Two would be scheduled at QuikTrip Park for Thursday and Friday respectively.

If all three teams remained tied through the 100 games, St. Paul would be awarded the wild card, while the Wingnuts would host the RailCats in a one-game playoff at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday, August 31st at 7:05 p.m. A buy-one, get-one-free ticket special will be offered for all seats at the regular adult price for any potential one-game playoff.

If the Wingnuts finish tied with either Gary SouthShore or St. Paul, with the third team finishing ahead of the other two, the Wingnuts would again host the remaining club for a one-game playoff on Wednesday.

The Wingnuts would host Games Three, Four, and Five of the opening round from September 3rd-5th.

The Wingnuts play at El Paso tonight at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. Ryan Hinson faces right-hander Scott Hodsdon. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For tickets and information regarding potential 2011 playoff games, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Richardson Ties League Record in Rout

EL PASO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 19-2 at Cohen Stadium on Saturday night.

Gary SouthShore beat St. Paul 5-2 at U.S. Steel Yard, leaving the Wingnuts in a first place tie with the RailCats for first place in the Central Division. Both Wichita and Gary now hold a 1.0 game lead over the Saints for the wild card. All three teams are down to their final three games.

Juan Richardson tied an American Association record with six base hits, and tied a Wingnuts' club record with seven RBI. The Wingnuts racked up 27 hits in the win, setting a new team single-game record, and falling one hit shy of the American Association's single-game mark. Wichita's previous high was 23 hits, set at Cohen Stadium on June 3rd, 2009. 10 different Wingnuts had at least one hit in the victory, while seven had at least two. Eight Wingnuts had at least one RBI.

Wichita scored three early runs against Diablos' starter Adam Rowe. Jimmy Mojica led off the game with a double down the right field line. Mojica took third on a wild pitch and scored on Josh Horn's RBI single to right-center. Richardson singled Horn to third on a line drive to left-center. Rowe retired the next two hitters, but Mitch Einertson made it 3-0 Wingnuts with a two-out, two-run single to center field.

Horn led off the top of the third with a triple to right center. Richardson knocked in Horn on the next pitch with an RBI single through the left side.

In the top of the fourth, Josh Workman doubled down the left field line and scored two batters later on Mike Conroy's line drive single to right-center. After Mojica flied out to right, Horn singled through the left side to put runners on the corners. Rowe was relieved by Gilbert Tussey who allowed an RBI single to center from Richardson that made it 6-0.

The Wingnuts broke the game open for good with a nine-run, nine-hit top of the fifth. Jorge Delgado led off with a line drive single to right and went to third on Einertson's single to left-center. Workman drove in Delgado with a groundball single up the middle that also moved Einertson to third. Edwin Bellorin hit a groundball to third that he beat out for an infield RBI single to give Wichita an 8-0 lead.

Conroy hit into a force play that put runners on first and second with one out. Mojica followed with a line drive single to center that scored Workman. After Horn walked to load the bases, Richardson hit a first-pitch grand slam off of Tussey to left-center field. Later in the inning, Workman capped off the rally with a two-out, two-run double to left-center.

Richardson hit a two-out, RBI double to straightaway center field in the top of the seventh that drove in the Wingnuts' 16th run of the night.

In the eighth, Wichita scored three more. Third baseman Martin Parra committed an error that plated Tommy Fitzgerald. Delgado and Einertson also had RBI in the inning.

Marcos Tabata earned the win, going five-plus shutout innings. Tabata allowed only two hits, walked one, and struck out two. Tabata was removed after one pitch in the bottom of the sixth due to an apparent injury.

Logan Hoch worked two scoreless relief innings, while Geivy Garcia pitched a perfect bottom of the eighth. Jared Simon allowed two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth before retiring Kory Drew on a flyout to center field that ended the game.

Rowe took the loss, allowing six earned runs on 11 hits in three and two-thirds innings. Rowe walked none and struck out two.

Horn and Einertson each had four-hit games, while Delgado, Workman, and Conroy each collected three hits.

The series continues Sunday evening at 7:05 p.m. Central Time. Derek Blacksher faces right-hander Luis Montano. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For information on Wingnuts' tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

-Wingnuts-

Wingnuts Gain Split, Three Teams Even With Four Left

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Amarillo Sox 6-4 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

With St. Paul's loss to Sioux City, the Wingnuts moved back into a tie with the Saints in the wild card standings. The Wingnuts remain tied in the Central Division with the Gary SouthShore RailCats, who beat Lincoln. All three clubs are down to their final four games of the year.

Junior Guerra improved to 9-3 with eight strong innings. Guerra allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits. Guerra walked three and struck out seven in the win.

The Wingnuts scored first for the first time in the series, manufacturing a run in the bottom of the first. Jimmy Mojica led off with a walk, stole second, and was sacrificed to third by Josh Horn. Juan Richardson scored Mojica with a groundout to second base.

In the bottom of the second, Jorge Delgado led off with a line drive single to right-center. Delgado stole second base and scored three batters later on Mike Conroy's two-out, RBI single to center field.

Amarillo briefly tied the game in the top of the third. Adam De La Garza and Harrison Kain drew back-to-back walks against Guerra to start the inning. Kevin Butler sacrificed the runners to second and third. Ron Fenwick brought in De La Garza on a groundout to shortstop. Kain scored when Jason White beat out an infield single on a groundball up the middle with two outs.

Horn and Richardson hit consecutive singles to open the third. With runners on first and third, Carlos Rivera grounded into a double play that gave Wichita a 3-2 lead.

With two outs and no one on base in the fifth, Rivera and Delgado lined singles to put runners on first and second. Mitch Einertson extended the Wingnuts' lead with a long double to left-center that scored both runs and made it 5-2.

The teams traded unearned runs in the sixth inning, both coming on sacrifice flies.

Josh Dew allowed a two-out, RBI triple down the left field line to De La Garza in the top of the ninth, but struck out Kevin Butler with the tying runs on base to end the game and earn his 20th save of the year. The 20 saves tie a Wingnuts' single-season record, set by Byron Embry in 2008.

Ryan Mitchell started for Amarillo and took the loss. Mitchell allowed six runs, five earned, in seven innings. Mitchell walked four and struck out four, and allowed 10 hits.

The Wingnuts head to El Paso for a four-game series at Cohen Stadium, beginning Saturday night at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. Marcos Tabata will start for Wichita. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For information on Wichita Wingnuts' tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Fall in 10, Race Heats Up With Five Games Left

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 3-2 in 10 innings to the Amarillo Sox at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

With Gary's win versus Lincoln, the Wingnuts drop back into a first place tie in the Central Division. The Wingnuts are also 1.0 game back of the St. Paul Saints for the wild card, after St. Paul defeated Sioux City at home.

The Sox snuck past the Wingnuts late for a second straight night. Tied at 2-2 in the top of the 10th inning, Tim Alberts led off with a double to right-center field against reliever Jared Simon. Van Pope sacrificed Alberts to third base, leading to an intentional walk of Nick Farnsworth. With runners on the corners and one out, Adam De La Garza hit a slow chopper to second base that deflected off Jimmy Mojica's glove. Alberts scored the go-ahead run and Mojica was charged with an error.

Wichita rallied in the bottom of the inning against reliever Corey Bass, who was working his second frame. Mike Conroy doubled down the left field line with one out, and then Mojica legged out an infield single to third base. Josh Horn advanced the runners to second and third with a groundout to short. Now with two outs, Bass retired Juan Richardson on a groundball to deep second base to end the game.

Amarillo scored first for a third straight game in the series, plating two runs in the top of the third against Wingnuts' starter Nick Singleton. Harrison Kain drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, and took third on Kevin Butler's groundout to first. Ron Fenwick hit a ground rule double down the left field line that scored Kain. Jason White walked, and then Lee Cruz was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Alberts drove in Fenwick from third base on a fielder's choice to short.

Conroy tripled down the right field line with one out in the bottom of the sixth. Mojica fought off a single to right field to cut the Sox' lead in half.

Conroy also tripled in the bottom of the fourth, giving him 21 in three seasons in the American Association which is a new league record. The Wingnuts totaled three triples in the game, setting a new franchise single-game mark.

With two outs and no one on base in the seventh, Mitch Einertson doubled down the left field line and scored the tying run two batters later on Edwin Bellorin's RBI single to left-center.

Singleton took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs on three hits in six innings. Singleton walked four and struck out one.

Justin Garcia started for Amarillo and also took a no-decisoin. Garcia allowed two earned runs on seven hits, walking one, and striking out five.

Kendy Batista, Matt Nevarez, and Josh Dew each worked a scoreless relief inning, and combined for seven strikeouts.

Bass earned the win for the Sox with two scoreless innings. Simon was charged with the loss, allowing one earned run in one inning.

The series concludes on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. in the Wingnuts' final regular season home game of 2011. Junior Guerra faces right-hander Ryan Mitchell. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Amarillo's Two-Out Hits Beat Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-3 to the Amarillo Sox at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

Tied at 3-3 in the top of the ninth inning, Adam De La Garza ripped an 0-2 pitch to right-center field for a two-out, RBI single that scored Van Pope with the go-ahead run. Pope started the rally with a bloop single to shallow center field with one out, and advanced to second on Nick Farnsworth's groundout to first. Three of Amarillo's four runs in the game were scored on two-out hits.

Mike Conroy singled up the middle with one out in the bottom of the ninth, but Chad Povich managed a scoreless inning to preserve the win. Povich was the winning pitcher, throwing the final two and two-thirds innings for the Sox without allowing a run.

Tim Alberts lined a two-out single to center in the top of the first to score Ron Fenwick and give Amarillo an early 1-0 lead.

Jimmy Mojica responded in the bottom half, leading off with a double into the left field corner. Josh Horn laid down a sacrifice bunt, and then Mojica came home with the tying run on Juan Richardson's groundout to shortstop.

Wichita rallied for its only lead in the bottom of the second. Jorge Delgado led off with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a groundball. Josh Workman walked before Sox' starter Matt Elliott retired Edwin Bellorin on a popout to short. Conroy connected on a long double to center field that scored Delgado with the lead run. As Conroy was running to second, Harrison Kain's throw from center field bounced by shortstop Jason White, allowing Workman to score the Wingnuts' third run.

De La Garza doubled with one out in the top of the fourth and scored two batters later on a two-out, RBI single down the right field line from Kevin Butler.

De La Garza tied the game in the fifth with an RBI groundout to short that scored Pope from third.

Geivy Garcia took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing the one earned run in the top of the ninth.

Ryan Hinson started for the Wingnuts and took a no-decision, allowing three runs, two earned, in six innings. Hinson walked two and struck out one while allowing 10 hits. Jared Simont, Eric Gilliland, and Marcos Tabata combined for two scoreless relief innings.

Elliott took a no-decision, allowing three runs, two earned, in six and one-third innings. Elliott allowed six hits, walked four, and struck out two.

The series continues Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton takes on right-hander Justin Garcia. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Take Down Sox in Opener

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Amarillo Sox 11-4 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

Wichita's offense had three innings of three or more runs, while Derek Blacksher scattered three earned runs on seven hits over eight innings to pick up his eighth win of the season.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Jimmy Mojica singled to left and took second on Josh Horn's sacrifice bunt. After Juan Richardson walked, Carlos Rivera lined a single to right-center field to score Mojica with the tying run. Two batters later, Mitch Einertson ripped a double down the left field line to score Richardson and Rivera.

Lee Cruz hit a solo home run off of Blacksher in the top of the third, but the Wingnuts responded one inning later to break the game open. Jorge Delgado and Einertson opened the bottom of the fourth with singles against Sox' starter Austin Chambliss. Josh Workman then laid down a bunt towards the third base line that Chambliss mishandled, leading to an infield single that loaded the bases. Edwin Bellorin ripped a double down the left field line that scored all three runners to make it 6-2.

Rivera hit a one-out, solo home run to right field in the bottom of the fifth to drive in the Wingnuts' sixth run.

Nick Farnsworth hit an RBI, ground rule double in the top of the sixth that cut the Wingnuts lead to 7-3, but Wichita plated four in the bottom of the seventh against reliever LaCurtis Mayes to stretch their lead to eight runs. Rivera drew a leadoff walk and went to second on Delgado's line drive single to center. Einertson crushed an opposite field double to right-center that scored Rivera.

With runners now on second and third, Workman singled up the middle and through a drawn-in field to make it 9-3. Bellorin hit a chopper to third baseman Ron Fenwick, who gloved the ball and fired home to try and get Einertson. The throw went wide of catcher Kevin Butler and allowed Einertson to score. Mike Conroy capped off the inning with an RBI groundout to shortstop that brought in Workman.

Blacksher is now 5-2 with the Wingnuts this season. Blacksher walked two and struck out four in the win.

Eric Gilliland allowed an earned run in the top of the ninth before closing out the game.

Van Pope drove in Amarillo's first run with a two-out, RBI single to right in the top of the first.

The series continues Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton faces right-hander Justin Garcia. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Finish Sweep, Take Over First Place

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts took over sole possession of first place on Sunday evening, beating the Gary SouthShore RailCats 7-2 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

By finishing the three-game sweep, the Wingnuts now have a 1.0 game lead over the RailCats in the Central Division, as well as a 1.0 game lead over both the RailCats and St. Paul Saints in the wild card standings.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth, Mitch Einertson drew a leadoff walk. After Josh Workman flied out to left field, Edwin Bellorin lined a hit-and-run single to center that sent Einertson to third base. Mike Conroy blooped a double into shallow center field that deflected off the glove of Toddric Johnson. The hit scored Einertson with the lead run and put runners on second and third with one out. Tommy Fitzgerald was next and hit a sharp groundball to first that bounced off the glove of Mike Rohde and into right-center. Two runs scored on the infield single and gave Wichita a 5-2 lead.

Junior Guerra kept the lead intact, allowing just two earned runs on six hits over eight full innings for the win. Guerra walked three and struck out two.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh, Workman hit a groundball to second base that Chris Carrara gloved and threw to second for a force play. Einertson slid into second base and helped break up a potential double play which allowed the Wingnuts to score two more runs.

Eric Gilliland, pitching for the first time since July 11th, worked around a leadoff single and tossed a scoreless ninth to close out the win. Gilliland was activated from the Inactive List late Saturday night.

Gary scored first for the first time in the series in the top of the second. Cristian Guererro led off with an infield single and advanced to second when Rico Washington walked. Johnson hit a soft groundball to third that advanced each runner one base, setting up a sacrifice fly to left from Rohde.

Wichita responded in the bottom of the inning. With Jorge Delgado on first and one out, Einertson homered for a second straight night to give Wichita a 2-1 advantage. Einertson's blast went to deep left-center field. Einertson has now hit safely in five games in a row.

Gary briefly tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run to left from Guerrero.

Scott Shaw started and took the loss for the RailCats. Shaw allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in five-plus innings, walking three and striking out one.

The Wingnuts have Monday off and then open a four-game series against the Amarillo Sox on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher will be on the mound for the Wingnuts. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Offering Great Ticket Special This Week

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts are offering a buy-one, get-one-free ticket special during their final four regular season home games for 'Fan Appreciation Week'.

"This is our way of saying thank you to all of the fans that came to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium this summer to support the Wingnuts," said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson. "We hope all Wichitans take advantage of this offer to come see the Wingnuts continue their playoff race and cheer them on during the final four home games of the year."

By mentioning 'Fan Appreciation Week', fans can purchase buy-one, get-one-free tickets for all seats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at the regular adult price. The Wingnuts host the Amarillo Sox in a four-game series beginning Tuesday night. All games start at 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday is the Wingnuts' final Shiner Bock Beer-for-a-Buck night, presented by 107.3 The Brew. Fans can enjoy Shiner Bock Beer for just $1.00.

Following Thursday night's contest, the Wingnuts host their final P.F. Chang's Home Run Derby, courtesy of P.F. Chang's China Bistro. One last round of contestants will attempt to hit one out of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Any qualifiers will then participate against the top sluggers from this summer in a championship round. Thursday is also Thirsty Thursday, presented by T-95, where fans can enjoy $2.00 off all drinks, excluding small sodas.

The regular season concludes Friday with Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Clear Channel Radio. Several flights to Phoenix, AZ will be given away, courtesy of Allegiant Air. After the game, two lucky fans will throw for a chance to win the $100,000 grand prize in Kansas Star Casino's Launch-a-Ball promotion.

The Wingnuts currently lead the Gary SouthShore RailCats by 1.0 game in the Central Division, and have a 1.0 game lead over the RailCats and St. Paul Saints in the wild card standings. All three teams are down to their final eight regular season games.

The Wingnuts and Sox kick off their series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher will be on the mound for the Wingnuts. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Sustained Effort Moves Wingnuts Into First Place Tie

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts moved into a first place tie in the Central Division on Saturday night, beating the Gary SouthShore RailCats 8-5 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts scored runs in seven of their eight team at bats while Nick Singleton provided six strong innings without allowing an earned run to pick up his 11th win of the year.

Juan Richardson picked up where he left off on Friday night, hitting a two-out, solo home run to left-center in the bottom of the first that gave Wichita a 1-0 lead.

Jorge Delgado led off the second with a walk, took third on Mitch Einertson's double down the left field line, and scored the Wingnuts' second run on a sacrifice fly to right field from Josh Workman.

Wichita built a run for a third consecutive inning in the third when Carlos Rivera walked with one out. Delgado singled through the left side to put runners on first and second. Workman drove in Rivera with a line drive single to center.

Gary scored three unearned runs in the top of the fourth to tie the game. With a runner on third and two outs, Cristian Guererro reached on an error by Richardson at third base. Toddric Johnson followed with a triple down the right field line that cut the lead to 3-2, and then scored the tying run on Brian Kolb's RBI single through the middle.

The Wingnuts re-gained the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth. Delgado lined a single to right with one out. Einertson was next and crushed a two-run home run down the left field line to make it 5-3 Wichita.

Jimmy Mojica led off the seventh with a double down the left field line. Josh Horn sacrificed Mojica to third, setting up Richardson's RBI single through a drawn-in infield.

The RailCats cut the lead to 7-5 on a two-out, two-run double to right-center in the top of the eighth from Mike Rohde.

In the bottom of the inning, the Wingnuts got one of the runs back when Rivera flared a single down the left field line that scored Richardson from second.

Singleton allowed three unearned runs on five hits in six innings to tie Derek Blacksher (2009) and Ryan Hinson (2011) for the most wins in franchise history in a single season.

Josh Dew took over in the top of the ninth and earned his 19th save of the year. After allowing a bunt single to Adam Klein, Dew struck out the next three hitters in a row to lock down the win.

Trent Lare took the loss for Kansas City, allowing five earned runs on eight hits. Lare walked four and struck out two.

Einertson had four hits in the game, while Richardson and Workman each had three. Geivy Garcia worked a scoreless relief inning for the Wingnuts.

With St. Paul's win versus Fargo-Moorhead, the Wingnuts and RailCats each have a 1.0 game lead over the Saints in the wild card standings.

The series finishes on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. Junior Guerra goes to the mound for Wichita and faces right-hander Scott Shaw. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Richardson's Blast Wins Thriller in the Ninth

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Gary SouthShore RailCats 8-6 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Juan Richardson hit a two-out, three-run home run to right field off of RailCats' closer Travis Minix to win the ballgame. It was the first game-ending home run for the Wingnuts since August 26th, 2009.

With the head-to-head win over Gary, the Wingnuts are now within 1.0 game of first place in the Central Division. Coupled with St. Paul's loss versus Fargo-Moorhead, the Wingnuts also have a 1.0 game lead over the Saints in the wild card race. All three teams have 10 games remaining this season.

Mike Conroy started the ninth-inning rally with one out, legging out an infield single on a slow bouncer to second base. After Minix struck out Jimmy Mojica, Josh Horn grounded a single just over the second base bag on a full count to put the tying and winning runs on base. Richardson fell behind 0-2 before working a full count himself. Richardson's home run came on the seventh pitch of the at bat.

The Wingnuts scored four early runs in the bottom of the first against Gary starter Ryne Reynoso. Mojica lined a single center and scored from first when Horn sliced a double in front of the warning track in right-center. Richardson drove in his first run of the night with a single to center that plated Horn.

After Richardson was caught stealing, Carlos Rivera singled to left, Jorge Delgado walked, and Mitch Einertson grounded a single through the left side to load the bases. Josh Workman capped off the rally with a line drive single to right that scored two more runs.

Wichita scratched out another run in the bottom of the third. Reynoso threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, allowing Rivera to score from third base. Reynoso took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs on eight hits in five and one-third innings. Reynoso walked four and struck out two.

Ryan Hinson battled through six innings in a no-decision, allowing four earned runs on 10 hits. Hinson walked two and struck out one.

The RailCats scored twice in the fourth on an RBI double down the left field line from Brian Kolb and a two-out, RBI single to right from Mike Valadez.

Gary cut the lead to 5-4 with two more runs in the sixth. With second and third and one out, Adam Klein drove in Mike Rohde with a groundout to second. Mike Massaro followed with an RBI triple to right-center field.

In the top of the seventh, Toddric Johnson singled with one out against Jared Simon and scored on Kolb's double down the right field line. Matt Nevarez relieved Simon, walked Rohde, and then retired Valadez on a groundout to third base. Chris Carrara made it 6-5 RailCats with a two-out, RBI single to left field.

Kendy Batista and Marcos Tabata each worked a perfect inning of relief to keep the Wingnuts within one run. Tabata earned the win.

Greg Porter hit the Wingnuts' last game-ending home run in a win versus Lincoln on August 26th, 2009.

The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton faces left-hander Trent Lare. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Eighth Inning Dooms Wingnuts Again

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-6 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

Wichita is now tied for the wild card lead with St. Paul and trails Gary SouthShore by 2.0 games in the Central Division. All three teams are down to their final 11 games.

12 of the 13 runs in the game, including all six of Wichita's, were scored on two-out hits.

With the Wingnuts leading 5-3 in the top of the eighth, the T-Bones rallied for four two-out runs to take a 7-5 lead. Logan Hoch allowed a one-out single to Jose Duran and was relieved by Geivy Garcia. After Rico Washington walked, Garcia struck out Ray Sadler for the second out of the inning.

Garcia then walked Jim Fasano on a full count to load the bases, setting up a first-pitch, three-run double to deep left center field to Kala Ka'aihue that made it 6-5 Kansas City. Justin Snyder followed with a soft single to left-center that drove in the T-Bones' seventh run of the night.

The Wingnuts put the tying runs on base with nobody out in the bottom of the eighth when Drew Graham was relieved by Kyle Dahman. Dahman retired the next three hitters in a row to escape the jam without allowing a run.

In the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Rivera led off with a line drive single to left-center against Dahman to bring the tying run to the plate. Rivera was forced out at second on a groundball hit by Jorge Delgado. After Mitch Einertson flied out to left, Delgado took second base on defensive indifference and scored on a two-out single to center from Josh Workman. Dahman then retired Edwin Bellorin on a popout to shortstop to end the game and notch his second multi-inning save against Wichita in three nights.

Ka'aihue and Snyder hit back-to-back, two-out solo home runs off of Wingnuts' starter Derek Blacksher in the top of the second to give Kansas City an early 2-0 advantage.

In the bottom of the inning, Workman lined a two-out double down the left field line and came in when Bellorin flared a single to shallow right-center.

Jimmy Mojica led off the bottom of the third with a single, stole second base, and eventually scored the tying run on Rivera's two-out, line drive single to left.

Wichita took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs and no one on base, Josh Horn ripped a single to left and scored from first on Juan Richardson's RBI triple down the right field line.

With no one on base in the fifth, Workman and Bellorin hit back-to-back singles with two outs. Mike Conroy drew a walk to load the bases. Mojica followed with a long single to left-center that scored Workman and Bellorin with the Wingnuts fourth and fifth runs.

Blacksher settled in after the second and did not allow a run until Ka'aihue hit his second home run of the night leading off the top of the seventh. Blacksher took a no-decision, allowing three earned runs on five hits in seven innings. Blacksher walked one and struck out five.

Kris Johnson started for Kansas City, allowing five earned runs on 10 hits in five and two-thirds innings. Johnson walked three, struck out five, and also took a no-decision.

Chris Little earned the win for Kansas City, working one and one-third scoreless innings. Garcia took the loss for Wichita.

The Wingnuts open a crucial three-game series against the Central Division-leading Gary SouthShore RailCats on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson takes on right-hander Ryne Reynoso. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Four Chances Remain at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to Win 100K!

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced Friday that twelve lucky Wingnuts' fans have qualified for the finals drawing in the Kansas Star Casino “Launch-a-Ball” Grand Prize.

Following the final regular season home game on Friday, August 26th versus the Amarillo Sox, two lucky fans will be randomly selected from the qualifying “Launch-a-Ball” nightly jackpot winners for a chance to throw for the grand prize of $100,000.

“Launch-a-Ball has been a hit from the start of our season,” said Wingnuts' majority owner Steve Ruud. “The chance to win the $100,000 grand prize has added a whole new sense of excitement to our games, and contributed to our successful attendance numbers this season.”

Since announcing the addition of the Kansas Star Casino grand prize on July 8th, 2011, twelve Launch-a-Ball "jackpot" winners at Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games have qualified to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win $100,000. The two finalists will stand atop the main pitcher's mound at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and throw to a target positioned 60-feet, six-inches away. If either contestant throws three strikes through the target at home plate, before throwing four balls outside of the target, they will win the grand prize of $100,000 cash.

Beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m., there are still four games left for fans to qualify for the grand prize. Those games include August 19th, August 20th, August 21st & Friday, August 26th.

The Wingnuts introduced Launch-a-Ball at the beginning of the 2011 season. The promotion takes place immediately following every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Wingnuts' home game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Fans at least 21 years of age can purchase Launch-a-Balls in the Wingnuts' gift shop for just $1.00. When the signal is given, the Launch-a-Balls are thrown onto the field where fans aim for the jackpot bucket, and other great prizes.

Fans over 21 years of age will also have the opportunity to apply at the game to join the Kansas Star Casino Lucky Star Player’s Club and have a chance to win one of three Kansas-made Chevy Malibu’s.

A video featuring the Wingnuts' Launch-a-Ball promotion can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDaTu0dfEtc

For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Take Wild Card Lead With Comeback Win

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts overtook the wild card lead on Wednesday night, defeating the Kansas City T-Bones 6-5 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

With St. Paul's loss at Winnipeg, the Wingnuts are now a half-game in front of the Saints in the wild card standings, and one full game ahead in the loss column. It marks the first time in 56 days the Wingnuts have held one of the American Association's four playoff spots. After Gary SouthShore's loss versus Shreveport-Bossier, the Wingnuts are within 1.5 games of the RailCats for the Central Division lead with 12 games remaining on their schedule.

Trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh, the Wingnuts sent nine men to the plate in a four-run rally that gave them their first and only lead of the night. Facing reliever Steven Stewart, Mike Conroy checked his swing, but lined a double down the left field line. After Jimmy Mojica grounded out to third base, Josh Horn reached via a hit batsman after attempting to bunt for a base hit. Juan Richardson pulled a double to left-center field that scored Conroy and cut the lead to 5-3. Carlos Rivera worked out a walk to load the bases.

Brian Grening relieved Stewart, and retired Jorge Delgado on a short flyball to right field. Mitch Einertson hit a broken bat, line drive single to left to score Horn and bring the Wingnuts within a run. With the bases still loaded and two out, Josh Workman pinch hit for Gerardo Bustamante and singled up the middle to drive in the tying and go-ahead runs.

After a leadoff walk in the top of the eighth, Matt Nevarez relieved Logan Hoch and retired the next three hitters in order to keep the lead intact. Josh Dew took over in the top of the ninth and stranded the tying run on second to preserve the win.

Keanon Simon tripled with two outs and no one on base in the top of the third against Wingnuts' starter Marcos Tabata. Simon scored when Jose Duran lined a single to center, giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead.

The T-Bones added three more runs in the fifth. Peter Barrows led off with a walk, took second on Simon's hit-and-run groundout to second, and scored on another single to center from Duran. Tabata struck out Rico Washington for the second out of the inning before Ray Sadler doubled down the left field line to score Duran and make it 3-0. Nick Singleton relieved Tabata and allowed an RBI double to Jim Fasano for the T-Bones' fourth run.

The Wingnuts got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Edwin Bellorin drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third when Conroy doubled to right field. Mojica plated Bellorin with a groundout to second. Horn knocked in Conroy with a groundball single through the left side.

Tabata took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs on six hits in four and two-thirds innings. Tabata walked three, struck out three, and was making his first start in exactly four years.

Kendy Batista earned the win for the Wingnuts, allowing one earned run in two innings.

Reid Santos started for Kansas City and took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs on three hits. Santos walked four and struck out one. Stewart absorbed the loss for the T-Bones.

In the bottom of the eighth, Mike Conroy led off with a triple. It was Conroy's eighth triple of the season, and his 20th in three seasons in the American Association, tying Jake Whitesides' career record.

The series concludes Thursday night with Derek Blacksher facing left-hander Kris Johnson. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Late Homer Sinks Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 3-2 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

Wichita was four outs away from securing a win when Jim Fasano hit a two-out, two-run home run over the right-center field fence against Geivy Garcia to provide the game's final margin. Justin Snyder reached on a bloop double with one out to start the rally. Garcia retired Ray Sadler on a line drive to short before allowing the home run.

Wichita loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the eighth when Kansas City brought in closer Kyle Dahman for a five-out save. Dahman induced a groundball to first from Josh Workman that Fasano gloved and fired home to earn a force on Juan Richardson. With the bases still loaded, Edwin Bellorin hit a sharp groundball towards the hole on the right side that was grabbed by a diving Justin Snyder. Snyder tossed to first to end the inning and prevent the Wingnuts from tying the game.

Jimmy Mojica doubled down the right field line with one out in the bottom of the ninth, but Dahman struck out Josh Horn and retired Richardson on a groundout to third to end the game and convert the save.

Kansas City struck first against Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra. Keanon Simon led off the game with a walk and scored from first on Jose Duran's double to deep center field.

Guerra settled in after the first and finished the night with a no-decision. Guerra allowed one earned run on just three hits, walking six, and striking out seven.

Richardson tied the game at 1-1 with a two-out, RBI single through the right side that scored Mojica.

In the bottom of the seventh, Workman led off with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice from Bellorin. Mike Conroy reached on an error charged to Jeff Hulett, allowing Workman to advance to third. After falling behind 0-2, Mojica drove a flyball to right for a sacrifice fly that scored Workman with the go-ahead run.

Drew Graham was the winning pitcher in relief for Kansas City, allowing one unearned run in one and one-third innings.

Devin Anderson started and took a no-decision for the T-Bones, allowing one earned run on six hits in six innings. Anderson walked three and struck out five.

Carlos Rivera's hitting streak was snapped at nine games. The Wingnuts left 10 runners on base in the loss and had three runners caught stealing.

The Wingnuts and T-Bones continue their series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Marcos Tabata makes a spot start against T-Bones' righty T.J. Large. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Load Up for Stretch Run

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced several transactions on Tuesday, including the acquisition of shortstop Jimmy Mojica, outfielder Mitch Einertson, and right-handed pitcher Geivy Garcia.

Mojica (pronounced moh-HEE-kuh) comes to the Wingnuts from the Kansas City T-Bones in exchange for second baseman Jose Duran. Mojica is currently hitting .303 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI in 82 games. The 27-year old Mojica has swiped 20 bases and ranks tied for fifth in the American Association with 72 runs scored. Mojica is expected to play second base for the Wingnuts.

A native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Mojica was the league's inaugural Rookie Player of the Year in 2006 after hitting .299 with 44 runs and 32 RBI in 87 games for the St. Joe Blacksnakes. Twice during his six-year career, the 6-foot, 185-pound Mojica has had his contract purchased by a Major League organization, seeing time in both the Milwaukee Brewers' and Seattle Mariners' farm systems. The right-handed hitting Mojica entered 2011 with a career .280 batting average, .354 on-base percentage, and 83 stolen bases in 109 attempts.

Einertson was acquired from the North American Baseball League's Maui Na Koa Ikaika in exchange for a player to be named later. Einertson hit .314 with eight home runs and 49 RBI in 68 games for Maui. Last season, the Oceanside, CA native played alongside Wingnuts' closer Josh Dew for the Golden League champion Chico Outlaws. Einertson hit .667 in five playoff games with five RBI and 11 runs scored.

Einertson was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round out of Rancho Buena Vista High School in 2004. The 25-year old outfielder started his professional career later that summer and belted 24 home runs in just 63 games for the Greeneville Astros. At the end of his rookie season, the 5-foot10, 178-pound Einertson was named the Appalachian League's Most Valuable Player, as well as Rookie Level Player of the Year. Einertson spent two years in Double-A with Houston and participated in the 2007 Arizona Fall League.

Garcia (first name pronounced HY-vee) opened 2011 in the Mexican League, appearing in three games for the Petroleros de Minatitlan. The 29-year old righty then made 43 appearances for the Truenos de Tijuana in the Liga Norte de Mexico, the same circuit the Wingnuts signed Jorge Delgado from last July. With Tijuana, Garcia went 8-2 with 23 saves and a 2.45 ERA, striking out 56 in 58.2 innings pitched.

Garcia spent parts of two seasons in the American Association, pitching for the Grand Prairie AirHogs in 2008 and 2010. A native of Laguna Salada in the Dominican Republic, Garcia earned South Division All-Star honors last season with a 3.47 ERA and 11 saves in 49.1 innings. Like Mojica, Garica has seen time with two different Major League organizations in his career. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Garcia was originally signed by the San Diego Padres as an international free agent in 2001 and would have his contract purchased by the San Francisco Giants after a successful season with Grand Prairie in 2008. Garcia's reversionary rights were acquired from the Amarillo Sox in exchange for a player to be named later.

The Wingnuts released right-handed pitcher Chad Sherman, and in a separate deal, traded outfielder Peter Barrows to Kansas City in exchange for a player to be named later.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series tonight against the T-Bones at 7:05 p.m. Wichtia is currently 0.5 games behind the St. Paul Saints for the wild card, and 1.5 games back of the Gary SouthShore RailCats for the Central Division lead. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Drop Road Trip Finale

WINNIPEG, Manitoba- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-2 to the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park on Sunday afternoon.

Tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Ridge Carpenter led off with a double to center field and moved to third on Price Kendall's groundball single through the left side. Logan Hoch relieved Kendy Batista and recorded an out at the plate on Carpenter when Kody Kaiser bounced into a fielder's choice. With runners on second and third and one out, the Wingnuts' intentionally walked John Weber. Hoch then walked Brian Myrow and Wes Long back-to-back with the bases loaded to force in two runs.

Jamie Vermilyea took over in the top of the eighth and worked a six-out save to close out the game.

The Wingnuts jumped on the board first for a third straight game. Mike Conroy led off with a walk, stole second, and took third on a sacrifice bunt from Josh Horn. Conroy scored on an error by Long at shortstop. Wichita went on to load the bases, but Goldeyes' starter Zach Baldwin escaped further trouble.

Kaiser hit a one-out, solo home run in the bottom of the first to tie the game. Wingnuts' starter Nick Singleton kept the Wingnuts in the ballgame, keeping things tied until the sixth when he allowed a two-out double to Louis Ott. Singleton was relieved by Batista who allowed an RBI double to Luis Alen that made it 2-1 Goldeyes.

The Wingnuts briefly tied the game in the top of the eighth when Horn doubled to left-center and then scored on an RBI single through the right side from Juan Richardson.

Singleton took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs on four hits in five and two-thirds innings. Singleton walked seven and struck out two.

Baldwin also took a no-decision, allowing one earned run on six hits in five innings. Baldwin walked three and struck out one.

Batista took the loss for Wichita. Aaron Hartsock earned the win for Winnipeg.

The Wingnuts walked 10 batters in the loss. Wichita concludes the long portion of their road trip with a record of 7-6, having won three of four series along the way.

The Wingnuts finally return home on Tuesday, August 16th when they host the Kansas City T-Bones. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Carlos Rivera Named Batter of the Week

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts first baseman Carlos Rivera has been named the American Association's Pointstreak Batter of the Week for August 1st-7th.

Rivera collected a hit in all seven games last week, going 15 for 32 (.469) with four doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, and 10 runs scored. On Saturday night at Winnipeg, Rivera powered the Wingnuts' offense in a 15-4 win at Shaw Park. The Fajardo, Puerto Rico native went 5 for 6 with two home runs, three RBI, and tied an American Association single-game record with five runs.

The 33-year old slugger has hit safely in all nine games since joining the Wingnuts on August 6th at Sioux City. Rivera is hitting .425 during that stretch with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored.

Rivera joined the Wingnuts after another succesful stint in the Mexican League, hitting .311 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI in 103 games for the Petroleros de Minatitlan. Rivera joined the Wingnuts in similar fashion last season and hit .372 with six home runs in 28 games for Wichita. Rivera was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 10th round in 1996 and spent parts of two seasons in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh in 2003 and 2004.

It marks the second weekly award the Wingnuts have won this season. Nick Singleton was named Pitcher of the Week for May 23rd-29th.

The Wingnuts are currently battling three other teams for the final three American Association playoff spots. Wichita trails Gary SouthShore by 2.0 games in the Central Division, and St. Paul by 1.0 game in the wild card race. The Wingnuts are also 3.0 games back of the North Division-leading Winnipeg Goldeyes in the overall standings. Heading into Monday, all four clubs are down to their final 14 games of the season.

The Wingnuts host the Kansas City T-Bones on Tuesday night to start a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Rivera, Delgado Power Wingnuts Past Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Winnipeg Goldeyes 15-4 at Shaw Park on Saturday evening.

Carlos Rivera and Jorge Delgado each tied a Wingnuts' single-game record with five base hits. Rivera also tied a league record and set a Wingnuts' record with five runs scored.

Wichita scored seven runs in the top of the first inning against Goldeyes' starter Chris Salamida. Mike Conroy and Josh Horn opened the game with groundball singles. Juan Richardson drove in Conroy with a line drive single to center. Rivera singled to right to load the bases, setting up Delgado's two-run line drive single to left that made it 3-0. Salamdia struck out Josh Workman, but then walked Peter Barrows to re-load the bases. Edwin Bellorin followed with a line drive single to right that scored Rivera and Delgado to give Wichita a five-run lead. Salamida was relieved by Mike Williams who allowed an RBI single to center from Jose Duran that made it 6-0. Conroy drove in the final run of the inning with a groundout to shortstop.

After Derek Blacksher escaped three first inning walks to keep the seven-run lead intact, an RBI single from Bellorin and sacrifice fly from Duran made it 9-0 Wichita heading into the bottom of the second.

Luis Allen drove in Fehlandt Lentini with a line drive single down the left field line, but Blacksher escaped further trouble by inducing a double play of the bat of Kendall Price.

Rivera clubbed a long, solo home run with two outs in the top of the third to make it 10-1.

Bryan Myrow and Wes Long each had an RBI in the bottom of the third to cut the lead to 10-3. In hte bottom of the fourth, Winnipeg loaded the bases with no outs, but Blacksher limited them to just one run to keep the Wingnuts in front 10-4.

Wichita put the game away for good with three runs in the top of the fifth. Richardson singled through the left side to score Horn from third base. Rivera followed with a two-run home run to right field.

Delgado doubled home a run in the top of the seventh while the Wingnuts' 15th run came home on an error charged to Long at shortstop.

Blacksher earned the win, battling through five innings. Blacksher allowed four earned runs on nine hits, walked four, and struck out one. It was Blacksher's first road win this season.

Salamida allowed seven earned runs on six hits in the loss, walking one, and striking out one.

Kendy Batista, Logan Hoch, Jared Simon, and Matt Nevarez each chipped in a scoreless inning of relief. Seven of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit, while seven scored at least one run.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Nick Singleton takes the mound for the Wingnuts against left-hander Zach Baldwin. All the action can be heard live at www.wichitawingnuts.com

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 16th when they host the Kansas City T-Bones. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Hinson Ties Club Record in Series Opening Win

WINNIPEG, Manitoba- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Winnipeg Goldeyes 3-1 in their inaugural meeting at Shaw Park on Friday night.

Ryan Hinson allowed one earned run over eight innings pitched to earn his 11th win of the season, tying Derek Blacksher's single-season team record set back in 2009.

Tied at 1-1 in the top of the seventh, Peter Barrows grounded a leadoff single through the left side against Goldeyes' starter Luis Villarreal. After Edwin Bellorin sacrificed Barrows to second, Villarreal was replaced by Aaron Cook. Jose Duran hit a chopper to shortstop that was mishandled by Wes Long and gave the Wingnuts first and third with one out. Mike Conroy ripped a double off the fence in right-center field to score Barrows and Duran with the go-ahead runs.

Hinson Worked around a hit batsman in the seventh and then retired the side in order in the eighth before turning the ball over to Josh Dew. Dew worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth to earn his 17the save of the year.

Hinson scattered seven hits, struck out four, and walked only one. Hinson has now won four consecutive starts. Hinson retired the leadoff hitter in seven of eight innings.

Wichita scored the first run of the night in the top of the first. Conroy led off the game with a walk and moved to second on a bunt single from Josh Horn. Juan Richardson's fielder's choice to shortstop gave Wichita runners on the corners. Conroy came home on a broken bat groundout to first base.

Winnipeg tied it in the fifth, scoring their only run of the game. Ridge Carpenter was ruled safe at first on a one-out bunt attempt along the third base line. After Hinson retired Price Kendall on a popup to first base, Kody Kaiser sliced a double to deep right-center to score Carpenter with the tying run.

Villarreal took the loss, allowing two earned runs on six hits in six and one-third innings. Villarreal walked two and struck out three.

The series continues Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Derek Blacksher takes on left-hander Chris Salamida. All the action can be heard live at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Saints Take Series From Wingnuts

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-7 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Thursday night.

Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth, the Saints rallied for three runs after there were two outs and no one on base. Argelis Nunez hit a line drive double to center against Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman, breaking a streak of 15 batters retired in a row. Kendy Batista relieved Sherman and allowed an infield single to Richard Mercado. With runners on first and second and two outs, Jonathan Van Every ripped a three-run home run down the right field line to give the Saints a 6-5 lead.

Ronnie Bourquin hit a two-run, opposite field home run to left in the bottom of the seventh to make it 8-5.

The Wingnuts rallied for two runs in the top of the eighth to get back within one run. With second and third and two outs, Edwin Bellorin grounded a single up the middle against Kyle Foster to score Carlos Rivera and Jorge Delgado. Foster came back and retired the next four hitters through the ninth inning to earn the save.

Sherman retired the first two hitters in the bottom of the first inning before allowing a double to right-center from Ole Sheldon. Jason Cooper walked to put runners on first and second. After falling behind no balls and two strikes, Argelis Nunez worked a full count and then ripped a double into the left field corner that scored Sheldon and Cooper. Richard Mercado made it 3-0 Saints on a bloop single down the right field line.

Wichita scored twice in the top of the second to pull back within one run. Rivera drew a leadoff walk and took third on Delgado's double to right-center field. Josh Workman lifted a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Rivera and advanced Delgado to third. Peter Barrows plated Delgado with a sacrifice fly to center.

Josh Horn doubled to left-center with one out in the top of the third and went to third on Richardson's single to left. Rivera tied the game with the Wingnuts' third sacrifice fly of the night.

Wichita took its only lead of the game in the top of the fourth. Workman led off with a walk and stole second base. Two batters later, Bellorin crushed a triple to right center field that made it 4-3 Wichita. Saints' second baseman Justin Snyder committed an error on a groundball hit by Jose Duran that allowed Bellorin to score the Wingnuts' fifth run.

Sherman took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs on four hits in five and two-thirds innings. Sherman walked two and struck out two.

Edwin Walker started for the Saints and was relieved after three innings in a no-decision. Walker allowed three earned runs on three hits, walked one, and struck out none.

Robert Coe earned the win in relief for St. Paul. Batista took the loss.

Richardson has hit safely in 10 games in a row. Jose Duran had a nine-game hitting streak come to an end.

The Wingnuts head to Shaw Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba for a three-game series against the Goldeyes beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson faces left-hander Luis Villareal. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the feature game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Guerra, Wingnuts Bounce Back in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the St. Paul Saints 8-2 at Midway Stadium on Wednesday night.

Junior Guerra kept the Saints to two earned over seven and two-thirds innings to earn the win and help the Wingnuts pull back within 2.0 games of St. Paul for the wild card lead. Guerra allowed just two hits over the first seven innings, and only five by the end of the night. Guerra struck out six, walked two, and is now 6-1 over his last eight starts.

Offensively, eight of Wichita's nine starters had at least one hit. Carlos Rivera and Jorge Delgado opened the top of the second with back-to-back singles. Josh Workman laid down a sacrifice bunt to give the Wingnuts second and third and one out. After Saints' starter Donald Brandt struck out Peter Barrows, Edwin Bellorin ripped a groundball double down the left field line to give the Wingnuts an early 2-0 lead.

Wichita broke the game open in the top of the third. Mike Conroy led off with a single and then helped break up a double play which resulted in a throwing error by Justin Snyder that sent Josh Horn to second base. Juan Richardson drove in Horn with a long, RBI double to the right-center field fence. Rivera followed with a line drive double down the left field line that made it 4-0. Delgado narrowly missed a home run, flying out to deep right field, but Workman slugged a two-run shot with two outs to give the Wingnuts a 6-0 lead.

Rivera doubled to right-center leading off the fifth and went to third when Delgado singled to left. Workman lined a single to center field to score Rivera with the Wingnuts' seventh run. Brandt was relieved by Kris Edwards who allowed a hit-and-run, RBI single to right from Bellorin that made it 8-0.

Guerra did not allow a hit until Ronnie Bourquin's bloop single down the left field line with one out in the bottom of the fourth. The Saints scored their first run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to deep left field that scored Argelis Nunez.

St. Paul scored their second and final run in the bottom of the eighth on a single to right from Steve Mays. Matt Nevarez took over for Guerra with two on and two out in the eighth and retired Ole Sheldon on a flyout to center to end the inning.

Logan Hoch worked around three singles in the bottom of the ninth, and struck out the side to finish the game.

Brandt went four-plus innings and took the loss, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits. Brandt did not walk a batter and struck out three. It was Brandt's first loss at home this season.

With Gary's loss at Sioux City, Wichita is also back within 2.0 games of first place in the Central Division.

The series concludes Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Chad Sherman takes on left-hander Edwin Walker. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Saints Clip Wingnuts in 10

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts fell 8-7 to the St. Paul Saints in 10 innings at Midway Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Richard Mercado drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th with a sacrifice fly to left field. Jason Cooper led off the inning with a line drive single to center off of Jared Simon. Argelis Nunez sent Cooper to third, hitting a groundball double down the right field line that took a high bounce over the head of Carlos Rivera.

Simon took the loss, allowing the one earned run in one-third of an inning.

The Wingnuts had a 7-4 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth, but the Saints rallied for three runs to tie the game. Steve Mays drew a leadoff walk against Marcos Tabata. Walks to Steve Mays and Ronnie Bourquin gave the Saints first and second and one out against Marcos Tabata. Ole Sheldon cut the lead to 7-5, hitting a flyball double to left-center field.

Josh Dew relieved Tabata and walked Jason Cooper to load the bases. Argelis Nunez followed with a groundball, two-run double down the left field line that tied the score. Dew struck out two batters later in the inning to keep the game tied.

Wichita had mounted a comeback of their own in the top of the inning. Down 4-2, Peter Barrows drew a one-out walk, stole second, and then scored on a throwing error by Bourquin at third base. Jose Duran tripled home the tying run with a line drive to right. After Mike Conroy walked, Josh Horn singled through the left side to give the Wingnuts a 5-4 lead. Two batters later, Rivera pulled a double down the right field line that scored Conroy and Horn to make it 7-4.

St. Paul scored two runs in the bottom of the first against Wingnuts' starter Nick Singleton. Sheldon hit a short poplfy single to center that scored Adam Frost from third base. Later in the inning, Mercado lined a single to left with two outs that scored Cooper with the Saints' second run.

Wichita loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the fifth and tied the game when Rivera singled through the middle. Rivera finished the game with four RBI.

St. Paul went back in front in the bottom of the seventh. Bourquin drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third on Sheldon's single down the left field line. Two batters later, Nunez hit a bloop single to center field to drive in Bourquin. Jonathan Van Every accounted for the second run of the inning with a single to center field.

Singleton took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs in six plus innings. Singleton gave up 10 hits, three walks, and struck out five.

Kyle Carr started for St. Paul and also took a no-decision. Carr allowed three hits, three walks, and did not allow a run while striking out one.

All nine of the Wingnuts' starters reached base on either a hit, walk, or hit by pitch.

The Wingnuts are now 3.0 games behind the Saints for the wild card with 19 games remaining in the season.

The series continues Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra faces left-hander Donald Brandt. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Blacksher Strong, but Wingnuts Drop Tight Game in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-2 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Monday night.

Leading 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Saints broke the game open with a four-run inning. Derek Blacksher, who took a tough loss, allowed a leadoff double to Steve Mays down the left field line. Blacksher retired Adam Frost on a flyout to center before issuing an intentionall walk to Ronnie Bourquin. Marcos Tabata relieved Blacksher and allowed a groundball single through the left side of the infield to Ole Sheldon that scored Mays to give St. Paul an insurance run. Tabata struck out Jason Cooper for the second out of the inning, but Argelis Nunez, Richard Mercado, and Jonathan Van Every each collected a two-out, RBI single, allowing St. Paul to take a 6-1 lead.

The Wingnuts rallied for an unearned run in the top of the ninth before stranding the bases loaded with the tying run at the plate to end the game. Jesse English retired Gerardo Bustamante for the final out and earned the save. The Wingnuts stranded 12 runners on base in the loss.

The Saints struck first in the bottom of the second. Nunez doubled down the right field line with one out and scored on an error charged to Josh Horn at shortstop.

Mays hit a sacrifice fly to right in the bottom of the fifth to make it 2-0 St. Paul.

In the top of the sixth, Juan Richardson was hit by a pitch and took third on a single through the right side from Carlos Rivera. Bustamante followed with a hard groundball single to center that cut the lead in half. A wild pitch later in the frame gave the Wingnuts second and third with two outs. Peter Barrows hit a deep drive down the right field line that was caught by a tumbling Nunez to save the tying and go-ahead runs. Bustamante took over at DH after the fourth inning when Jorge Delgado was ejected for arguing a called third strike with home plate umpire Danny Hymel.

Still trailing 2-1 in the top of the eighth, Richardson led off with a double, but relievers Caleb Thielbar and Kyle Foster prevented the Wingnuts from tying the game.

Blacksher allowed four runs, three earned, in the loss. Blacksher yielded just three hits in seven and one-third innings, walked four, and struck out five.

Alberto Rolon earned the win for the Saints, allowing one earned run on seven hits in seven-plus innings. Rolon walked two and struck out six.

Richardson reached base four times in the loss with a single, double, walk, and hit batsman.

The Wingnuts are now 2.0 games behind the Saints for the wild card and 3.0 back of the Gary SouthShore RailCats for the Central Division lead. All three teams have 20 games remaining this season.

The series continues Tuesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Nick Singleton will be on the mound for the Wingnuts. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts Hang on to Take Series From X's

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Sioux City Explorers 10-7 at Lewis and Clark Park on Sunday evening.

After falling behind 1-0 in the bottom of the first, the Wingnuts rattled off 10 unanswered runs to build a nine-run lead. The comeback started in the top of the second when Jorge Delgado and Josh Workman hit back-to-back singles with one out. Peter Barrows lined a single to center to tie the game, sending Workman to second. After Edwin Bellorin flied out to center, Jose Duran lined a single to right field that scored Workman with the go-ahead run. Duran's single bounced by Derek Schermerhorn, allowing Barrows to score from first with the Wingnuts' third run.

Bellorin led off the top of the fifth with a solo home run to left field, giving Wichita a 4-1 lead. Juan Richardson added an RBI single later in the inning, while Jorge Delgado capped off the frame with a sacrifice fly to right.

The Wingnuts scored four more times in the top of the sixth. Barrows and Bellorin opened the inning with singles, and each took an extra base on a sacrifice bunt to third from Duran. After Mike Conroy was intentionally walked to load the bases, Josh Horn lifted a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1 Wichita. Richardson followed with a two-run double down the left field line that scored Bellorin and Conroy. Carlos Rivera drove in the Wingnuts' final run with a line drive single to left.

Sioux City rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 10-5. All four runs came on two-out hits, with Ray Serrano, Brett Flowers, and Ryan Priddy accounting for the RBI.

Flowers hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth to make it a three-run game, but Josh Dew slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth to earn his 16th save of the year. Dew struck out the side in order on 11 pitches.

Ryan Hinson started and won for the Wingnuts. Hinson allowed five earned runs on nine hits, walking three and striking out one. With 10 wins on the season, it marks the first time the Wingnuts have had multiple 10-game winners in one season. Nick Singleton is currently 10-1.

Kendy Batista worked a scoreless bottom of the seventh for Wichita.

Jason Jarvis started and took the loss for Sioux City, allowing six runs, four earned, on eight hits in five innings. Jarvis walked two and struck out two.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series at St. Paul on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher takes the mound for Wichita against righty Alberto Rolon. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game of the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Explorers Rally Past Wingnuts

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-4 to the Sioux City Explorers at Lewis and Clark Park on Saturday night.

The Explorers sent 11 men to the plate during a six-run bottom of the fifth inning that erased a 3-1 Wichita lead. With one out and nobody on base, Wally Backman Jr. reached on a bunt single up the third base line and moved to second on Derek Schermerhorn's groundball single through the left side. Kent Sakamoto pulled a single through the hole to score Backman and trim the lead to 3-2. Ray Serrano was next and chopped a single up the middle to score Schermerhorn with the tying run. After Brett Flowers walked to load the bases, Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman was relieved by Jared Simon.

Simon induced a groundball to shortstop from Ryan Priddy. The ball deflected off of Josh Horn who was able to recover and get the force at second on Flowers while Sakamoto came in with the lead run. Tyler Goodro drove in two more runs, hitting a flyball double to center field. Center fielder Mike Conroy appeared unable to locate the ball which eventually landed beyond his reach. After Mike Murphy walked, Dustin Jones hit a bloop single into shallow right field to score Goodro with the Explorers seventh run.

Wichita had overcome an early 1-0 deficit with three runs in the top of the fourth against X's' starter Nick Schumacher. Carlos Rivera lined a double down the left field line with one out and came home on Jorge Delgado's single to left. Delgado took second on a bunt single from Josh Workman and then scored on Peter Barrows' line drive single to left-center. With Workman now on third, Edwin Bellorin made it 3-1 Wichita with an RBI groundout to second base.

Schumacher eventually earned the win, working eight-plus innings. Schumacher allowed four runs, three earned, on nine hits. Schumacher walked three and struck out eight.

The Wingnuts scratched out an unearned run in the top of the eighth on a throwing error by Priddy. Emiliano Fruto relieved Schumacher in the top of the ninth and retired three straight hitters to earn the save.

Sherman took the loss, allowing six earned runs on nine hits in four and one-third innings. Sherman walked two and struck out five.

Schermerhorn drove in the X's first run with an RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the first.

Kendy Batista and Matt Nevarez each worked a scoreless relief inning for the Wingnuts. The Explorers have now won 10 consecutive games that Schumacher has started.

The series concludes Sunday evening at 6:05 p.m. with Ryan Hinson taking on right-hander Jason Jarvis. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Wingnuts Win Another Nailbiter

SIOUX CITY, IA- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Sioux City Explorers 5-3 at Lewis and Clark Park on Friday night.

With the game tied at 3-3 in the top of the eighth, Josh Workman scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch from Explorers' reliever Jon Plefka. Workman opened the inning with a walk and took second on Jorge Delgado's groundball single through the left side. Edwin Bellorin laid down a sacrifice bunt to put runners on second and third with one out. Plefka's wild pitch came on an 0-2 count with Peter Barrows at the plate.

Marcos Tabata worked a perfect bottom of the eighth for a second straight night, allowing the Wingnuts to add an insurance run in the top of the ninth. With two outs and nobody on base, Josh Horn lined a double to right-center field. Fighting back from an 0-2 count, Juan Richardson then singled on a line drive to center to score Horn and give Wichita a 5-3 advantage.

Josh Dew took over in the bottom of the ninth and pitched a one-two-three inning to earn his 15th save of the year.

The Wingnuts took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Delgado was retired on a groundball to third that scored Mike Conroy from third base.

With a Jose Duran on second and two outs in the top of the fifth, Richardson singled through the left side to make it 2-0 Wingnuts. After Workman singled to right, Delgado pulled a double to left-center that plated Richardson with the Wingnuts' third run.

Junior Guerra turned in another strong start, and kept the Explorers hitless over the first five and two-thirds innings. Derek Schermerhorn broke up the no-hit bid with a two-out double down the left field line in the bottom of the sixth.

Sioux City rallied to tie the game in the seventh, scoring three runs. Ray Serrano led off with a double to left-center and went to third on Brett Flowers' groundball single into left. Ryan Priddy lined a single to left field to score Serrano and cut the Wingnuts' lead to 3-1. Tyler Goodro doubled on a groundball down the third base line that scored Flowers and put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. Brian Bistagne followed with a groundball to third. Priddy attempted to score the tying run, but was tagged out by Edwin Bellorin who blocked the plate. Jared Simon relieved Guerra and nearly escaped with the lead intact, but Dustin Jones beat out a potential double play groundball back to Simon. Simon Kept the game tied, striking out Derek Schermerhorn to end the inning.

Simon earned the win, working two-thirds of a scoreless inning.

Plefka took the loss, allowing two earned runs on four hits in two innings of relief.

Ty Marotz started for Sioux City and took a no-decision, allowing three earned runs on seven hits in seven innings. Marotz walked three and struck out three.

Richardson reached base five times with three hits and two walks. The Wingnuts totaled four doubles in the win.

The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Chad Sherman takes on right-hander Nick Schumacher. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Big League Bat Returns to Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed first baseman Carlos Rivera late Saturday afternoon.

Rivera is expected to hit cleanup tonight for the Wingnuts in the middle game of their three-game series at Sioux City.

The left-handed batting Rivera recently finished his season with the Mexican League's Petroleros de Minatitlan where he hit .316 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI in 103 games played.

Last season, Rivera hit .372 with six home runs and 16 RBI in 28 games for the Wingnuts following his first tour with Minatitlan. Rivera has a combined eight years of experience in the Mexican League and at the Triple-A level. The Fajarda, Puerto Rico native won the Mexican League batting title at .410 in 2007 while playing for Oaxaca.

Now in his 15th season of professional baseball, Rivera is a lifetime .308 hitter with 195 home runs and 969 RBI. Rivera has more hits (1,778) than games played (1,642) throughout his 15 professional seasons, averaging 20 home runs and 97 RBI per 162 games. The 33-year old slugger spent parts of two seasons in the Major Leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003 and 2004, appearing in 85 games.

Rivera was drafted by the Pirates in the 10th round in 1996 out of Rio Grande High School in Puerto Rico. Rivera fills the open spot on the Wingnuts' roster that was vacated earlier in the week when center fielder Brent Clevlen was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Wingnuts continue their series tonight at Sioux City with Chad Sherman taking on right-hander Nick Schumacher. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com after the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

The Wingnuts return home from their 15-game road swing on Tuesday, August 16th when they host the Kansas City T-Bones. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Leads Wingnuts Rubber Match Win

FARGO, ND- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3-2 in the rubber game of their three-game series at Newman Outdoor Field on Thursday night.

Nick Singleton delivered seven terrific innings to earn his 10th win of the year. With the win, Singleton also passed Brad Davis to become the Wingnuts' franchise leader in victories with 17.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the fourth, Juan Richardson led off with a single to right-center field. Josh Workman hit a groundball to second that resulted in a force at second base. Workman took second base however, when Zach Penprase's relay to first bounced out of play. Jorge Delgado drove in Workman with a double down the left field line to cut the RedHawks' lead to 2-1.

In the fifth, Gerardo Bustamante drew a leadoff walk against RedHawks' starter Kevin Light. Jose Duran was next and singled on a shallow flyball to right. With runners on first and second and no outs, Light was relieved by left-hander Joe Harris. After Mike Conroy laid down a sacrifice bunt, Josh Horn was intentionally walked to load the bases. Harris then walked Juan Richardson to force in the tying run.

Peter Barrows finished the Wingnuts' comeback with a long home run down the left field line with one out in the top of the sixth to make it 3-2.

Singleton allowed two earned runs on just five hits over seven innings for the win. Following an RBI single from Nic Jackson in the bottom of the third, Singleton recorded 13 consecutive outs to give the Wingnuts a chance to comeback. Singleton struck out five and walked one.

Marcos Tabata worked a perfect eighth inning to set up closer Josh Dew. Dew retired the first two hitters in the ninth and then worked around a two-out single by striking out C.J. Retherford to end the game.

Harris took the loss, allowing one earned run on four hits in four and one-third innings.

Light took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs in four-plus frames. Light gave up five hits, walked two, and struck out two.

Fargo's first run came on a bloop single from Jesse Hoorelbeke with two outs in the bottom of the first inning.

The Wingnuts now have 24 games left on their 2011 schedule and trail the Gary SouthShore RailCats by 3.0 games in the Central Division. The Wingnuts' trail the St. Paul Saints and Winnipeg Goldeyes by 2.0 games in the wild card race. All four teams have played 76 games this season.

The Wingnuts head to Sioux City and open a three-game series against the Explorers on Friday night. First pitch at Lewis and Clark Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra faces right-hander Ty Marotz. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Brent Clevlen Sold to Phillies

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' center fielder Brent Clevlen has been purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies' organization.

Clevlen has been assigned to the Double-A Eastern League's Reading Phillies. The Austin, TX native debuted for Reading last night, going 0 for 1 after joining the game as part of a double switch.

"Anytime we can get a guy signed out of here, it's a wonderful thing for our organization," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "Obviously it's tough when you lose a three-hole hitter of Brent Clevlen's caliber, but he has to what is best for his career. The plan for all of these guys is to try and get into affiliated ball. Our staff and organization wishes him nothing but the best, and hopefully he can do well and get back to the Major Leagues."

Clevlen hit .310 for the Wingnuts in 46 games played with 10 home runs and 32 RBI. The 27-year old Clevlen scored 32 runs, added 15 doubles, and drew 25 walks. On June 27th versus El Paso, Clevlen hit the first inside-the-park home run in team history. Clevlen also set a team record by hitting a home run in four consecutive games from July 24th-27th. Clevlen homered twice in the same inning on July 27th versus Fargo-Moorhead.

Clevlen opened the season with the Wingnuts before having his contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds near the end of spring training. Clevlen appeared in 26 games with the Triple-A Louisville Bats before re-joining Wichita in early-June.

Clevlen spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves, and appeared alongside Hooper in nine big league contests for Detroit in 2006.

Clevlen's purchase marks the 10th overall time the Wingnuts have sold a player to a Major League organization.

All-Time Wingnuts Signed by Major League Organizations
2008 - OF Dustan Mohr, Colorado Rockies
2010 - RHP Will Savage, Los Angeles Dodgers
2010 - RHP Ben Graham, Washington Nationals
2010 - LHP Justin Dowdy, Tampa Bay Rays
2011 - OF Ryan Patterson, Arizona Diamondbacks
2011 - LHP Dustin Pease, San Diego Padres
2011 - RHP Cephas Howard, Texas Rangers
2011 - OF Kenny Gilbert, Chicago White Sox
2011 - OF Brent Clevlen, Cincinnati Reds
2011 - OF Brent Clevlen, Philadelphia Phillies

The Wingnuts open a three-game series tonight against the Sioux City Explorers at Lewis and Clark Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with Junior Guerra taking on right-hander Ty Marotz. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game of the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Wingnuts' Lead Slips Away in Fargo

FARGO, ND- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 10-8 to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Newman Outdoor Field on Wednesday night.

The RedHawks overcame a four-run deficit in the win and scored eight of their 10 runs with two outs. The RedHawks had the leadoff hitter on base in seven of their eight team at bats.

With the Wingnuts leading 8-6 in the bottom of the seventh, Nic Jackson led off with a single to right against Logan Hoch. Hoch was relieved by Matt Nevarez who issued a walk to Kyle Nichols. Jesse Hoorelbeke followed with a double to right-center field that cut the Wingnuts' lead to 8-7. Nevarez nearly escaped the jam, striking out C.J. Retherford and Carlo Cota back-to-back. But after a walk to pinch hitter John Wagle loaded the bases, Todd Jennings singled just over the head of first baseman Jorge Delgado to drive in the tying and go-ahead runs. Kendy Batista relieved Nevarez and allowed an RBI, infield single to Jonathan Wyatt that gave Fargo-Moorhead a 10-8 lead.

Nichols hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the first against Wingnuts' starter Derek Blacksher that gave Fargo and early 2-0 lead. Jennings added a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the second to make it 3-0.

The Wingnuts rallied for five runs in the top of the third to take a 5-3 lead. Peter Barrows led off with a line drive single to center and took third on Gerardo Bustamante's hit-and-run single through the right side. Jose Duran tied the game with a sacrifice fly to left that scored Barrows. After Mike Conroy grounded out to second base, Josh Horn lined a single to right that plated Bustamante with the Wingnuts' second run of the night. Josh Workman flared a single down the right field line to put runners on the corners. Juan Richardson capped off the inning, swinging on a 3-0 count, and crushing a two-out, three-run home run to straightaway center field.

A two-out single from Retherford in the bottom of the third narrowed the lead to 5-4, but the Wingnuts scored one in the fourth and two in the fifth to build an 8-4 lead. Conroy singled home Duran from second base with two outs in the fourth, while a wild pitch and RBI groundout accounted for the Wingnuts' runs in the fifth.

Fargo trimmed the lead to 8-6 in the bottom of the fifth on RBI doubles from Hoorelbeke and Cota.

Kevin Fuqua earned the win with four scoreless innings of long relief. Donnie Smith worked a scoreless ninth to earn the save. Matt Nevarez took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing three earned runs in two-thirds of an inning in the bottom of the seventh.

Blacksher took a no-decision, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits in five innings. Blacksher walked two and struck out four.

Dan Blewett started for Fargo and also took a no-decision, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits in four-plus innings. Blewett walked zero and struck out four.

Eight of the Wingnuts' nine starters had at least one hit. Richardson was 4 for 5, while Workman and Delgado each had two hits.

The series concludes Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton will be on the mound for the Wingnuts. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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Hinson Wins Duel of Great Lefties

FARGO, ND- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 5-1 at Newman Outdoor Field on Tuesday night.

Ryan Hinson tossed seven strong innings, allowing one earned run on six hits to outduel fellow left-hander Jake Laber. Hinson struck out seven and walked just one.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fifth, the Wingnuts scored twice to take the lead for the remainder of the night. Jorge Delgado led off with a walk and advanced to second when Josh Workman reached first on a bunt single that was dropped by RedHawks' first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke. Peter Barrows laid down a sacrifice bunt along the third base line to give the Wingnuts second and third and one out. Edwin Bellorin followed with a single through the left side of the infield, on an 0-2 pitch, to give Wichita a 2-1 advantage.

Having been handed the lead, Hinson responded by striking out the side in the bottom of the fifth. Beginning with the final two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Hinson retired the next eight batters in a row before a leadoff error charged to Juan Richardson in the bottom of the seventh. Hinson worked around the error when Todd Jennings flied into a double play to shallow right. Jonathan Wyatt grounded out to Hinson on the mound for the final out of the inning.

Marcos Tabata took over for Hinson in the bottom of the eighth. Zach Penprase reached on an error charged to Josh Horn leading off the inning. Like Hinson in the seventh, Tabata worked around the error. Brent Clevlen helped Tabata for the first out, making a sliding catch to rob Nic Jackson on a sinking line drive to center field. Tabata then struck out Kyle Nichols and Hoorelbeke back-to-back to end the inning.

Wichita broke the game open with three runs in the top of the ninth. Richardson led off with a double and took third on Delgado's groundball to second base. The RedHawks intentionally walked Josh Workman, setting up a hit-and-run, infield single to second that was knocked down by Carlo Cota. Richardson scored on the play and both Workman and Barrows moved an extra base when Bellorin grounded out to shortstop. Jose Duran, activated from the Disabled List before the game, hit a soft line drive to left-center that went over the head of Penprase to drive in the Wingnuts' fourth and fifth runs.

Josh Dew closed out the game with a scoreless ninth.

Nichols drove in the RedHawks' only run with a two-out, RBI single to right in the bottom of the first that scored Penprase from second base.

Laber took the loss, allowing two earned runs on just two hits. Laber walked four and struck out seven.

Josh Horn's 15-game hitting streak came to and end, while Brent Clevlen's 12-game streak was also snapped.

In addition to activating Duran, the Wingnuts released catcher Matthew Powell, second baseman Tyler Robbins, and also signed catcher Gerardo Bustamante. Bustamante recently finished his season with Yucatan in the Mexican League where he hit .207 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 54 games. Bustamante has thrown out 28% of opposing base stealers during his six-year career.

The series continues on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher goes to the mound for the Wingnuts and faced right-hander Dan Blewett. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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T-Bones' Early Runs Beat Wingnuts

KANSAS CITY, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-1 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark on Saturday night.

In the top of the first, Jimmy Mojica led off with an infield single, beating out Josh Horn's throw to first on a groundball to shortstop. Keanon Simon then worked a 10-pitch at bat before lining a single to left, chasing Mojica to third base. Rico Washington drove in Mojica with an RBI single down the right field line. With runners on first and third, Ray Sadler hit a groundball to short that plated Simon.

The T-Bones added two more in the bottom of the fifth. With first and second and no outs, Kala Ka'aihue singled to right-center to drive in Sadler. After Aharon Eggleston bunted for a single to load the bases, Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra was relieved by Jared Simon. Simon got Johnny Bowden to hit a groundball towards third base, but threw low to home plate after picking up the ball in an attempt to get the force. Jim Fasano scored from third, but Simon was able to record an out when Ka'aihue tried to score from second.

Eggleston grounded a two-run single up the middle with two outs in the bottom of the sixth to make it 6-0 Kansas City. Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper was ejected following Eggleston's hit, arguing with home plate umpire Bryan Childe on pitch to Ka'aihue earlier in the inning.

Peter Barrows hit a home run down the left field line in the top of the seventh to account for the Wingnuts' lone run.

Trent Lare earned the win for Kansas City, allowing one earned run on three hits in eight full innings. Lare struck out five and walked three.

Guerra took the loss, allowing four runs, three earned, in four-plus innings. Guerra allowed nine hits, four walks, and struck out four.

Matt Nevarez, Logan Hoch, and Kendy Batista combined for two and one-third scoreless innings of relief.

Josh Horn singled in the third to extend his hitting streak to 15 games in a row. Brent Clevlen doubled in the top of the sixth to stretch his streak to 12 games.

The Wingnuts continue their long road trip on Tuesday when they travel to Fargo, ND to open a three-game series against the RedHawks. First pitch at Newman Outdoor Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com following the completion of the 5:00 p.m. game at the 77th annual NBC World Series.

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T-Bones Edge Wingnuts Late

KANSAS CITY, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 9-8 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark on Friday night.

Keanon Simon, who finished the night with four hits, drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth to break an 8-8 tie. With runners on first and second and two outs, Simon singled to left field in front of Tommy Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald made a strong throw to the plate which appeared to be on target to record the final out, but the ball took a bad bounce over the head of Wingnuts' catcher Edwin Bellorin and allowed the winning run to score.

The Wingnuts rallied from an early 5-0 deficit to give themselves a chance to win. With the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the sixth, T-Bones' starter Devin Anderson hit Juan Richardson with a pitch to force in the Wingnuts' first run of the night. Jorge Delgado followed with a line drive, two-run single to left that cut the T-Bones' lead to 5-3. After Josh Workman walked to load the bases, Anderson was replaced by Drew Graham who allowed a sacrifice fly to Peter Barrows that pulled the Wingnuts within one.

Kansas City responded with three runs of their own in the bottom half. Ray Sadler, Jim Fasano, and Kala Ka'aihue each drove in a run to stretch the lead to 8-4.

Wichita rallied again in the top of the seventh, again loading the bases with no outs. Facing new reliever Steven Stewart, Brent Clevlen grounded a double down the left field line that sliced the lead to 8-6. Richardson made it 8-7 with an RBI groundout to second.

The Wingnuts finally tied the game in the top of the eighth when Bellorin led off with a single. Bellorin took second on a sacrifice from Fitzgerald and moved to third on a wild pitch. Tyler Robbins hit a sacrifice fly to left field that knotted the game at 8-8.

Nick Singleton started for the Wingnuts and took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs in three-plus innings. Singleton walked six and struck out three.

Anderson also took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs on six hits in five-plus innings. Anderson walked three and struck out five.

Kendy Batista took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing one earned run in one and two-thirds. Kyle Dahman earned the win in relief for Kansas City, pitching one and one-third scoreless innings.

Wichita left the go-ahead run in scoring position in each of the final three innings. Horn extended his hitting streak to 14 games in a row, while Clevlen has now hit safely in 11 straight. Wingnuts' closer Josh Dew took over for Josh Workman as DH in the top of the seventh. Workman was ejected for arguing a called third strike. Dew singled in the top of the ninth and stole second base. Jared Simon did not allow a run in two innings of work.

The series concludes Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra faces former Wingnuts' left-hander Trent Lare. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts Roll Into Long Trip With Win Over KC

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Kansas City T-Bones 8-3 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

Josh Workman hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the first to set the tone on offense, while Derek Blacksher worked seven strong innings to help the Wingnuts to a fourth consecutive win.

Mike Conroy opened the bottom of the first with a double down the left field line and was sacrificed to third by Josh Horn. Brent Clevlen and Juan Richardson drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. T-Bones' starter Matt Mitchell retired Jorge Delgado on a foul popup to first, but Workman cashed in the early rally with a deep flyabll over the left-center field wall.

Kansas City cut the lead in half against Blacksher in the top of the second when Aharon Eggleston hit a two-out, two-run home run to left-center. Wichita grabbed one of the runs right back in the bottom half when Horn doubled to right-center to score Conroy from first with two outs.

Jim Fasano doubled down the right field line in the top of the fourth to score Ray Sadler from first and cut the Wingnuts' lead to 5-3. After Kala Ka'aihue walked, Eggleston grounded out to second to put the tying runs in scoring position with two outs. Blacksher stranded both when Jeff Hulett popped out to third base in foul territory to end the inning. The T-Bones managed just one runner past first base through the remainder of the game.

Clevlen doubled down the left field line to drive in Conroy in the bottom of the seventh to make it 7-3 Wichita. Edwin Bellorin drove in the Wingnuts' final run with a groundball single up the middle in the bottom of the eighth.

Blacksher earned the win and improved to 3-1 since re-joining the Wingnuts. Blacksher allowed three earned runs on six hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out five.

Mitchell allowed six earned runs on six hits in five innings in the loss. Mitchell walked four and struck out one.

Logan Hoch, Matt Nevarez, and Josh Dew combined for five strikeouts during two scoreless innings in relief of Blacksher.

It is the fifth time this season the Wingnuts have won four games in a row. Horn has now hit safely in 13 straight games while Clevlen has hit safely in 10 straight. Workman's grand slam was the Wingnuts' second of the year.

The Wingnuts head north to Kansas City to finish their series with the T-Bones and begin a stretch of 15 consecutive games on the road. First pitch on Friday night at Community America Ballpark is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton faces left-hander Devin Anderson. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts Power Their Way to Sweep of Fargo

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts completed a three-game sweep of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, winning 14-9 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

All nine of the Wingnuts' starters scored a run and reached base with either a hit or a walk. Eight of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit. Brent Clevlen hit two home runs, and in the process, set a Wingnuts' team record by homering in a fourth consecutive game. Josh Horn had two hits and drove in four.

The Wingnuts broke things open early, scoring 10 runs in the bottom of the first. Mike Conroy led off the inning with a groundball to RedHawks' starter Josh Smith. Smith fielded the ball cleanly, but bounced his throw to first. The ball went down the right field line and allowed Conroy to take third base. Horn drove in Conroy with a groundout to second to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.

Clevlen followed with his first home run, lining it just over the left-center field fence. Juan Richardson and Jorge Delgado drew back-to-back walks to put runners on first and second. Josh Workman pulled a single through the right side to score Richardson and send Delgado to third. Peter Barrows lifted a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Delgado to make it 4-0.

After Workman stole second, Edwin Bellorin crushed a two-run home run over the left field wall to increase the Wingnuts' lead to six runs. With two outs and no one on base, Tyler Robbins walked and advanced to third when Conroy doubled into right field. Horn was next, and drove in his second and third runs of the inning with a groundball single off of the second base bag. Clevlen hit a two-run home run to left-center to cap off the 10-run outburst.

Chad Sherman earned the win for the Wingnuts, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in six innings. Sherman struck out six and walked three. Sherman struck out the side in the top of the fifth.

The RedHawks got on the board in the top of the third on Zach Penprase's two-out, RBI double down the right field line. The Wingnuts responded with two in the bottom half of the inning. Delgado led off with a towering home run to left field that made it 11-1. Later in the frame, Conroy singled to center with two outs to drive in Barrows from third base.

Penprase hit a two-run homer in the sixth while Jesse Hoorelbeke added an infield, RBI single to cut the lead to 12-4. The Wingnuts answered back in the bottom of the sixth with RBI doubles from Horn and Richardson.

Fargo scored one in the seventh, and two in both the eighth and ninth innings, but four relievers kept the Wingnuts in front through the end of the game.

Wichita worked out 10 walks in the win. The Wingnuts' four home runs tied a franchise single-game record.

Smith took the loss, allowing 10 runs, two earned, in two-thirds of an inning. Smith gave up eight hits, three walks, and did not strike out a batter.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the RedHawks turned a groundball triple play on Jorge Delgado with first and second and no outs.

The Wingnuts host the Kansas City T-Bones on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher will be on the mound for Wichita. The T-Bones counter with left-hander Devin Anderson. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Take Down RedHawks Again

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 12-1 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

Josh Horn and Brent Clevlen each homered for a third consecutive night, while Ryan Hinson kept the RedHawks' offense at bay with seven three-hit, shutout innings.

Wichita scored twice in the bottom of the first for a second straight night to take an early lead. Horn singled through the right side with one out to start the rally and extend his hitting streak to 11 games in a row. Horn took second on Clevlen's flyball to right field and then scored when Juan Richardson lined a double into the right field corner. Jorge Delgado made it 2-0 with an RBI single to center that scored Richardson from second.

Hinson walked one and struck out three during his seven scoreless innings. Hinson faced multiple baserunners just once and never allowed a runner past second.

Delgado tacked on Wichita's third run in the bottom of the third with an RBI groundout to short that plated Horn who had led off the frame with a walk.

Wichita broke the game open with five in the bottom of the fourth. Peter Barrows and Edwin Bellorin opened the inning with back-to-back singles and each advanced one base on Tyler Robbins' sacrifice bunt to third. Mike Conroy walked to load the bases, setting up a two-run single down the left field line from Horn that made it 5-0. Conroy took third on a flyout to right from Clevlen, and scored when RedHawks' starter Jake Laber threw a wild pitch. Richardson and Delgado drew back-to-back walks to re-load the bases. Josh Workman followed with a two-run double down the right field line that opened an 8-0 lead.

The Wingnuts increased their lead again in the sixth. Horn and Clevlen started the inning with back-to-back home runs, with Horn's going to left-center and Clevlen's hitting the batter's eye in straightaway center field. Two batters later, Delgado doubled off the fence in left-center and eventually scored on a wild pitch. Bellorin drove in the Wingnuts' final run of the night with an RBI groundout to short.

Seven of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit. Horn scored four runs, reached base five times, and collected his third consecutive three-hit game.

Laber took the loss for Fargo, allowing eight earned runs on eight hits in four innings. Laber walked five and struck out three.

The series concludes on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. with Chad Sherman facing right-hander Josh Smith. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Pitching and Offense Help Wingnuts Down RedHawks

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 8-1 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in the inaugural meeting between the clubs on Monday night.

Junior Guerra turned in another terrific outing, allowing one unearned run on two hits in seven full innings to earn the win. Guerra walked four and struck out four, and is now 5-0 in his last six starts.

Brent Clevlen gave Guerra early support, lining a two-run home run over the left-center field fence in the bottom of the first.

The Wingnuts manufactured two more runs in the bottom of the second. Josh Workman led off with a walk and took second when Peter Barrows singled down the left field line. Edwin Bellorin advanced the runners with a hit-and-run groundout to second, setting up Tyler Robbins' RBI groundout to shortstop to give the Wingnuts a 3-0 lead. Mike Conroy capped off the rally with an opposite field double to left that made it 4-0.

Guerra did not allow a hit until two outs in the top of the sixth when Kyle Nichols singled to left-center. Dating back to his performance on June 13th, Guerra worked 13.0 consecutive hitless innings at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Guerra faced multiple baserunners in just two innings of work.

Juan Richardson singled down the right field line in the bottom of the fifth to score Josh Horn from third base and increase Wichita's lead to five runs.

In the bottom of the sixth, Barrows led off with a single to center and advanced to third on Bellorin's hit-and-run single to center. Robbins followed with another RBI groundout to drive in the Wingnuts' sixth run. After Conroy reached on a fielder's choice, Horn broke the game open with a long, two-run home run to left-center.

Jared Simon worked a scoreless eighth, while Matt Nevarez struck out two during a perfect ninth to finish the game. Horn has now hit safely in 10 games in a row.

The Wingnuts signed Robbins prior to the game. The 22-year old second baseman hit .325 as a senior this spring at Dallas Baptist University with 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 60 games. The Wichita, KS native and Bettendorf, IA resident drew 56 walks and posted a .517 on-base percentage. Robbins hit .373 as a junior at Dallas Baptist after spending two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College. Wichita placed second baseman Jose Duran on the Disabled List.

The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. with Ryan Hinson taking on left-hander Jake Laber. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Diablos Hang on Against Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-4 to the El Paso Diablos at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Diablos' bullpen stranded the tying run on third base in both the eighth and ninth innings to prevent the Wingnuts from finishing a three-game sweep. Nick Singleton suffered his first loss of the season for Wichita.

Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, reliever Ezequiel Infante issued back-to-back, one-out walks to Josh Workman and Peter Barrows, and was replaced by right-hander Josh Grady. Edwin Bellorin pinch-hit for Matt Powell and lifted a deep flyball to right-center that moved Workman to third base. After Barrows stole second, Grady escaped the jam by inducing a groundout to second from Tommy Fitzgerald.

Kendy Batista tossed a scoreless top of the ninth to keep the Wingnuts within one run. Lefty Adam Rowe took over for Grady in the bottom half and allowed a leadoff single through the right side to Mike Conroy. After fouling off two bunt attempts, Josh Horn lined a single down the right field line to put runners on first and second. Colin Allen relieved Rowe and retired Brent Clevlen on a line drive to center. Conroy took third, sliding in just ahead of Kory Drew's throw. With first and third and one out, Juan Richardson hit a groundball to shortstop that Maikol Gonzalez turned into a game-ending double play.

El Paso scored three times against Singleton in the top of the first. Leadoff hitter Stephen Douglas reached when Josh Horn committed an error at short. Albenis Machado followed with a single to center field to put runners on first and second. Nelson Teilon drove in both runs with a double down the right field line. After Javier Brito flied out to center, Alberto Espinosa lined a single to center that scored Teilon and made it 3-0.

Singles from Conroy and Horn in the bottom of the first put runners on the corners against Diablos' starter Alex Kaminsky. Kaminsky kept the Wingnuts to one run in the inning, which came on a groundball double play from Clevlen.

Wichita had bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the second, but Kaminsky retired three straight hitters to escape the jam without allowing a run.

El Paso extended the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth. Gonzalez led off with a double and moved to third on Drew's sacrifice bunt. Douglas singled through the right side of a drawn-in infield to make it 4-1. Douglas stole second and went to third on a single to right from Machado. Singleton struck out Teilon, but a passed ball charged to Powell on the third strike allowed Douglas to score from third with the Diablos' fifth run of the game.

Kaminsky retired 13 in a row from the second inning into the sixth when he allowed a solo home run to center to Clevlen that cut the lead to 5-2.

With two outs in the seventh, Horn lined a two-run home run just fair, and just over the fence down the left field line to bring the Wingnuts within one.

Singleton allowed five runs, three earned, on nine hits, walking one and striking out five in the loss.

Kaminsky earned the win, pitching six and two-thirds. Kaminsky allowed four earned runs on eight hits, walked three, and struck out seven.

Matt Nevarez worked a perfect eighth for the Wingnuts, striking out the side in order.

The Wingnuts continue their homestand on Monday night when they play their inaugural series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Junior Guerra takes on Fargo right-hander Alex Caldera at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Pitch Past Diablos

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 2-1 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

Derek Blacksher and three Wingnuts' relievers limited the Diablos to just one run on eight hits over the course of the game. Blacksher earned the win, allowing one earned run in six and two-thirds innings, striking out three, walking two, and scattering seven hits. With the Wingnuts ahead 2-1 in the top of the seventh, Blacksher departed with the tying run on second and two outs. Logan Hoch came in and retired left-hand batting Stephen Douglas on a flyball to left that stranded the tying run in scoring position.

Marcos Tabata worked a scoreless eighth, recording all three outs on groundballs.

Josh Dew pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 13th save of the year. Alberto Espinosa led off the top of the ninth with a double to left-center, but Dew retired the next three batters in a row to preserve the win. Dew struck out Brian Joynt, induced a flyout to center from Maikol Gonazalez, and froze Kroy Drew with a called third strike that ended the game.

Down 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Jose Duran was hit by a pitch and took second on Mike Conroy's hit-and-run single to left field. Josh Horn laid down a sacrifice bunt up the third base line to put runners on second and third and two outs. Brent Clevlen lifted a deep flyball to the fence in right-center that scored Duran with the tying run. In an exciting play, Conroy attempted to score from second on the same flyball, but was ultimately thrown out at the plate after Espinosa withstood a collision and held onto the ball.

Wichita took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Edwin Bellorin led off with a double into the left field corner. Bellorin moved to third on Duran's groundout to second base, and scored when Conroy lined a sacrifice fly to center field.

Douglas drove in El Paso's lone run with a two-out, RBI single down the left field line in the top of the third.

Luis Montano started for El Paso and took the loss, allowing two earned runs on nine hits in seven and one-third innings. Montano walked none and struck out three.

The series wraps up on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Nick Singleton faces right-hander Alex Kaminsky. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Rally in Ninth, Win in 13th

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the El Paso Diablos 6-5 in 13 innings at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth, Edwin Bellorin clocked a long solo home run to left-center off of Diablos' starter Scott Hodsdon to tie the game. The drive was Bellorin's second homer of the night and banked off the video board beyond the outfield wall.

Each bullpen came up with big outs over the first three extra frames before Wichita won it in the bottom of the 13th. Facing reliever Josh Grady, Peter Barrows led off with a four-pitch walk. Bellorin sacrificed Barrows to second, and on the next pitch, Jose Duran lined a sharp single to center that scored Barrows with the winning run.

Josh Dew earned credit for the win, working two and two-thirds shutout innings. Dew struck out four, walked none, and allowed just an infield single.

Grady took the loss, allowing one earned run in one and two-thirds innings.

El Paso scored twice in the top of the second to take a 2-0 lead against Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman, with infield singles from Alberto Espinosa and Maikol Gonzalez driving in the runs.

Bellorin hit his first home run in the bottom of the second, a high flyball to left against Hodsdon that sliced El Paso's lead in half.

After El Paso scratched out a run in the fourth on a bases loaded walk to Stephen Douglas, Josh Workman hit an opposite field home run off the the scoredboard in left field in the bottom of the inning that again brought Wichita within one.

The Wingnuts took their first lead of the night in the fifth. Bellorin led off with a single to center and advanced to second on a sacrifice by Duran. Mike Conroy sent Bellorin to third with an infield single. Josh Horn followed with a two-run double down the right field line that gave the Wingnunts a 5-4 advantage.

El Paso took advantage of two two-out errors in the top of the seventh to score the tying and go-ahead runs.

Sherman took a no-decision, working the first six innings. Sherman allowed three earned runs on four hits, walking seven, and striking out six. Sherman settled in during the middle innings, retiring the final seven batters to face him after the bases loaded walk to Douglas.

Hodsdon also took a no-decision, working nine full innings and allowing five earned runs. Hodsdon allowed nine hits, two walks, struck out four, and threw 134 pitches.

Jared Simon, Kendy Batista, Logan Hoch, and Marcos Tabata joined Dew in combining for seven relief innings without allowing an earned run.

Hoch, a left-hander, was signed before the game. The 24-year old spent the last season and a half in the Detroit Tigers' organization, averaging 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Hoch pitched two years at Wichita State University from 2008-2010, redshirting in 2009. The Wichita native worked to a 2.18 ERA as a senior for the Shockers last season before the Tigers selected him in the 30th round. Prior to the game, the Wingnuts also traded Brandon Mathes to the Frontier League's Florence Freedom in exchange for a player to be named later.

The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher takes the mound across Diablos' righty Luis Montano. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Suffer Tough Loss in Shreveport

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

Wichita led 2-0 through five innings, but Shreveport rallied for two in the sixth and one in the seventh to avoid a three-game sweep at home.

With the Captains down 2-0, Alex Cowart was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the sixth and advanced to third on Mike Provencher's double down the left field line. After Robert Perry lined out to left field, Bryan Sabatella lined a single to left that cut the Wingnuts' lead to 2-1. Palmer Karr Jr. then tied the game with an RBI groundout to third base.

Uriak Marquez led off the seventh with a single down the right field line against Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson. Hinson was relieved by Jared Simon who retired Brian Peterson on a popout to first. Marquez stole second and moved to third on Bryan Frichter's groundball to second. Cowart then drove in the go-ahead run with a soft single to right field.

Captains' starter Osvaldo Rodriguez worked around a leadoff single in the top of the eighth from Josh Horn and kept the Wingnuts from tying the game. Rodriguez gave way to Mark Haynes in the top of the ninth, who pitched a scoreless inning to earn the save.

Rodriguez allowed two earned runs on five hits over eight innings for the win. Rodriguez struck out seven and walked four.

Wichita took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a two-out, RBI double off the left-center field fence by Brent Clevlen. Peter Barrows extended his hitting streak to six games in a row with a solo home run with two outs in the fourth that made it 2-0 Wichita. It was Barrows' first professional home run.

Hinson pitched well and took a tough loss. Hinson allowed three earned runs on five hits in six-plus innings. Hinson walked one and struck out five.

The Wingnuts return home and open a seven-game homestand on Friday night when they host the El Paso Diablos at 7:05 p.m. Chad Sherman is expected to be on the mound for the Wingnuts. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Sets Tone in Return to Wingnuts

SHREVEPORT, LA- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 9-2 at Fair Grounds Field on Tuesday night.

Nick Singleton allowed one hit and one earned run in five and one-third innings in his return to the Wingnuts, while rookie right fielder Peter Barrows collected three hits for a second straight night and chipped in three RBI. Singleton and four Wichita relievers combined for a two-hitter in the win.

Wichita jumped on Captains' starter Steve Kent for three runs in the top of the first. Mike Conroy led off the game with a walk and took third on Josh Horn's hit-and-run single to right field. Brent Clevlen drove in Conroy with a line drive single to left. Juan Richardson lifted a flyball to right field that allowed Horn to take third and Clevlen to take second. Jorge Delgado made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to deep center that scored Horn. Two batters later, and With Clevlen now on third, Barrows legged out an infield single that scored Wichita's third run of the inning.

Mike Provencher led off the bottom of the first with an infield single up the middle for the only hit the Captains managed against Singleton. Singleton stranded two in the first, and following a leadoff walk to Uriak Marquez in the second, went on to retire the next 12 Captains' hitters in a row. Singleton struck out seven and walked just two while improving to 9-0 this season.

Workman drew a leadoff walk in the top of the fourth and scored from first on a long double to left-center from Barrows that gave Wichita a 4-0 lead.

Barrows drove in Workman from first base again in the top of the sixth, hitting another line drive double to left-center.

Shreveport-Bossier scored its only runs in the bottom of the sixth. With two on and one out, Bryan Sabatella doubled to right-center field against Brandon Mathes to bring the Captains within three runs. Mathes retired the next two hitters to end the rally, starting a run of 11 in a row by the Wingnuts' bullpen to close out the contest.

The Wingnuts broke the game open for good in the top of the eighth. Richardson drew a leadoff walk, setting up a long, two-run home run over the left field fence by Delgado. Wichita took advantage of walks in the eighth to Workman and Barrows with Conroy and Horn each driving in a run with two outs.

Matt Nevarez, Marcos Tabata, and Kendy Batista each worked a perfect inning in the seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively. Tabata struck out the side during his frame.

Kent took the loss, allowing three earned runs on three hits in two innings of work. Kent walked one and struck out one.

Workman reached base four times with a hit, two walks, and a hit batsman. Workman scored three runs.

The series concludes on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson faces right-hander Osvaldo Rodriguez. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Friday, July 22nd when they host the El Paso Diablos at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Grind Out Comeback in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, LA- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 8-4 at Fair Grounds Field on Monday night.

Wichita overcame a 3-2 deficit with three runs in the top of the seventh inning. Mike Conroy drew a one-out walk and stole second base. Josh Horn singled up the middle to score Conroy with the tying run. After Brent Clevlen walked, Juan Richardson crushed a double to deep left field that drove in two more runs to give Wichita a 5-3 lead.

Shreveport-Bossier scratched out a run in the bottom of the seventh on Bryan Sabatella's two-out, RBI single off of Jared Simon. Sabatella then stole second base and took third on a throwing error charged to Edwin Bellorin. After Palmer Karr Jr. walked, Simon retired Andres Rodriguez on a line drive to right, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

Wichita added three more runs in the top of the eighth to extend the lead. A single from Peter Barrows, a walk to Edwin Bellorin, and a bunt single from Jose Duran loaded the bases with no outs. Conroy forced home Wichita's sixth run with a bases loaded walk. Horn and Clevlen followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies to make it 8-4.

Marcos Tabata threw a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning while Josh Dew had a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to finish the win.

RBI singles from Bellorin in the second, and Richardson in the third allowed the Wingnuts to take a 2-0 lead.

Robert Perry doubled home Shreveport-Bossier's first run in the bottom of the third. Alex Cowart tied the game with a double in the bottom of the fourth. Uriak Marquez hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth to give the Captains their brief 3-2 lead.

Junior Guerra started and earned the win for the Wingnuts, allowing three earned runs on six hits. Guerra walked three and struck out six. Guerra is now 4-0 in his last five starts.

Josh Strawn started for the Captains and took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts.

Captains' reliever Jake McCarter was charged with the loss. Barrows finished the game with three hits, a walk, and a stolen base. Conroy set a Wingnuts' single-game record with four walks.

The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Friday, July 22nd when they host the El Paso Diablos. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Returns to Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced Tuesday that they have re-signed right-handed pitcher Nick Singleton.

Singleton returns to the Wingnuts after a stint in the Mexican League with the Acereros de Monclova (Monclova Steelers). Singleton was 1-1 with a 7.11 ERA in three starts for the Steelers, striking out 16 batters in 12.2 innings pitched.

The 28-year old right-hander is 8-0 this season for the Wingnuts with a 2.11 ERA in seven starts and two relief appearances. The Montgomery, AL native has struck out 47 and walked only 13 in 47.0 innings. Despite having missed the last month of the American Association season, Singleton's eight wins still rank tied for third in the league, while his ERA is just several innings short of qualifying for first.

Singleton has led the American Association in ERA two out of the last three seasons, posting a 2.24 mark in 2008 with Sioux City, and a 2.36 figure last season with the Wingnuts.

Singleton is expected to take the mound tonight at Shreveport-Bossier in the middle game of the Wingnuts' series against the Captains. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts Drop Rubber Game in Grand Prairie

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-0 to the Grand Prairie AirHogs at QuikTrip Park on Sunday evening.

AirHogs' starter Jason Jennings threw seven shutout innings to earn the win. Jennings allowed six hits, walked two, and struck out seven.

Grand Prairie had a multi-run first for a second straight night. With first and second and one out, Cesar Nicolas doubled home two runs on a line drive to right-center field. Two batters later, Chris McMurray ripped a single down the left field line to make it 3-0.

Nicolas drove in the AirHogs' fourth run with an RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the third.

Derek Blacksher took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing four earned runs on six hits in six innings. Blacksher walked four and struck out three. Blacksher settled in after allowing the three runs in the first, and kept the AirHogs to one run on four hits from the second through the sixth.

Kendy Batista threw two scoreless innings in relief of Blacksher. The Wingnuts left 10 runners on base in the loss. It marked only the third time this season the Wingnuts have been shutout.

The Wingnuts head to Shreveport, LA for a three-game series against the Captains beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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AirHogs' Early Runs Hold Against Wingnuts

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-3 to the Grand Prairie AirHogs at QuikTrip Park on Saturday night.

Grand Prairie scored two in the first and four in the second to build an early lead that the Wingnuts could not overcome. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the first, Greg Porter singled to center to drive in two runs against Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman.

David Thomas led off the bottom of the second with a walk and stole second base with one out. Thomas scored on Danny Figueroa's triple to right-center field. Guillermo Martinez lined a single to left that scored Figueroa and gave Grand Prairie a 4-0 lead. Two batters later, Cesar Nicolas hit a sacrifice fly to right that brought in Martinez. Porter drove in the AirHogs' final run with a two-out, RBI single to left.

Brandon Mathes took over for Sherman after Porter's base hit in the second, and led four Wingnuts' relievers in working six and one-third scoreless frames. Mathes worked three and one-third, allowing two hits, two walks, and striking out two. Jared Bradford, Matt Nevarez, and Marcos Tabata each chipped in a scoreless inning.

Wichita rallied for their only runs in the top of the seventh. Jorge Delgado drew a one-out walk, and scored from first on Josh Workman's double to center field. After Peter Barrows reached on an infield single, Edwin Bellorin doubled into the left field corner to drive in two more runs. Wichita eventually brought the tying run to the plate before AirHogs' reliever Bo Schultz retired Tommy Fitzgerald on a flyout to left to end the inning.

Sherman took the loss, allowing six earned runs on five hits in one and two-thirds. Sherman walked four and struck out two.

John Brownell earned the win for Grand Prairie, allowing three earned runs on five hits in six and two-thirds innings. Brownell walked four and struck out nine. Brownell held the Wingnuts to two hits over the first six innings.

The series concludes Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher opposes right-hander Jason Jennings. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Friday, August 22nd when they host the El Paso Diablos. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Hinson Leads Another Wingnuts' Gem

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts posted their third consecutive shutout, and fourth in the last five games, beating the Grand Prairie AirHogs 5-0 at QuikTrip Park on Friday night.

Ryan Hinson continued the Wingnuts' recent trend of outstanding starting pitching, limiting the AirHogs to just four hits over seven full innings. Hinson walked three and struck out six while earning his seventh win of the season. It is the first time the Wingnuts have ever pitched three consecutive shutouts.

The Wingnuts scored three times in the top of the first to give Hinson early support. With two outs and no one on base, Brent Clevlen walked and took third on Juan Richardson's single to right. Jorge Delgado plated Clevlen with a line drive single to left. Josh Workman made it 2-0, pulling a single into right field. Rookie right fielder Peter Barrows capped off the rally with an RBI single to center field in his first professional at bat that brought in Delgado from third base. Barrows finished the night 2 for 4 with a walk, RBI, and stolen base.

The Wingnuts extended the lead in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded and one out, Mike Conroy ripped a single down the right field line that scored Edwin Bellorin and Josh Horn to make it 5-0.

Hinson worked around Grand Prairie's only scoring threat in the bottom of the inning. The AirHogs loaded the bases with two outs, but Hinson induced an inning-ending flyout to right from David Thomas.

Kendy Batista worked a scoreless eighth inning while Jared Simon tossed a perfect ninth to wrap up the Wingnuts' league-leading ninth shutout of the season. The Wingnuts' pitching staff did not allow a runner past first base after the fourth inning.

Lance Janke started for the AirHogs and took the loss. Janke allowed five earned runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out five.

Barrows was signed before the game. The Old Saybrook, CT native recently finished his college career at the University of Bridgeport where he hit .353 with 31 RBI and 21 stolen bases. Barrows most recently played in the collegiate wood bat summer MINK League, hitting .404 with eight home runs and 44 RBI in 35 games for the Nevada Griffons.

The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. with Chad Sherman taking on right-hander John Brownell. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts No-Hit Captains!

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts shutout the Shreveport-Bossier Captains for a third time in four games, winning 1-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

Three Wingnuts pitchers combined to throw the fourth no-hitter in American Association history, led by starter Junior Guerra who went the first seven and one-third innings.

Guerra struck out nine, walked seven, and retired 14 batters in a row from the third inning into the eighth. With one out in the top of the eighth, Guerra issued a full count walk to Bryan Frichter. Guerra, who finished the night at 123 pitches, was relieved by right-hander Matt Nevarez. Nevarez promptly induced an inning-ending groundball double play off the bat of leadoff hitter Mike Provencher.

Josh Dew took over in the top of the ninth, and retired the side in order to finish the no-hitter. Dew set down Robert Perry on a flyball to left field, and then struck out Bryan Sabatella and Andres Rodriguez back-to-back to earn his 12th save of the year.

Guerra escaped the Captains' lone scoring chance in the top of the third. With two outs and no one on base, Provencher, Perry, and Sabatella each walked to load the bases for Rodriguez. Guerra stranded all three runners when Rodriguez hit into a fielder's choice at shortstop.

The Wingnuts scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs and the bases empty, Jorge Delgado sliced a double to the right-center field fence. On the next pitch from Captains' starter Richard Salazar, Josh Workman muscled a single into shallow center field to score Delgado with what proved to be the only run of the night.

Guerra's run of setting down 14 consecutive Captains started with Rodriguez in the third. Guerra struck out two in both the fourth and six innings.

With one out in the top of the seventh, Palmer Karr Jr. lifted a deep fly ball to left-center field. Mike Conroy ran to the fence and made a short leap, before reaching over the wall and taking away a potential game-tying home run. Guerra finished the seventh by striking out Uriak Marquez.

Salazar took the loss, allowing one earned run in seven-plus innings. Salazar walked one and struck out four.

It was the second no-hitter in team history, both of which have now come in 1-0 victories. Will Savage had the other on June 23rd, 2009 at Sioux City.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series at Grand Prairie on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson takes on right-hander Lance Janke. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Blacksher Old Self as Wingnuts Blank Captains

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 5-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

In his official return to the Wingnuts, Derek Blacksher pitched eight shutout innings to earn the win. Blacksher allowed just two hits, and none after the fourth inning. Blacksher struck out six, walked three, and retired the leadoff hitter in seven of eight frames. Blacksher threw 111 pitches and never allowed a runner past second base.

The Wingnuts took an early lead in the bottom of the first, scoring twice. Brent Clevlen reached on an infield single with two outs. Juan Richardson followed with a line drive, two-run home run over the left field wall.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jose Duran reached first on an infield single with one out. Mike Conroy tripled to left-center field to score Duran and give the Wingnuts a 3-0 lead. Two batters later, Richardson collected his third RBI of the game with a two-out, RBI single through the left side.

Josh Workman hit a long, opposite-field home run with one out in the bottom of the fifth to give the Wingnuts a five-run lead.

Twice in the game, Blacksher retired seven or more hitters in a row.

Marcos Tabata finished the game with a scoreless top of the ninth.

Aaron Cunningham started for the Captains and took the loss. Cunningham allowed five earned runs on 11 hits in six innings. Cunningham walked one and struck out three.

Blacksher improved to 6-0 lifetime at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, and 12-2 in a Wingnuts' uniform. The Wingnuts defense turned three groundball double plays in the win.

The Wingnuts and Captains finish their series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra goes to the mound against left-hander Richard Salazar. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Re-Acquire Frontline Starter Blacksher

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts acquired right-handed pitcher Derek Blacksher from the Fort Worth Cats in exchange for outfielder Ryan Patterson in a late-Sunday trade.

Blacksher, the American Association's 2009 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year, was 3-6 in 11 starts and one relief appearance with a 4.55 ERA for the Cats. In 65.1 innings, the 26-year old Blacksher struck out 55, walked 22, and allowed 69 hits. Born in Bridge City, TX, Blacksher allowed three or fewer earned runs in eight of his 11 starts, including a two-hit, 12-strikeout performance versus the Amarillo Sox on June 3rd.

"I am excited to have Derek Blacksher back in a Wingnuts uniform," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He was a key part to our success in 2009, and hopefully can help us make a run to the postseason to finish out this year."

In 2009, Blacksher went 11-2 with a 3.38 ERA for the Wingnuts in 20 starts. Blacksher led the American Association in victories and won his 11th game before anyone else in the league had won 10. The 6-foot, 205-pound Blacksher finished the season seventh in ERA and fifth in strikeouts (93). Incredibly, Blacksher did not allow a home run over his first 111.1 innings in 2009, and yielded just two by the end of the year in 125.0. Blacksher put an exclaimation point on his season with a brilliant performance in Game Three of the Division Series versus Lincoln, working seven and two-thirds scoreless innings to give Wichita a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Blacksher was originally drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 33rd round in 2007 out of McNeese State University. The fifth-year professional entered 2011 with a 26-19 career record with 11 saves and a 4.37 ERA.

Patterson hit .297 with 26 home runs and 116 RBI over 151 games over the last season and a half. Last season, Patterson led the Wingnuts with 15 home runs and 72 RBI, and became the first player in team history to start in every game (96).

"Ryan Patterson has been a huge part of our success offensively over the last two seasons, and will be hard to replace in our lineup," said Hooper. "I wish him nothing but the best! Starting pitching has been a need all year, and sometimes you have to give up something good to get something good in this game."

Blacksher is scheduled to pitch Tuesday night versus Shreveport-Bossier.

The Wingnuts continue their four-game series versus the Captains tonight at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts' Huge Comeback Falls Short

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 11-9 to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday night.

The Wingnuts rallied from an 11-run deficit to pull within two in the bottom of the ninth, but had their comeback ultimately fall short. The Captains' final nine runs all scored with two outs.

Shreveport-Bossier scored five runs in the top of the first against Wingnuts' starter Jared Bradford. Mike Provencher and Robert Perry opened the game with back-to-back singles. After Bradford struck out Bryan Sabatella, Andres Rodriguez doubled off the top of the left-center field fence to drive in Provencher with the first run if the night. Perry came home on Brian Peterson's RBI groundout to second.

Palmer Karr Jr. singled home Rodriguez with a groundball through the right side. Uriak Marquez made it 4-0 with a triple to right-center. Alex Cowart finished the rally with a line drive single to right that plated Marquez.

Shreveport added four more runs with two outs in the second. Karr hit a three-run home run over the scoreboard in left-center which was followed by a solo shot to right by Marquez.

Bradford took the loss, allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits in two innings. Bradford walked one and struck out two.

Bryan Frichter hit a two-out, two-run double down the right field line in the top of the fourth to increase the Captains' lead to 11-0.

Brandon Mathes led a string of six Wingnuts' relievers who held the Captains to just two earned runs on four hits over seven full innings. Kendy Batista, Eric Gilliland, Jared Simon, Matt Nevarez, and Marcos Tabata each worked a scoreless frame to keep the Captains at bay.

Wichita's comeback started in the sixth. Mike Conroy and Jorge Delgado each clubbed a two-run home run to cut the lead to 11-4. Edwin Bellorin hit an RBI groundout in the bottom of the eighth that made it 11-5.

In the bottom of the ninth, Thomas Fitzgerald and Jose Duran hit consecutive singles against reliever Dan Griffin. Conroy then doubled off the fence in straightaway center field to cut the lead to five runs. Griffin was lifted from the game due to injury and replaced by Lee Henry, who promptly allowed a long, three-run home run to left-center to Brent Clevlen. Henry recovered, with the Captains now nursing a two-run lead, and retired the next three hitters in a row to end the game.

Ryan DiPietro started and earned the win for the Captains. DiPietro allowed four earned runs on seven hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out seven.

The Wingnuts and Captains continue their series on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Derek Blacksher is scheduled to make his official return to the Wingnuts. Shreveport-Bossier goes with left-hander Aaron Cunningham. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Sherman Tosses Gem Against Captains

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts shutout the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 11-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Sunday evening.

With temperatures in excess of 105 degrees throughout the entire game, Rookie right-hander Chad Sherman pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout, and set a Wingnuts' club record with 12 strikeouts.

Until the ninth inning, Sherman kept the Captains to just one base hit, which came on a line drive single to center from Bryan Sabatella with two outs in the top of the fourth. After Sabatella's base hit, Sherman retired the next 14 batters in a row before Alex Cowart reached on an error by Thomas Fitzgerald with one out in the top of the ninth. Mike Provencher followed with a single off the glove of Jose Duran to put runners on first and second. Ryan Patterson helped preserve the shutout, diving towards home plate to catch Robert Perry's sinking line drive to right field for the second out. Sherman then struck out Joe Urtuzuastegui during an eight-pitch at bat to end the game.

Sherman struck out nine different batters over the course of the masterpiece, and struck out the side during the top of the sixth. From the fourth inning into the seventh, Sherman struck out nine of 12 batters faced. The right-hander threw 114 pitches and walked only one batter.

It was the first nine-inning complete game for a Wingnuts' pitcher since July 10th, 2010, and the first nine-inning, complete game shutout since June 27th, 2009.

Offensively, the Wingnuts scored six times in the bottom of the second to build an early lead. Mike Conroy grounded a single up the middle and took third when Matthew Powell flared a single into shallow right. Josh Horn beat out an infield single on a grounbdall to shortstop, scoring Conroy with the game's first run.

Jose Duran laid down a sacrifice bunt towards third base that put runners on second and third with one out. Ryan Patterson made it 2-0 with a groundball single through the right side of a drawn in Captains' infield. Brent Clevlen hit a sacrifice fly to right that scored Horn with the Wingnuts' third run. After Juan Richardson drew a walk, Jorge Delgado lifted a three-run home run over the left field fence to cap off the big inning.

Richardson hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth to increase the lead to 8-0. Later in the same inning, Powell drew a bases loaded walk to force home Wichita's ninth run.

Josh Workman hit an opposite field, two-run home run to left in the sixth to provide the game's final margin.

Joel Kirsten started for the Captains and took the loss. Kirsten allowed nine earned runs on 10 hits in four innings. Kirsten walked four and struck out three.

Eight of Wichita's nine starters had at least one hit, while all nine reached base with either a hit or a walk. The 11-0 win was the Wingnuts' largest margin of victory in a shutout.

The series continues Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Jared Bradford takes on left-hander Ryan DiPietro. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Lincoln Takes Series From Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-1 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

Lincoln scored five unearned runs over the first five innings, all of which came on two-out hits. In the top of the second, Brandon Jones reached on an error by Juan Richardson. After Joseph Ramos walked, Vance Albitz laid down a sacrifice bunt to put runners on second and third. Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson retired Blake Gailen on a groundout to first, but Gavin Dickey tripled to the fence in right-center to give Lincoln a 2-0 lead.

In the fifth, Ramos reached first with one out on an error by Jose Duran. Albitz walked, and then Gailen grounded out to Hinson to again put runners on second and third with two outs. Dickey walked to load the bases which set up a two-run single to left field from Phil Hawke that made it 4-0. Pat Trettel followed with a line drive single to center that scored Dickey with Lincoln's fifth run.

Jorge Cortes singled through a drawn in infield in the top of the seventh to make it 6-0.

The Wingnuts' lone run came in the bottom of the seventh. Consecutive singles from Josh Horn, Duran, and Mike Conroy loaded the bases with nobody out. Nick Schreiber relieved Lincoln starter Alessandro Maestri and induced a double play ball off the bat of Ryan Patterson that brought in Horn from third base.

Hinson took the loss, his first at home in six starts this season, allowing five unearned runs in five and two-thirds innings. Hinson allowed six hits, walked five, and struck out four.

Maestri earned the win, allowing one earned run on seven hits in six-plus innings. Maestri walked three and struck out two.

Marcos Tabata and Josh Dew each threw a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. The Wingnuts left 10 runners on base in the loss. Juan Richardson's 14-game hitting streak came to an end.

The Wingnuts open a four-game series versus the Shreveport-Bossier Captains on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. Chad Sherman will be on the mound against lefty Joel Kirsten. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Guerra, Delgado Lead Wingnuts Over Lincoln

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Lincoln Saltdogs 9-1 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

Junior Guerra pitched eight strong innings, allowing one earned run on just five hits to earn the victory. The Wingnuts' offense collected 12 hits and scored all nine of their runs with two outs.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Jose Duran reached on an infield single into the hole at shortstop. Mike Conroy singled up the middle, and then Ryan Patterson drew a walk to load the bases with one out against Saltdogs' starter James Garcia. After Garcia struck out Brent Clevlen for the second out of the inning, Juan Richardson was hit by a pitch to force home the tying run. Jorge Delgado followed with a line drive single to left that scored Conroy and Patterson to give Wichita a 3-1 lead.

Delgado, who was celebrating his 31st birthday on Friday, finished the night with five RBI. Josh Workman finished the third-inning rally with a long double down the right field line that scored Richardson and Delgado.

The Wingnuts added four more in the bottom of the sixth against Lincoln's bullpen. Josh Horn and Duran drew back-to-back walks to open the inning. Reliever Sean Potter retired the next two hitters before Clevlen lined a single to right-center that scored Horn to make it 6-1. After Richardson walked to load the bases, Potter was relieved by Jordan Stern. On Stern's second pitch, Delgado doubled to the fence in right-center to clear the bases and break the game open at 9-1.

Guerra cruised after the Wingnuts took the lead, and did not allow a hit over the middle three innings. Guerra struck out seven and walked only one in the win.

Lincoln grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third when Phil Hawke singled home Blake Gailen with one out. Guerra prevented Lincoln from working a big inning by striking out Jeff Howell and Jorge Cortes back-to-back to end the inning and strand runners on the corners.

Garcia took the loss, allowing five earned runs on nine hits in five innings. Garcia walked one and struck out three.

Right-hander Matt Nevarez made his Wingnuts' debut in the top of the ninth, and recorded a scoreless inning with his fastball consistently sitting in the mid- to high-90's.

Nevarez was signed by the Wingnuts prior to the game. The 24-year old right-hander was with the Houston Astros' organization earlier this season, pitching for Double-A Corpus Christi in the Texas League. Nevarez was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school in 2005 in the 10th round. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Nevarez was on Houston's 40-man roster last season. The Mission Hills, CA native has averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings in six professional seasons.

The Wingnuts released right-hander Justin Murray to make room for Nevarez.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson faces right-hander Alessandro Maestri. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Hits Don't Add Up for Wingnuts in Loss

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-5 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

All nine of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit, with the team combining for 18 in the loss. Wichita had an early 1-0 lead, but Lincoln scored four in the second and three in the fourth to take command of the game.

Jeff Howell led off the top of the second with a triple against Wingnuts' starter Justin Murray and came home when Brandon Jones grounded a single through the middle of a drawn in infield. After Jones advanced to second on a passed ball, Joseph Ramos doubled on a deep flyball to the warning track in right-center to give Lincoln a 2-1 lead. Vance Albitz reached on an error when his line drive to second went off of Jose Duran's glove and into right field. Blake Gailen and Gavin Dickey extended the rally with back-to-back RBI singles to make it 4-1.

Ramos reached on an error charged to Brent Clevlen leading off the fourth. After Albitz walked, Gailen singled through the middle for a second time in the game to drive in Lincoln's fifth run. Dickey singled to right to load the bases, setting up a two-run single to left from Phil Hawke that broke the game open at 7-1.

Wichita scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to four runs. Juan Richardson drove in Ryan Patterson from third with an RBI groundout. With two outs and the bases empty, Jorge Delgado singled to center, stole second base, and scored on a single to left field from Josh Workman.

Lincoln scored an eighth run in the top of the sixth on an RBI groundout to second from Jorge Cortes.

The Wingnuts rallied in the bottom of the eighth. With runners on first and third, Mike Conroy hit a ground rule double over the center field fence to again bring the Wingnuts within four. After reliever Paul Koss retired Patterson, Brent Clevlen ripped a line drive towards shortstop that deflected off of Albitz and into left field. Third base umpire Tony Scenia however, ruled that the ball struck Conroy, signaling the end of the inning.

Workman hit a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the ninth before reliever P.J. Zocchi struck out Josh Horn to end the game and notch the save.

Murray took the loss, allowing seven runs, five earned, in five innings. Murray walked four and struck out three.

Tim Brown earned the win for the Wingnuts, allowing three earned runs in six and two-thirds innings. Brown struck out three and did not walk a batter while scattering 11 hits. Brown improved to 5-0 lifetime against the Wingnuts in the regular season in six starts and two relief outings.

Richardson extended his hitting streak to 13 consecutive games. Jared Simon chipped in one and two-thirds scoreless innings.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs continue their series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra takes on right-hander James Garcia. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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T-Bones' Mitchell Shuts Down Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 1-0 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

T-Bones' starter Matt Mitchell tossed a complete game, four-hit shutout to help the T-Bones take the rubber game of the five-game series.

Mitchell never allowed a runner past second base, and limited the Wingnuts to four hits and two walks. Mitchell threw 113 pitches, struck our four, and retired the final seven batters to face him in the win.

The only run of the game came in the top of the first. With the bases loaded and one out, Kala Ka'aihue hit a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Keanon Simon.

Newcomer Jared Bradford started for Wichita, allowing just the one earned run in four innings of work. Bradford took the loss, allowing seven hits, walking one, and striking out two.

The Wingnuts' bullpen combined for five shutout innings in relief of Bradford. Brandon Mathes and Kendy Batista each worked two, while Jared Simon pitched a scoreless top of the ninth.

Juan Richardson extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single to right field in the bottom of the fourth.

It was the Wingnuts' first 1-0 shutout loss at home in their history.

The Wingnuts signed Bradford prior to the game. The 25-year old right-hander pitched four seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization. Bradford is 5-8 in his career with a 4.31 ERA in 163.0 innings pitched. Bradford has averaged just 2.0 walks per nine innings in his four professional seasons. The Birmingham, AL native pitched collegiately for two seasons at LSU from 2007-2008, and struck out 15 batters in just 12.1 innings during the 2008 College World Series. To make room for Bradford, the Wingnuts traded right-hander Michael Cotter to the Frontier League's Washington Wild Things in exchange for future considerations.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series versus the Lincoln Saltdogs on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Murray takes on Saltdogs' right-hander Tim Brown. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Kansas Star Casino Launch-a-Ball Gives Fans a Chance at $100,000

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced a new partnership with Kansas Star Casino on Wednesday. South central Kansas' casino will be the title sponsor of the Wingnuts' Launch-a-Ball promotion.

Kansas Star will bring more than their name to Launch-a-Ball, as finalists will be selected for a chance to throw for $100,000.

"Launch-a-Ball has proven to be a fun addition to our home games," said Wingnuts' majority owner Steve Ruud. "The huge grand prize can only add to the excitement and Launch-a-Ball's success."

Beginning July 8th, 2011, any Launch-a-Ball "jackpot" winner at all remaining Friday, Saturday, and Sunday home games will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $100,000 following the Wingnuts' final home game on Friday, August 26th.

Two lucky fans will be randomly selected from all of the previous jackpot winners for a chance to throw for the grand prize of $100,000. The two finalists will stand atop the main pitcher's mound at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, and throw to a target positioned 60-feet, six-inches away. If either contestant throws three strikes through the target at home plate, before throwing four balls outside of the target, they will win the grand prize.

A video featuring the Wingnuts' Launch-a-Ball promotion can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDaTu0dfEtc

The Wingnuts open an eight-game homestand Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Kansas City T-Bones. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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T-Bones Comeback on Wingnuts

KANSAS CITY, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-3 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark on Monday night.

The T-Bones overcame an early 3-0 Wingnuts' lead, scoring six unanswered runs. With two on and two-out in the bottom of the third, Ray Sadler hit a three-run home run to left-center field that tied the game against Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman.

With two outs and no one on base in the fourth, Jimmy Mojica doubled down the left field line and scored the go-ahead run when Aharon Eggleston singled up the middle.

Eggleston drove in the T-Bones' fifth run of the night with a bouncing ball single in the bottom of the sixth. Prentice Redman homered down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh for the final run of the game.

Andy Shipman earned the save for Kansas City with a perfect top of the ninth.

The Wingunts scored three runs in the top of the second to take an early 3-0 lead. Jorge Delgado and Josh Workman reached on back-to-back singles with one out. Edwin Bellorin followed with a line drive single to right that scored Delgado from second base. Josh Horn grounded out to the mound, advancing Workman to third and Bellorin to second with two outs. Jose Duran finished the rally with a single to shallow right that cashed in two more runs.

Devin Anderson earned the win for Kansas City, allowing three earned runs in six-plus innings. Anderson walked three and struck out six.

Sherman took the loss, allowing four earned runs in four-plus innings. Sherman walked three and struck out four.

Brandon Mathes struck out four batters during one and one-third innings of relief. Kendy Batista threw a scoreless relief inning in the bottom of the eighth.

Juan Richardson extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a double in the top of the eighth.

The Wingnuts return home on Wednesday when they host the T-Bones at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Win Unbelievable Game in KC

KANSAS CITY, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won 10-9 over the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark on Sunday night.

The Wingnuts rallied from an early 5-0 deficit to take seprate leads in the eighth and ninth innings, before holding on for the one-run win in the bottom of the ninth. Eight of the Wingnuts' 10 runs came on two-out hits.

With the game tied at 7-7, Jose Duran led off the top of the ninth with a line drive single to left field. Duran stole second base and advanced to third when T-Bones' reliever Kyle Dahman made an errant pickoff throw to second base. Mike Conroy drilled a deep flyball to straightaway center field that was caught on the warning track by Ray Sadler. Duran tagged from third and scored the go-ahead run. Later in the inning, Jorge Delgado doubled to right-center field to drive in two more runs and give the Wingnuts a 10-7 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, Jimmy Mojica drew a leadoff walk against Josh Dew, who had come on in relief of Marcos Tabata in the bottom of the eighth. After Rico Washington popped out to shortstop, Ray Sadler singled through the left side to bring the tying run to the plate. Dew retired Kala Ka'aihue when the T-Bones' first baseman swung at a 3-0 pitch and flied to shallow right field. Aharon Eggleston tripled to the fence in left-center to bring the T-Bones within one run, but Dew got Prentice Redman to fly out to left field to end the game.

Kansas City scored three in the bottom of the second, beginning with an errant pickoff throw from Wichita starter Ryan Hinson. Jeff Hulett capped off the inning with a two-run double to left field.

Redman and Mojica hit solo home runs, in the fourth and fifth innings respectively, to increase Kansas City's lead to five.

Wichita loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the seventh against T-Bones' starter Kris Johnson. The Wingnuts' first run of the night scored when Edwin Bellorin hit into a double play. Josh Horn cut the deficit to 5-2 with a two-out, RBI single to right field.

Wichita rallied to load the bases with two outs in the top of the eighth against reliever Drew Graham. Josh Workman made it a 5-3 game, reaching on an infield, RBI single to third against new reliever Steven Stewart. Bellorin was next and cleared the bases with a double to the left-center field wall. Now leading 6-5, Horn delivered again with two outs, lining a single to right that plated Bellorin.

Tabata recorded the first two outs in the bottom of the eighth before allowing back-to-back walks to Ka'aihue and Eggleston. Dew took over and allowed a walk to Redman that loaded the bases. Gerardo Caceres then singled to center to tie the game. After Jeff Hulett walked to re-load the bases, Dew struck out Bowden to keep the game tied.

Dew earned the win in relief, working one and one-third innings on 43 pitches.

Hinson took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs on five hits in seven innings. Hinson walked three and struck out two.

Johnson also took a no-decision, allowing two earned runs on four hits in seven innings. Johnson walked four and struck out four.

Stewart took the loss in relief for the T-Bones. Richardson extended his hitting streak to 10 games in a row.

Wichita and Kansas City play again at Community America Ballpark on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com The Wingnuts return home on Wednesday when they host the T-Bones at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Rally Past T-Bones in Ninth

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Kansas City T-Bones 7-6 in front of 6,023 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, the Wingnuts rallied for two runs against T-Bones' closer Andy Shipman to pull out the win. Ryan Patterson led off with a bloop single to shallow center. Patterson stole second base and moved to third when Shipman's pickoff attempt went into center field. Shipman came back to strike out Brent Clevlen, but Juan Richardson hit a groundball triple that struck the left field foul line before rolling into foul territory. The T-Bones elected to walk Jorge Delgado and Josh Workman back-to-back to load the bases with one out. Edwin Bellorin won the game, drawing a five-pitch walk against Shipman to force in Richardson from third base.

Kansas City had mounted a comeback of their own in the top of the eighth against Wingnuts' reliever Kendy Batista. With the Wingnuts leading 5-4, Ray Sadler led off with a broken bat single to left field. Kala Ka'aihue followed with a line drive, two-run home run to left that moved Kansas City in front.

Jimmy Mojica hit a two-out, three-run home run to left field in the top of the second that gave the T-Bones an early 3-0 lead.

Josh Workman cut the lead to one run with a two-run double in the bottom of the third.

In the bottom of the fourth, Patterson was hit by a pitch and Clevlen drew a walk to put runners on first and second with one out. Richardson hit a groundball to third baseman Rico Washington who recorded a force at second, but Jeff Hulett's relay to first went into foul territory and allowed Patterson to score the tying run. Delgado doubled into the right field corner on a 3-0 count to give the Wingnuts a 4-3 lead. Bellorin added a fifth run with an RBI single to right-center.

Kansas City scored their fourth run in the top of the sixth when Keanon Simon hit into a double play with the bases loaded.

Marcos Tabata earned the win, working a scoreless top of the ninth inning. Jared Simon worked one and one-third perfect innings of relief.

Junior Guerra started for the Wingnuts and took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs in five-plus innings. Guerra allowed five hits, five walks, and struck out three.

T.J. Large started for Kansas City and also took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs on five hits in four and two-thirds innings. Large walked four and struck out one. Shipman took the loss in relief for the T-Bones.

Jose Duran's hitting streak ended at 13 games. Richardson's ninth-inning triple extended his hitting streak to nine.

The teams shift their series to Kansas City on Sunday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson faces left-hander Kris Johnson. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Beaten Again by Early Big Inning

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 11-8 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

Wichita led 5-1 after two innings, but an eight-run top of the third handed the T-Bones the lead for good. Consecutive singles from Jimmy Mojica, Rico Washington, and Ray Sadler loaded the bases with no outs against Wingnuts' starter Justin Murray. Kala Ka'aihue singled through the left side to score Mojica and Washington and cut the Wingnuts' lead to 5-3. Aharon Eggleston walked to re-load the bases, setting up Prentice Redman's line drive RBI single to center.

With the lead now at 5-4, and with the bases still loaded, Keanon Simon doubled to deep right field to score Ka'aihue and Eggleston with the tying and go-ahead runs. Jeff Hulett doubled to left center to score two more runs and give Kansas City an 8-5 lead. Johnny Bowden singled to center to drive in Hulett with the T-Bones' ninth run of the game.

The Wingnuts came right back in the bottom half of the third against T-Bones' starter Reid Santos. Juan Richardson led off with a double down the right field line. After Jorge Delgado walked, Josh Workman ripped a double into the right field corner that scored Richardson to make it 9-6. Edwin Bellorin drove in Delgado from third with a groundout to second base. Josh Horn brought the Wingnuts back within one run with a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Workman. Jose Duran then reached on an infield single to put the tying run on first, but Santos went on to retire the next 12 hitters in a row. Wichita had only two hits after Duran's single through the remainder of the game.

Kansas City added a run in the top of the fourth on an errant pickoff attempt by Bellorin. Bowden drove in Hulett for a second time in the game in the sixth with a groundball single through the middle that made it 11-8.

Steven Stewart and Andy Shipman combined for two and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief of Santos. Shipman earned the save.

Mojica led off the game with a single to left and scored on a double to left-center from Washington. Murray limited the T-Bones to the one run in the opening inning, allowing Wichita to take the lead.

With two outs and no one on base, Brent Clevlen and Richardson drew back-to-back walks against Santos. Jorge Delgado was next and lined a single to left that scored Clevlen to tie the game. Mojica cutoff the throw from left and attempted to throw behind Richardson at second base, but his throw overshot Hulett and went clear across the field. Richardson scored the lead run. With Delgado now on third, Workman grounded an infield single up the middle that made it 3-1 Wichita.

Ryan Patterson hit a two-out, two-run home run to left-center field in the second to give Wichita a 5-1 lead.

Murray took the loss, allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits in two and two-thirds innings. Murray walked three and struck out three.

Santos allowed eight runs, six earned, in six and one-third innings for the win. Santos walked three and struck out five.

Jared Simon allowed one earned run in two and one-third innings of long relief. Michael Cotter, Eric Gilliland, Marcos Tabata, and Josh Dew each worked a scoreless inning.

Duran had three hits and has now hit safely in 13 games in a row. The six Wingnuts pitchers combined to throw 212 pitches in the game.

The Wingnuts and T-Bones continue their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra takes on right-hander T.J. Large. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Seven-Run Second Dooms Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 10-5 to the El Paso Diablos at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

El Paso broke the game open early, scoring seven runs in the top of the second against Wingnuts' starter Steve MacFarland. With the bases loaded an no outs, Adam DeLeo hit a two-run double to right-center that gave the Diablos a 2-0 lead. Kory Drew followed with a triple to right-center that made it 4-0. Later in the inning, Albenis Machado singled home Drew with El Paso's fifth run. After Machado was caught stealing, Johan Garcia reached on an error by Juan Richardson. Kyle Nichols followed with a two-out, two-run home run to left-center that capped off the early rally.

The Diablos scored another run in the top of the third on a bases loaded walk to Machado. The Wingnuts got on the board in the bottom of the inning when Ryan Patterson crushed a two-run home run to left field.

During the game, Patterson was named the Wichita Sports Commission's 2011 Professional Athlete of the Year, an award the Wingnuts have now won two out of the last three seasons.

DeLeo hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth to make it 9-2.

RBI singles from Josh Workman and Patterson in the fifth and eighth innings respectively, brought the Wingnuts within five. An error from Josh Horn on Maikol Gonazalez' infield single in the top of the ninth brought in El Paso's final run of the night.

Workman drove in Richardson from third in the bottom of the ninth before El Paso reliever Ray Silva ended the game when Edwin Bellorin hit into a double play.

MacFarland took the loss, allowing seven runs, five earned, in one and two-thirds innings. MacFarland allowed six hits, walked two, and struck out six.

Brandon Mathes worked four and one-third innings of long relief, allowing two earned runs. Eric Gilliland pitched two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth.

Scott Hodsdon earned the win for El Paso, allowing three earned runs on 11 hits in six innings. Hodsdon walked three and struck out three.

With an infield single in the fourth, Jose Duran extended his hitting streak to 12 games. The Wingnuts left 11 runners on base in the loss.

The Wingnuts open a two-game home series versus Kansas City on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Murray will be on the mound against Kansas City lefty Reid Santos.

For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Hang on for Fourth Straight Win

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 6-5 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Wichita staved off a late Diablos' rally that saw a home plate collision in the top of the eighth that cut down the potential tying run.

With the Wingnuts leading 6-4, and with the bases loaded and one out for El Paso, Josh Dew was called from the bullpen for a five-out save opportunity. The first batter Dew faced, Johan Garcia, bounced a single into shallow left field that cut the lead to 6-5. On the same play, Stephen Douglas attempted to score from second base to tie the game, but was thrown out at the plate by Mike Conroy. Wingnuts' catcher Matthew Powell received Conroy's throw a few feet up the third base line before withstanding Douglas' tackle to record the second out. Dew then struck out Kyle Nichols on three pitches to end the inning and keep the Wingnuts in front.

Dew worked around a walk and a single in the ninth inning to record his 12th save of the year.

Wichita scored three runs in the bottom of the second to take an early 3-0 lead. Jorge Delgado led off with a line drive single to center and went to third when Josh Workman pulled a double down the right field line. Both runners scored on Josh Horn's triple to center that sailed over the head of Kory Drew. Two batters later, Jose Duran singled to center to drive in Horn. Duran went 3 for 3 and extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

After the Diablos scored a run in the third on an RBI groundout, Duran tripled with one out in the fourth and came home on a wild pitch thrown by El Paso starter Jae Jung.

Nichols hit a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the fifth to cut the lead to 4-3. Wichita scored one in the fifth on a Workman sacrifice fly, and another in the seventh on a Horn RBI double.

Chad Sherman started for the Wingnuts and earned his first career win. Sherman allowed three earned runs on eight hits in five and two-thirds innings. Sherman struck out two and walked two.

Jung took the loss, allowing five earned runs on 11 hits in five and one-third. Jung did not allow a walk, nor record a strikeout.

Jared Simon pitched one and one-third innings of scoreless relief.

The series concludes on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Steve MacFarland faces right-hander Scott Hodsdon. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Blank Diablos Again

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 9-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

All nine of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit, while Ryan Hinson worked seven shutout innings to lead Wichita's second consecutive shutout.

For a second straight night, the Wingnuts struck in the bottom of the third to break a scoreless tie. With runners on first and second and two outs, Ryan Patterson doubled onto the warning track in left-center field to give Wichita a 2-0 lead.

The Wingnuts scored three more in the fourth to expand their lead. Juan Richardson drew a leadoff walk and moved to second when Jorge Delgado reached on an infield single to shortstop. Josh Workman followed with a groundball double down the right field line that bounced over the first base bag before veering into the Diablos' bullpen. Richardson scored on the play to make it 3-0. Edwin Bellorin singled home Delgado on a line drive to shallow left-center. Josh Horn finished the rally with an RBI single through the right side that plated Workman.

Patterson led off the fifth with a line drive solo home run that just cleared the fence down the left field line. Workman and Horn added RBI hits later in the inning to carve out an 8-0 advantage.

Wichita's final run came in the seventh on a two-out, RBI single down the right field line from Jose Duran. Duran has now hit safely in 10 games in a row.

Hinson allowed just three hits and did not walk a batter during his seven innings. Hinson struck out six en route to his sixth win of the season. Hinson is now 5-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in five starts.

Adam Rowe took the loss for El Paso, allowing eight earned runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. Rowe walked two and struck out one.

Brandon Mathes and Michael Cotter each turned in a scoreless inning in relief of Hinson. It marked the third time in team history the Wingnuts have pitched back-to-back shutouts. The Wingnuts have combined for 21 consecutive scoreless innings, dating back to Sunday's game at St. Paul.

The series continues on Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Chad Sherman takes the mound against right-hander Jae Hun Jung. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Guerra Masterful as Wingnuts Blank Diablos

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts shutout the El Paso Diablos 10-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday night.

Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra tossed eight innings of two-hit shutout ball to earn his second win of the year. Guerra struck out a career-high eight batters while walking only three.

After a leadoff infield single to Stephen Douglas to begin the game, Guerra retired the next 12 hitters in a row, and did not allow another runner past first base until the top of the eighth. Guerra did not allow a fair ball out of the infield until Maikol Gonzalez' lineout to center with one out in the eighth.

With two outs and no one on base in the bottom of the third, the Wingnuts strung together four consecutive hits to open a 3-0 lead. Mike Conroy singled through the right side and came around to score when Ryan Patterson doubled into the left field corner. Brent Clevlen sliced a double to the right-center field fence to drive in Patterson and make it 2-0. Juan Richardson, who finished the night 4 for 4, singled through the left side to drive in Wichita's third run.

The Wingnuts scored five more runs on two-out hits in the bottom of the fourth to break the game open. Josh Horn lined a single to center and was driven in from first on Jose Duran's hit-and-run double down the right field line. Conroy reached on an infield single that advanced Duran to third. After Conroy stole second base, Patterson dumped a single into center field that scored two more runs. Clevlen capped off the inning with the first inside-the-park home run in team history, lining a ball to the center field fence that bounced over the head of a diving Kory Drew.

Wichita added a run in the seventh on Josh Workman's sacrifice fly and tacked on their 10th of the night in the eighth inning when Conroy singled home Horn from second base.

The Diablos loaded the bases with two outs against Guerra in the top of the eighth. Duran helped keep the shutout intact though, with a sliding play to his right on a sharp groundball to second base by Albenis Machado. Michael Cotter then locked down the win with a scoreless ninth inning. With a runner on third and two outs, Cotter struck out Kevin Smith looking and retired Adam DeLeo on a foul popup to Thomas Fitzgerald at first base.

Reymond Cruz took the loss for El Paso, allowing nine earned runs in six and one-third innings. Cruz struck out three and walked one while allowing 13 hits.

Conroy, Patterson, Clevlen, and Horn all joined Richardson with multi-hit efforts.

The series continues on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson goes to the mound for the Wingnuts against El Paso lefty Adam Rowe. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Home Runs, Clutch Relief Pitching Lead Wingnuts

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the St. Paul Saints 6-4 at Midway Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Trailing 3-2, the Wingnuts took the lead for good with three runs in the top of the fifth inning. Jose Duran led off and homered to deep left field against Saints' starter Jacob Schmidt. It was Duran's second home run in as many games. After Mike Conroy grounded out to third, Ryan Patterson walked, stole second base, and eventually scored on Juan Richardson's long two-out, two-run homer to left.

Jonathan Van Every hit a two-out double to left-center in the bottom of the sixth off of Eric Gilliland to cut the Wingnuts' lead to one run. Gilliland recorded the final out in the sixth to keep the Wingnuts in front and then struck out two during a scoreless bottom of the seventh.

Kendy Batista pitched a perfect eighth, helping the Wingnuts build an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Josh Horn led off with a double to right center, moved to third on a sacrifice by Duran, and then scored on a wild pitch by Saints' reliever Kyle Foster.

Josh Dew took over in the bottom of the ninth and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn his 10th save of the year.

With one out in the first inning Patterson doubled to left field and took third on Brent Clevlen's single to center. Richardson followed with an RBI single to center that gave Wichita a 1-0 lead. Schmidt limited the Wingnuts to one run in the first when he induced a double play ball off the bat of Jorge Delgado to end the inning.

St. Paul tied the game in the bottom of the first on a two-out, RBI double to right-center from Jason Cooper, and went in front 2-1 in the second when Adam Frost grounded a two-out, RBI single through the left side.

Patterson tied the game in the third with a solo home run to left field. In the bottom of the fourth, Richard Mercado homered to left-center to put St. Paul back in front at 3-2.

Justin Murray started for the Wingnuts and earned the win, allowing four earned runs in five and two-thirds innings. Murray struck out three and walked two while allowing nine hits.

Schmidt went five innings and took the loss, allowing five earned runs on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Patterson finished the game with three runs scored.

The Wingnuts return home on Monday for a three-game series versus the El Paso Diablos at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Saints Overcome Wingnuts' Early Lead

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 9-6 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Saturday night.

Trailing 9-4 in the top of the ninth, the Wingnuts eventually rallied to bring the tying run to the plate before Robert Manuel, who earned the win on Friday night, notched the final out to earn the save. Mike Conroy singled to center field to lead off the inning. Jose Duran doubled down the right field line, sending Conroy to third. Conroy then scored when Brandon Tripp's throw from bounced into shallow left field. Alberto Rolon retired Brent Clevlen and Juan Richardson before allowing an RBI single to center to Jorge Delgado that cut the lead to 9-6. Kyle Carr relieved Rolon and walked Josh Workman to bring the tying run to the plate. Manuel then came in for Carr and struck out pinch hitter Ryan Patterson to end the game.

Wichita jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first. Duran hit a solo home run to left two batters in. Later in the inning, Delgado ripped a two-run double to the left-center field fence that scored Clevlen and Richardson.

The Saints rallied for three in the bottom of the first to tie it. With the bases loaded and no outs, Ole Sheldon lined a single to center against Wingnuts' starter Steve MacFarland to bring the Saints within one run. After Jason Cooper walked to re-load the bases, Tripp hit a broken bat single to left that tied the game. MacFarland escaped further trouble when Clevlen gunned down Sheldon at the plate after tagging up on Ronnie Bourquin's flyball to center field. MacFarland retierd Alex Garabedian on a popout to third base to end the inning.

Jonathan Van Every hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the second to give the Saints their first lead. St. Paul added three more in the third inning with Cooper, Bourquin, and Garabedian each driving in a run.

St. Paul went ahead 9-3 in the seventh on Bourquin's RBI double to left-center and Van Every's sacrifice fly to right.

Delgado hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning to account for Wichita's fourth run. Delgado finished the night with three hits and four RBI.

MacFarland took the loss, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits in two and one-third innings. MacFarland walked three and struck out seven.

Edwin Walker earned the win for the Saints. Walker allowed three earned runs on six hits, walked five, and struck out three.

Brandon Mathes worked two and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief of MacFarland. Kendy Batista chipped in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.

The series concludes Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Justin Murray faces right-hander Jacob Schmidt. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Monday, June 27th when they host the El Paso Diablos at 7:05 p. m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Saints Win Tight Game Over Wingnuts

ST. PAUL, MN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-3 to the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium on Friday night.

Adam Frost drove in the winning run with a two-out single to left field in the bottom of the ninth that scored Jonathan Van Every from second base. Van Every nearly won the game himself one batter earlier, doubling to the fence in left field. Alex Garabedian was waved home representing the winning run, but Josh Horn took Brent Clevlen's throw from the warning track and nailed Garabedian at the plate to keep the Wingnuts alive.

Wichita took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second. With first and third and one out, Jose Duran hit a tapper back to the mound that glanced off of Saints' starter Donald Brandt and resulted in an infield RBI single.

The Saints moved in front with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Justin Snyder led off with a double and avanced to third on Shane Costa's groundout to shortstop. After Ole Sheldon walked, Jason Cooper singled on a line drive to center field to score Snyder with the tying run. Brandon Tripp poked a single to shallow left to load the bases, and then Ronnie Bourquin drew a bases loaded walk against Wingnuts' starter Chad Sherman to force home the lead run.

Sheldon singled home St. Paul's third run in the fifth inning. On the same play, Horn threw out Costa at the plate for the final out to keep the Wingnuts within two.

Wichita scored two unearned runs in the sixth to re-tie the contest. Clevlen reached on the first of two throwing errors in the inning by Frost at shortstop. Two batters later, Jorge Delgado doubled down the right field line. Costa then made a sliding catch to take a base hit away from Josh Workman. Clevlen tagged from third on the play and scored, cutting the lead to 3-2. Edwin Bellorin was next and hit a slow roller towards short that Frost grabbed and threw wildly into foul territory, allowing Delgado to score the tying run.

Sherman took a no-decision, allowing three earned runs on three hits in five innings. Sherman struck out one and walked seven.

Brandt also took a no-decision, allowing three runs, one earned, in five and two-thirds. Brandt allowed seven hits, two walks, and struck out three.

Jared Simon took the loss for the Wingnuts. Robert Manuel earned the win in relief for the Saints, working a scoreless top of the ninth.

Duran finished the game with three hits. Eric Gilliland struck out five batters over two shutout relief innings. Brandon Mathes also worked a scoreless inning of relief. The Wingnuts left 10 runners on base in the loss.

The series continues Saturday at 7:05 p.m. with right-hander Steve MacFarland making his Wingnuts' debut. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts All-Around Effort Snaps Streak

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts ended a four-game losing streak, winning 6-1 over the Fort Worth Cats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

Ryan Hinson delivered seven terrific innings, allowing one earned run on five hits to earn his fifth win of the year.

Wichita scored twice in the bottom of the first in support of Hinson. Josh Horn led off with a single to shallow right field, stole second base, and advanced to third on Ryan Patterson's line drive to right. Brent Clevlen drove in Horn with a groundball double to deep left-center. Clevlen moved to thrid on a groundout to short by Juan Richardson and came home when Jorge Delgado ripped a double down the left field line.

Wichita added two more in the fourth. Delgado singled through the right side to lead off and scored from first on Edwin Bellorin's hit-and-run double that hit the right field foul line. Two batters later, Mike Conroy singled through the middle to score Bellorin and give Wichita a 4-0 lead.

Fort Worth mounted their only rally in the top of the fifth. Marcos Rodriguez and John Allen opened the inning with singles. Cory Morales laid down a sacrifice bunt to put runners on second and third, but Hinson limited the Cats to just one run on a sacrifice fly by Jeremy Sauceda.

The Wingnuts scored twice more in the sixth. Delgado collected his third hit of the night with a one out double down the left field line. Josh Wormkan followed with a double into the left field corner that scored Delgado with the Wingnuts' fifth run. Later in the inning, Conroy drove in his second of the night, pulling a line drive single to right that scored Workman from second.

Hinson struck out five, walked two, and needed only 92 pitches to get through seven complete innings. Hinson allowed just two runners past first base and is now 4-0 in four starts this season at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

Jared Simon worked a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts while Josh Dew finished the game with a scoreless ninth.

Dwayne Pollok took the loss for the Cats, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits in six innings of work. Pollok struck out two and walked none.

Prior to the game, the Wingnuts signed right-handed pitcher Steve MacFarland. MacFarland is 7-11 in his career with a 5.74 ERA over five professional seasons. The 25-year old righty has averaged 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings over 178.2 career innings. MacFarland pitched in the Frontier League last year, going 3-2 with a 5.45 ERA in seven starts for the Washington Wild Things. MacFarland is scheduled to pitch Saturday night at St. Paul.

The Wingnuts travel to St. Paul for a three-game series against the Saints beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Rookie Chad Sherman takes on left-hander Donald Brandt. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Cats Use Big Inning to Beat Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-3 to the Fort Worth Cats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Cats scored all of their runs with a seven-run top of the third against Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra.

Wichita grabbed a 1-0 lead when Josh Workman ripped a two-out, solo home run down the right field line against Cats' starter Mike Bacsik.

Jeremy Sauceda started the Cats' rally in the third, hitting a leadoff home run that was carried by the wind over the right field wall. Aljay Davis followed with a walk and came around on Brian Fryer's triple to right-center field. Travis Metcalf fouled out to right, but Kelley Gulledge singled through a drawn in infield on the left side to give Fort Worth a 3-1 lead.

Trent Lockwood grounded a single through the right side to put runners on the corners, setting up an RBI double off the center field fence from John Allen. Guerra retired Marcos Rodriguez on a popout to short, but Cory Morales broke the game open with a two-run double down the left field line that increased the Cats' lead to 6-1. Sauceda, who opened the inning with the game-tying homer, drove in the seventh run with a double to left field.

Guerra shut down the Cats over the next four innings. Guerra took the loss, allowing the seven earned runs on nine hits. Guerra walked four and struck out four.

The Wingnuts rallied against Bacsik in the bottom of the sixth. With first and second and one out, Jorge Delgado doubled to the fence in left-center to cut the lead to 7-2. After Workman drew a walk to load the bases, Edwin Bellorin hit a deep drive to the warning track in left-center field. Sauceda made a running, leaping grab to rob Bellorin of an extra-base hit. The play resulted in a sacrifice fly that made it 7-3 Fort Worth, but the Wingnuts were kept off the board through the remainder of the game.

Bacsik earned the win, allowing three earned runs over six innings. Bacsik gave up six hits, walked two, and struck out three.

Cody White pitched three shutout innings to close out the game and earn the save.

Brandon Mathes and Kendy Batista each worked a scoreless inning in relief of Guerra. With a crowd of 3,412, the Wingnuts celebrated their 500,000th fan in franchise history.

The series concludes on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson takes on right-hander Dwayne Pollok. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Cats' Late Rally Tops Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 3-2 to the Fort Worth Cats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

Justin Murray allowed two earned runs on five hits over seven and two-thirds innings, but a two-out double from Trent Lockwood in the top of the eighth inning scored an unearned run that proved the difference in the game.

Wichita held a 2-1 lead heading into the top of the seventh when Lockwood drew a leadoff walk against Murray. After Marcos Rodriguez flied out to left field, John Allen singled to left, advancing Lockwood to second. Derek Kinzler hit a groundball to second base and beat out Josh Horn's relay to first on a potential double play to keep the inning alive. With runners on the corners and two outs, Cory Morales lined a single to right field that scored Lockwood and tied the game.

In the top of the eighth, Brian Fryer reached first on an error charged to Jorge Delgado to lead off the inning. Murray retired Travis Metcalf on a deep flyball to center, and after Fryer stole second base, Murray got Kelley Gulledge to line out to shortstop for the second out. Murray was then relieved by Eric Gilliland who allowed the double to left-center by Lockwood.

Nick DeBarr relieved Cats' starter Wade Mackey in the bottom of the eighth and retired the final six batters to face him, earning an extended save. Mackey and DeBarr combined to retire the final 11 Wingnuts' hitters.

Murray allowed three runs, two earned, in his seven and two-thirds while taking the loss. Murray walked three and struck out two.

Mackey earned the win, allowing two unearned runs in seven complete innings. Mackey yielded five hits, walked one, and struck out three.

The Wingnuts scored first in the bottom of the fourth. Ryan Patterson led off with a double down the right field line. After a walk to Brent Clevlen, Juan Richardson hit a groundball to third. Metcalf recorded the force on Clevlen at second, but Kinzler's relay to first for a double play bounced by Lockwood at first. Patterson came around to score on the play.

The Cats tied the game in the fifth on an RBI groundout from Kinzler. Wichita re-gained the lead in the bottom half on a bunt play by Mike Conroy. Edwin Bellorin led off with a double and scored when Mackey threw Conroy's bunt to the left side of the mound into right field.

Jared Simont worked a scoreless top of the ninth in relief. Josh Workman's hitting streak ended at nine games.

The Wingnuts and Cats continue their series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra takes on left-hander Mike Bacsik. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Sox Rally Past Wingnuts Again

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 11-6 to the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Wingnuts had a 6-2 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth, but Amarillo rallied for nine unanswered runs from the fifth through the seventh to re-take the lead. Amarillo's run started with a four-run bottom of the fifth against rookie starter Chad Sherman. Adam De La Garza led off the inning with a single and scored on Cyle Hankerd's RBI triple to straightaway center field. After Lee Cruz grounded out to third base, Van Pope singled home Hankerd to make it 6-4. Tim Alberts doubled to the center field fence to score Pope. Alberts took third on a single from Matthew Tucker and scored on Kevin Butler's sacrifice fly to left field to tie the game.

Hankerd cracked a two-run home run against Jared Simon in the bottom of the sixth to give Amarillo an 8-6 lead. Hankerd then drove in two more to lead a three-run rally in the seventh in which all of the runs were unearned against the Wingnuts.

Trailing by five runs in the eighth, the Wingnuts put runners on first and second with one out against reliever Pat Overholt. Thomas Fitzgerald lined a ball down the left field line that struck the chalk but was ruled foul by home plate umpire Jay Trosper. Overholt eventually retired Fitzgerald on a line drive to right and escaped the inning without allowing a run.

In the top of the ninth, the Wingnuts had second and third with one out, when Jorge Delgado ripped a line drive down the left field line that again hit the chalk but was ruled foul by third base umpire Danny Hymel. Gary Perinar eventually struck out Delgado and then retired Josh Workman on a groundout to shortstop to end the game.

Amarillo took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Pope drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on an error charged to Fitzgerald at second base. Tucker hit a flyball double to left field that scored Pope to make it 1-0. The Sox scored again in the third on a close play. With the bases loaded and one out, Tim Alberts narrowly beat Josh Horn's relay to first base on a potential double play.

Josh Workman put the Wingnuts on the board in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Juan Richardson. The Wingnuts then scored five in the fifth to take the lead. Ryan Patterson hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Fitzgerald with the tying run. With two outs Juan Richardson hit a double to left-center field that gave Wichita a 3-2 advantage. Delgado followed with an RBI single up the middle. Workman capped off the rally with a two-run home run down the right field line.

Overholt earned the win in relief, working three and one-third scoreless innings.

Sherman took a no-decision, allowing six runs, five earned, in four and two-thirds. Sherman struck out five, walked five, and allowed six hits.

Travis Lawler started for Amarillo and also took a no-decision, allowing six earned runs in four and two-thirds innings on nine hits and one walk. Lawler struck out three.

Simon took the loss, allowing two earned runs in one and one-third.

Sherman was signed prior to the game. Sherman finished his college career this season at the University of Texas-Tyler, going 8-2 with a 1.94 ERA.

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday when they host the Fort Worth Cats at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Sox Hang on Against Wingnuts

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-4 to the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Saturday night.

Amarillo scored three runs with two outs in the bottom of the second to build a 4-1 lead that they held through the end of the game. Van Pope hit a groundball double to deep center field that scored Cyle Hankerd from second base. Chris Nash followed with an RBI single down the left field line. Kevin Butler pinch ran for Nash, and after Tim Alberts drew a walk, Benji Johnson doubled down the left field line to score Butler and give Amarillo a 4-1 lead.

The Sox tacked on an unearned run in the sixth against starter Ryan Hinson. Tim Alberts, who led off the inning with a double, scored on a two-out popfly that broke off of Josh Horn's glove in shallow center field.

Hinson took the loss, allowing five runs, four earned, in six innings. Hinson struck out seven and walked three while allowing nine hits.

Hankerd hit a solo home run leading off the bottom of the seventh against Brandon Mathes for Amarillo's sixth run.

The Wingnuts rallied for a run in the eighth and two in the ninth before Gary Perinar relieved Austin Chambliss to earn the save. Perinar took over with a runner on first and no outs and struck out the side.

An error by Pope at third base scored Brent Clevlen in the eighth inning. Clevlen reached second on a one-out double to left-center. An error by shortstop Jason White and an RBI double from Clevlen accounted for the Wingnuts' runs in the ninth inning.

Colin Allen earned the win for Amarillo, allowing one earned run over seven innings. Allen allowed seven hits, walked two, and struck out four.

Michael Cotter worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth for the Wingnuts.

The series finishes Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Clevlen Rescues Wingnuts in Ninth

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts won 8-6 over the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Friday night.

Brent Clevlen hit a tie-breaking home run with two outs in the top of the ninth inning that gave Wichita its fourth and final lead of the night. Jose Duran opened the inning with a double into the right field corner against Sox' reliever chad Povich. Duran was then sacrificed to third by Josh Horn. After Povich retired Ryan Patterson on a groundball to second with the infield in, Clevlen crushed his second home run in as many nights over the 30-foot fence in right-center.

In the bottom of the ninth, Josh Dew struck out Adam De La Garza looking for the first out, but back-to-back singles from Cyle Hankerd and Lee Cruz put the tying runs on base. Van Pope pulled a line drive down the third base line that Juan Richardson lunged at and caught backhanded. With Hankerd off the bag, Richardson then scrambled to third and slammed his glove atop the base to end the ballgame.

Wichita took an early 2-0 lead, scoring twice in the top of the second. With second and third and one out, Edwin Bellorin hit a popfly single to shallow right that broke off the glove of Tim Alberts and gave Wichita their first run. Mike Conroy beat out a potential double play groundball at first, allowing Josh Workman to score from third to make it 2-0.

Amarillo took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Chris Nash hit a sacrifice fly to put the Sox on the board. With two outs and no one on base, Benji Johnson Singled and Jason White walked. Both came around on Fehlandt Lentini's two-run double to right-center.

A three-run rally for the Wingnuts in the fourth moved Wichita back in front. Edwin Bellorin tied the game with an RBI single to center. Wichita re-gained the lead when Jose Duran beat out another potential double play groundball that brought in Workman. Horn drove in the Wingnuts' third run of the night with a two-out double off the left-center field fence.

An RBI triple from De La Garza and a sacrifice fly from Hankerd tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth.

Horn led off the top of the seventh with a home run that bounced off the top of the scoreboard in left field, but the Sox scored an unearned run in the bottom half to even the score again.

Jared Simon earned the win in relief, working two and one-third innings without allowing an earned run. Twice in the game, Simon retired Lentini with two outs and the go-ahead run on second base. The save for Dew was his ninth of the season.

Junior Guerra started and allowed five earned runs in five and two-thirds innings. Guerra struck out five, walked four, and allowed eight hits in a no-decision.

Sox' starter Ryan Mitchell also took a no-decision. Mitchell allowed six earned runs on 12 hits with no walks and nine strikeouts.

The series continues Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Ryan Hinson opposes right-hander Colin Allen. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, June 21st when they host the Fort Worth Cats for a three-game series. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Sox Outslug Wingnuts

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 17-10 to the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Thursday night.

The Sox scored at least one run in each of their first seven team at bats with all nine of their starters collecting at least one hit and scoring at least one run.

Wichita had a 6-3 lead after three and a half innings, but Amarillo rallied for 11 unanswered runs, including eight in the bottom of the fifth, to move in front for the remainder of the night.

Cyle Hankerd's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth cut the Wingnuts' lead to 6-4. Amarillo tied it later in the inning with back-to-back, two-out RBI singles from Van Pope and Tim Alberts.

The Sox then sent 14 hitters to the plate in the fifth. Benji Johnson homered to left-center with one out to give Amarillo a 7-6 lead. Jason White singled through the right side against Wichita starter Justin Murray. After Murray was relieved by Brandon Mathes, Fehlandt Lentini doubled down the left field line to score White and make it 8-6. Hankerd added an RBI single that increased the Sox' lead to three runs. Tim Alberts broke the game open with a two-out, three-run double to right-center field that made it 12-6. Chris Nash and Johnson added RBI singles to round out the eight-run inning.

Ryan Patterson hit a solo home run to left-center leading off the sixth, but Amarillo scored twice in the botom half on RBI hits from Pope and Alberts.

The Wingnuts then rallied for three in the seventh, led by a two-run double from Patterson that made it 16-10. Amarillo responded with an unearned run in the bottom half on two-out, RBI single by Hankerd.

Josh Dew worked a scoreless inning in the bottom of the eighth. Austin Chambliss did not allow a hit over the final two and two-thirds for the Sox to finish the game.

Lentini hit a solo home run leading off the bottom of the first before the Wingnuts tied it in the second on an RBI single to center by Mike Conroy. After Amarillo took a 2-1 lead after the bottom of the second, Brent Clevlen ripped an opposite field home run to right to tie the game. Juan Richardson singled and then came around on a two-run shot to left by Jorge Delgado.

Pope hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third to cut Wichita's lead to 4-3. The Wingnuts then plated two in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by Clevlen and an error by shortstop Jason White.

Murray took the loss, allowing eight earned runs in four and two-thirds innings. Murray struck out four, allowed 11 hits, and walked three.

Justin Garcia earned the win, allowing six runs, four earned, in five innings. Garcia struck out seven, walked two, and allowed nine hits.

The 17 runs and 23 hits allowed set new franchise-highs for the Wingnuts.

The Wingnuts and Sox continue their series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra goes to the mound against right-hander Ryan Mitchell. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, June 21st when they host the Fort Worth Cats. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Blanked by Captains

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-0 to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

Captains' starter Ryan DiPietro worked eight scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, and was supported by a pair of early rallies against Wingnuts' starter Jonathan Ellis.

Mike Provencher opened the game with a line drive single to center. Robert Perry was next and tripled to right field to give the Captains a 1-0 lead. Brian Sabatella followed Perry with an RBI double down the right field line that made it 2-0.

In the top of the second, Joe Urtuzuastegui and Brian Peterson worked out back-to-back walks to start the inning. Both scored when Alex Cowart tripled to right-center. Provencher made it 6-0 Captains with a sacrifice fly to left that plated Cowart.

Ellis took the loss, allowing six earned runs on seven hits in six innings. Ellis walked four and struck out four.

DiPietro earned the win, allowing two hits, two walks, and striking out four in his eight innings. After back-to-back singles by Jorge Delgado and Josh Workman to start the bottom of the second, the Wingnuts did not have a hit until Workman singled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

Shreveport tacked on two more runs in the seventh on a two-run home run to left from Bryan Frichter. Rookie right-hander Michael Cotter made his professional debut in the inning, notching his first career strikeout.

Eric Gilliland and Brandon Mathes each worked a scoreless inning of relief. It was the first time this season the Wingnuts have been shutout.

The Wingnuts travel to Amarillo for a four-game series against the Sox beginning Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com Right-hander Justin Murray takes on Amarillo righty Justin Garcia.

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Singleton Headed to Mexican League

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' right-handed pitcher Nick Singleton has signed with the Mexican League's Acereros de Monclova (Monclova Steelers).

Singleton currently leads the American Association with an 8-0 record, ranks sixth with a 2.11 ERA, and leads the league with 47 strikeouts. The 28-year old righty has logged 47.0 innings over seven starts and two relief appearances, walking 13 and allowing only 35 hits.

"I think everyone knows my thoughts on Nick Singleton," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He is not only the ace of our staff, but also a leader in our clubhouse, and I wish him nothing but the best. Hopefully this leads to an even better opportunity in affiliated ball because he deserves it."

Singleton has led the American Association in ERA two out of the last three seasons. The Montgomery, AL native posted a 2.24 mark in 2008 for the Sioux City Explorers before pacing the league again last year at 2.36 in his first season with the Wingnuts. From May 29th into his last start on June 14th, Singleton rattled off 26 and two-thirds consecutive scoreless innings.

The Wingnuts retain Singleton's reversionary rights. The Mexican League season ends in early August.

The Wingnuts also released right-handed pitcher Jonathan Ellis. The Wingnuts' roster currently sits at 20 players.

Wichita opens a four-game series tonight in Amarillo. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Justin Murray takes on right-hander Justin Garcia. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday for a three-game series versus the Fort Worth Cats. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Improves to 8-0 as Wingnuts Top Captains

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 6-2 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

Nick Singleton improved to 8-0 on the season, allowing two earned runs on just five hits over seven innings. Singleton walked only one and struck out eight. The right-hander struck out the side in the top of the seventh.

Wichita took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second against Captains' starter Aaron Cunningham. Jorge Delgado led off with a line drive single to left and came around on the next pitch when Josh Workman homered to right-center field.

Mike Conroy singled up the middle leading off the bottom of the fifth, extending his hitting streak to 16 games. Jose Duran followed with a flyball double to left-center that moved Conroy to third. After Cunningham retired Josh Horn, Ryan Patterson singled sharply through the middle to score two runs and give Wichita a 4-0 lead.

The Captains scored their only runs in the top of the sixth on a two-out, two-run home run from Andres Rodriguez. The home run ended Singleton's scoreless inning streak at 26 and two-thirds. The streak stretched back four starts to the 29th of May at Lincoln. Singleton threw 110 pitches to earn the win and retired the leadoff hitter in six of seven innings. Singleton faced multiple baserunners only once the entire night.

The Wingnuts added two more runs in the seventh against reliever Mark Haynes. Patterson opened the inning with a single to center and scored when Brent Clevlen tripled to the right-center field wall. Juan Richardson drove in Clevlen with an RBI single to left.

Clevlen and Duran each went 4 for 4. Seven of the Wingnuts' starters had at least one hit. Kendy Batista and Jared Simon each pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Singleton.

Prior to the game, the Wingnuts signed right-hander Michael Cotter. Cotter saved 14 games this spring for Emporia State University. Wichita released right-hander Gary Lee.

The series concludes on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Jonathan Ellis faces left-hander Ryan DiPietro. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Hinson, Offense Defeat Captains

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 13-7 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday night.

Ryan Hinson worked into the eighth inning to earn his fourth win of the season, while the Wingnuts offense scored eight times in the bottom of the seventh to break the game open.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Ryan Patterson singled through the left side against Captains' starter Joel Kirsten to lead off the inning. On the next pitch, Brent Clevlen hit a towering home run to left field that gave Wichita a 3-2 lead. Juan Richardson followed Clevlen with another long home run, this one clipping the batter's eye in center field.

After Wichita extended its lead to 5-2 on Jorge Delgado's two-out, RBI single to left in the bottom of the sixth, Shreveport pulled within one when Alex Cowart hit a two-run home run off the scoreboard in left-center to cut the Wingnuts lead to one. With two outs, Robert Perry reached on an infield single, but was thrown out at second by Edwin Bellorin trying to steal for the final out. Bellorin threw out two potential base stealers in the game.

Wichita then erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the inning, sending 13 men to the plate. Josh Workman started the rally with a bloop single to shallow left field. Workman stole second base, and then after Bellorin was retired on a flyball down the right field line, Mike Conroy was hit by a pitch. With runners now on first and second, Jose Duran grounded a single through the right side to make it 6-4. Conroy and Duran each took an extra base when right fielder Bryan Sabatella's throw bounced off of Workman's foot at home plate.

Kirsten was relieved by Justin Young who allowed a sacrifice fly to left field from Josh Horn. Duran stole third with Patterson at the plate. Patterson was then hit by a pitch, leading to a double steal of home and second to give Wichita a four-run lead. Young then walked Clevlen and Juan Richardson back-to-back to load the bases. Cody Railsback relieved Young and allowed a bases-clearing triple off the left-center field wall to Delgado. An error by Sabatella and an infield RBI single from Conroy capped off the eight-run inning. The hit extended Conroy's hitting streak to 15 straight games. Conroy has also now reached safely in 23 consecutive games.

Shreveport managed three runs against Hinson in the top of the eighth, but could not get any closer. Brandon Mathes and Gary Lee combined for one and two-thirds scoreless innings to finish out the win.

Hinson went seven and one-third, allowing seven runs, five earned, on 11 hits. Hinson struck out five and walked two.

Kirsten was charged with eight earned runs on nine hits in the loss. Kirsten did not allow a walk nor record a strikeout.

Shreveport had taken an early 2-0 lead against Hinson in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly by Andres Rodriguez. Uriak Marquez added a two-out, RBI single to left later in the inning. Patterson singled home Horn in the bottom half to put Wichita on the board.

Eight of the Wingnuts nine starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.

The Wingnuts and Captains continue their series on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton takes on left-hander Aaron Cunningham. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Comeback Falls Short

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 10-7 to the Sioux City Explorers at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Sunday evening.

After facing deficits of five and six runs, the Wingnuts twice rallied to pull within two, but Explorers' reliever Eddie De La Cruz worked two scoreless innings over the seventh and the eighth to prevent Wichita from coming all the way back.

Down 9-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Edwin Bellorin and Mike Conroy hit back-to-back opposite field doubles to cut the X's' lead to five runs. Jose Duran beat out a groundball to third for an infield single, and then Josh Horn reached on a throwing error by pitcher Matt Gibbs that scored Conroy from third base. After Thomas Fitzgerald worked out a walk to load the bases, Gibbs was relieved by De La Cruz.

Ryan Patterson hit a sacrifice fly to right field against De La Cruz, and was followed by Brent Clevlen's RBI groundball single through the right side that pulled the Wingnuts within two. De La Cruz walked Delgado to re-load the bases, but recovered by inducing a groundball double play ball to second from Josh Workman that ended the inning.

Mike Murphy drew a leadoff walk against Kendy Batista in the top of the eighth, took second on a hit-and-run groundball from Dustin Jones, third on a groundout to second by Derek Schermerhorn, and scored on a two-out, bunt single along the third base line from T.J. Bohn.

After De La Cruz pitched a perfect bottom of the eighth, Andrew Snowden pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save.

The Wingnuts trailed 5-0 after four innings before Conroy singled home Workman with two outs in the fifth to put Wichita on the board. Delgado hit a two-out, two-run double to right field in the sixth that sliced Sioux City's lead to 5-3.

The Explorers increased their advantage with a four-run seventh. With the bases loaded and no outs, Ray Serrano hit a sacrifice fly to right that made it 6-3. Wally Backman Jr. hit a groundball single through the right side that brought in Sioux City's seventh run. An eighth scored when Patterson's throw to third base bounced over the sidewall in foul territory. Backman took third on the play and scored on a sacrifice fly from Tyler Goodro.

Sioux City plated three in the opening inning against Wingnuts' starter Junior Guerra. Jones and Schermerhorn hit consecutive singles to open the game. Jones scored on Bohn's groundout to third and Schermerhorn came in two batters later when Serrano singled to left field. Backman hit an RBI groundout to finish the X's first inning rally.

Bohn led off the top of the third with a home run to left field. Kent Sakamoto followed with a double off the fence in left and took third on a single to left by Serrano. Sakamoto scored when Backman hit into a double play.

Guerra took the loss, allowing five earned runs in five innings. Guerra struck out five and walked two while allowing nine hits.

Taylor King, who was relieved by Gibbs in the sixth due to injury, earned the win. King allowed one earned run on four hits, striking out three and walking none.

Jared Simon worked a perfect top of the ninth with two strikeouts. The Wingnuts have lost three consecutive series.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series versus the Shreveport-Bossier Captains on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Lefty Ryan Hinson takes the mound. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Murray Helps Wingnuts Blank X's

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts shutout the Sioux City Explorers 4-0 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

Wingnuts' starter Justin Murray pitched eight-plus shutout innings to earn his second win of the season, scattering nine hits and never allowing a runner past second base.

The Wingnuts broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third. After Explorers' starter Nick Schumacher retired the first two hitters of the inning on two pitches, rookie catcher Matthew Powell singled to right field in his first career at bat. On the next pitch, Josh Horn doubled to left-center field to score Powell from first and give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead. Thomas Fitzgerald followed with an RBI single to left-center that made it 2-0.

Murray allowed a leadoff double to Dustin Jones in the first, but was helped out of the jam when Fitzgerald made a diving catch to his right against Kent Sakamoto that started an inning-ending double play.

Murray retired nine hitters in a row from the second inning into the fourth. Powell threw out Wally Backman Jr. trying to steal second base in the top of the fifth inning, helping Murray put up another zero.

Horn starred in the field as well, converting 11 chances and making a leaping catch on a line drive by Backman in the seventh.

Mike Conroy was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the seventh and advanced to third on a hit-and-run single to right-center from Jose Duran. Powell hit a chopper into the hole on the left side of the infield that scored Conroy with the Wingnuts' third run. Later in the inning, Duran scored with two outs on a wild pitch from Schumacher.

Derek Schermerhorn and T.J. Bohn hit consecutive singles to start the ninth against Murray. Josh Dew relieved Murray and retired the next three hitters, striking out two of them, to earn his eighth save of the year.

Murray walked one and struck out two in his eight-plus scoreless innings.

Schumacher took the loss, allowing four earned runs on nine hits in seven innings. Schumacher walked one and struck out three.

Conroy has now hit safely in 11 straight games, and has reached base in 21 consecutive games with a hit, walk, or hit by pitch. Jorge Cortes has reached base in 23 straight contests.

It was the Wingnuts' second team shutout in three games and their third of the season.

The Wingnuts and Explorers finish their series on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Junior Guerra faces right-hander Taylor King. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Clevlen Returns to Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts re-signed former Major League outfielder Brent Clevlen on Sunday.

Clevlen (pronounced KLEEVE-lehn) opened spring training on the Wingnuts' roster before signing with the Cincinnati Reds' organization. In 29 games for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, Clevlen hit .247 with three home runs and 10 RBI.

Clevlen was originally drafted by the Tigers out of high school in the second round in 2002. A right-handed hitter and fielder, Clevlen started his career later that summer with the Tigers' Gulf Coast League affiliate, and hit .330 with 21 RBI in 28 games. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound outfielder hit 12 home runs the following season for the Midwest League's West Michigan Whitecaps. In 2005, Clevlen was named MVP of the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. That season, and at just 21-years old, Clevlen hit .302 with 18 home runs and 102 RBI for the Lakeland Tigers. The Austin, TX native has reached double digits in home runs in five different seasons, including a career-high 22 for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens in 2008.

Now 27-years old, Clevlen made his Major League debut on July 30th, 2006 at Minnesota, going 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Two days later, Clevlen cracked his first two Major League home runs during a win at Tampa Bay. Clevlen saw time with the Tigers in each of the next two seasons before resurfacing with the Braves in 2010.

The Wingnuts finish their series versus Sioux City tonight at 5:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Explorers Take Opener From Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-5 to the Sioux City Explorers at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

The Explorers scored five unanswered runs from the third through the sixth innings to build a 7-2 lead that they would never relinquish. Tied 2-2 in the top of the third, Dustin Jones led off with a single to right, stole second, and took third on a throwing error from Edwin Bellorin. Jones scored to make it 3-2 Sioux City on Derek Schermerhorn's sacrifice fly to right.

Joe Wendte, who pinch-hit after T.J. Bohn was ejected in the middle of his at bat, worked out a walk. Wendte stole second and advanced to third on another throwing error by Bellorin. Kent Sakamoto drove in Wendte with an RBI single that flared just inside the right field line.

Sioux City scratched out another run in the top of the fourth on a two-out, RBI single from Jones. The Explorers loaded the bases with no outs against reliever Gary Lee in the top of the sixth and used an RBI groundout from Mike Murphy and a sacrifice fly from Jones to move in front 7-2.

After collecting only two hits over the first seven innings, Wichita rallied for three runs against reliever Andrew Snowden in the eighth to pull within two. Edwin Bellorin and Mike Conroy hit back-to-back singles with one out and both scored on Jose Duran's triple to the fence in left-center. Eddie De La Cruz took over for Snowden and allowed a sacrifice fly to Josh Horn that made it 7-5, but De La Cruz finished the game without allowing any further runs to earn the save.

Sioux City tacked on another run in the top of the ninth on a two-out single to right-center from Javier Brito.

Wichita jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first. Horn doubled down the right field line and scored on Juan Richardson's sacrifice fly. After Sioux City scored twice in the second to take a 2-1 lead, Josh Workman and Duran engineered a double steal in a first and third situation that allowed Workman to score the tying run.

Jonathan Ellis took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing five runs, four earned, in five innings. Ellis allowed six hits, walked five, and struck out four.

David Trahan earned the win for Sioux City. Trahan went six and one-third innings, allowing two hits, eight walks, and striking out five.

Brandon Mathes worked a perfect inning of relief for Wichita.

The Wingnuts and Explorers continue their series on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. Justin Murray takes on right-hander Nick Schumacher. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Add Three Players

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added three players to their roster on Friday, signing right-handed pitcher Kendy Batista, second baseman Jose Duran, and catcher Matthew Powell.

Batista is 16-9 in his career with a 3.56 ERA, and has pitched as high as the Triple-A level. A native of Santa Barbara, Venezuela, Batista has averaged 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of 92 career appearances. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Batista last pitched in the US in 2009 for the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts in the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization.

Duran appeared in three games for the Wingnuts in 2010 before signing on with the Fort Worth Cats where he hit .311 with one home run and 16 RBI in 28 contests. A right-handed hitter and fielder, Duran was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth round in 2008 out of Texas A&M University. The Los Angeles, CA native hit .372 with six home runs and 68 RBI as a senior for the Aggies in 2008.

Powell is a true rookie who last played spring baseball in 2009 for Southern Nazarene University. A native of Chula Vista, CA, Powell hit .451 with 12 home runs and 65 RBI as a senior in 2009, and became just the third player in school history to earn First Team All-American honors. Last summer, Powell earned a roster spot with the U.S. Military All-Stars, a team that "promotes the awareness of all Americans in support of the honorable sacrifices our Armed Forces make at the tip of the spear."

The Wingnuts released right-hander Cephas Howard, infielder Evan Button, and catcher Jeff Stevens.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series tonight at home against the Sioux City Explorers. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Downed by Pheasants

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-3 to the Sioux Falls Pheasants at Sioux Falls Stadium on Wednesday night.

Eight of the Wingnuts' nine starters had at least one hit, but Pheasants' starter Brandon Rapoza managed a complete game on 104 pitches to earn the win.

Trevor Lawhorn homered to deep left field against Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson to lead off the bottom of the second and give Sioux Falls an early 1-0 lead. Gus Milner followed with a double down the left field line. Milner advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Henry Contreras' line drive single to left. After Hinson retired Joe Anthonsen on a groundout to second, Kevin Carby lifted a flyball into the wind that carried off the bottom of the fence in right field, scoring Contreras from second to make it 3-0.

A Josh Horn single and Ryan Patterson double gave Wichita second and third with no outs in the top of the fourth, but Rapoza retired the next three hitters in a row to limit the Wingnuts to one run. Juan Richardson drove in Horn with a groundball to shortstop.

In the bottom of the same inning, Milner led off with a home run to straightaway center. Sioux Falls then took advantage of two Wingnuts' errors that led to two unearned runs, increasing their lead to 6-1.

Wichita scored one in the sixth on an RBI single from Richardson and another in the ninth on Jorge Delgado's RBI double to right-center.

The Pheasants' final run came on a solo home run to center from Brandon Sing in the bottom of the seventh.

Hinson took the loss, allowing seven runs, five earned, in seven complete innings. Hinson struck out five, walked two, and allowed nine hits.

Rapoza allowed 11 hits, walked one, and struck out zero in the complete game victory.

Gary Lee worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth for the Wingnuts. Wichita hit into four double plays in the game.

The series concludes on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. 2008 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year Nick Singleton faces 2010 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year Ben Moore. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home for a six-game homestand beginning Friday night versus Sioux City at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Have Right to Remain Silent on Monday

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts invite all fans to their "Tribute to the Miranda Rights Night" on Monday, June 13th when they host the Shreveport-Bossier Captains.

The Miranda rights (also referred to as the Miranda warning) came into law on June 13th, 1966 and state that any criminal suspect must be informed of his or her constitutional rights, specifically those regarding self-incrimination. A multitude of other countries and governments across the globe employ similar laws in an effort to protect due process.

The Wingnuts pay homage to everyone's "right to remain silent" on Monday. Shortly before the first pitch, the Wingnuts' beloved mascot Spinner will be wrongly arrested for an on-field crime. All fans in attendance are encouraged to help Spinner and remain silent until justice is served.

No music or sound effects, aside from the natural ambience of the game, will be played until Spinner is proved innocent. Segments of Spinner's interrogation and eventual fate will be displayed on the videoboard throughout the night. Caldwell Elementary will be presenting the Star Spangled Banner in sign language.

For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Dominate Pheasants to Snap Streak

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts won 9-0 over the Sioux Falls Pheasants in a rain-shortened game at Sioux Falls Stadium on Thursday night.

The loss snapped the Wingnuts four-game losing streak and was the team's second shutout of the season.

Wichita jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning against Pheasants' starter Ben Moore. Josh Horn reached first to open the game when Brandon Sing made an errant throw to Moore covering the first base bag. After Moore struck out Jorge Cortes, Ryan Patterson walked to put runners on first and second. Juan Richardson, behind 0-2 in the count, tripled to the fence in right-center to score Horn and Patterson and give Wichita a 2-0 lead. Richardson came in to score on Jorge Delgado's RBI groundout to shortstop.

The Wingnuts scored three more in the top of the second to take control of the game. Thomas Fitzgerald walked with one out, stole second base, and then scored on a pair of wild pitches thrown by Moore. After there were two outs and no one on base, Cortes drew a walk and scored from first when Patterson doubled to right-center. Richardson followed with a groundball single up the middle that plated Patterson with the Wingnuts' sixth run.

Josh Workman led off the top of the third with a double and eventually scored on Mike Conroy's sacrifice fly to center field. Horn drove in Workman in the fifth inning with an infield RBI single that deflected off the body of shortstop Joe Anthonsen. Workman drew a bases loaded walk in the top of the sixth that made it 9-0 Wingnuts just before the game was called.

On the other side of the ball, Nick Singleton ran his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 21.0. Singleton allowed just one hit and struck out two. Singleton walked one while throwing 83 pitches to earn the abbreviated complete game victory. Singleton lowered his ERA to 2.03 and is a league-best 7-0.

Workman had three hits and reached base in all four of his plate appearances. Conroy laid down a bunt single in the top of the second that extended his hitting streak to nine games. Patterson reached base three times and scored three runs.

The Wingnuts return home for a three-game series versus Sioux City. First pitch on Friday night is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Jonathan Ellis faces right-hander David Trahan. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Pheasants Edge Wingnuts in Extras

SIOUX FALLS, SD- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-7 in 10 innings to the Sioux Falls Pheasants at Sioux Falls Stadium on Tuesday night.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Trevor Lawhorn worked out a four-pitch walk against Josh Dew to force in the winning run. Joe Anthonsen opened the inning with a line drive single to center, advanced to second on a sacrifice by Francisco Leandro, and took third on Reggie Abercrombie's flyout to right. Brandon Sing and Mark Shorey were then intentionally walked back-to-back to bring Lawhorn to the plate.

The Wingnuts, who trailed 5-0 after the first, rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game. Trailing 7-4, Mike Conroy doubled to right-center and came around two batters later on Josh Horn's line drive single to right. With the Pheasants lead now at two runs, Ryan Patterson crushed a two-run home run to left field to tie the game. It was Patterson's second two-run homer of the night.

Sioux Falls scored five runs on five consecutive hits with two outs in the bottom of the first against starter Junior Guerra. With runners on second and third, Shorey singled through the right side to put the Pheasants on the board. An error charged to Jorge Delgado at first base led to another run, while Kevin Carby capped off the inning with a two-run single to right. Carby was thrown out at second by Jorge Cortes for the final out of the inning.

Former Wingnuts' right-hander Adam Cowart was perfect over the first three innings, but Wichita put four on the board in the fourth to climb back in the game. Horn led off with a single and came around on Patterson's first home run. Cortes followed with a single up the middle and scored when Juan Richardson homered to deep left-center. Wichtia went on to load the bases with one out, but Cowart escaped further trouble on a line drive double play.

Sioux Falls tacked on two unearned runs on a groundball single from Will Richards in the bottom of the fifth.

Guerra took a no-decision, allowing six runs, four earned, in four and two-thirds innings. Guerra allowed seven hits, six walks, and struck out four.

Cowart also took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs in six innings on six hits and one walk. Cowart struck out four.

Dan McDaniel earned the win in relief for Sioux Falls, working a perfect top of the 10th. Dew took the loss for the Wingnuts. Wingnuts pitchers combined for 10 unintentional walks in the game.

The Wingnuts continue their series against the Pheasants on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson opposes right-hander Brandon Rapoza. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home for a six-game homestand beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Sioux City Explorers. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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T-Bones' Late Homer Edges Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-6 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Sunday evening.

Dwayne White hit a tie-breaking solo home run against Cephas Howard to deep right-center field in the top of the eighth inning that proved to drive in the game's final run.

The Wingnuts had the tying run on second base in the bottom of the ninth, but T-Bones' closer Andy Shipman escaped the jam to record his second save in as many nights.

After the T-Bones scored three runs on a Rico Washington triple in the top of the seventh to take a 6-3 lead, the Wingnuts rallied for three runs of their own to tie the game in the bottom half. Edwin Bellorin drew a one-out walk against starter Reid Santos and came around to score when Mike Conroy tripled off the fence in right field. Conroy scored on Thomas Fitzgerald's RBI groundout to second, cutting the lead to 6-5. Reliver Mike Rocco was brought in from the pen and allowed a double to center from Josh Horn that started another rally. Ryan Patterson followed with an RBI single to left field that knotted the game at 6-6.

Kansas City took a 2-0 lead with two two-out runs in the top of the first. Ray Sadler doubled down the left field line against Wingnuts' starter Justin Murray to give Kansas City a 1-0 lead. Jonathan Jaspe followed with an RBI single to right field for the T-Bones' second run.

Wichita got on the board against Santos in the bottom of the third on an RBI single to right from Josh Horn, and then took the lead with two runs in the fifth. Bellorin doubled to left-center leading off and scored on Conroy's groundball single through the right side. Conroy eventually scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch thrown by Santos.

Kansas City tied the game in the top of the sixth when Washington led off with a triple to center field. Washington then scored on an RBI Single to left-center from Sadler.

Murray took a no-decision and was charged with six runs, five earned, in six and one-third innings. Murray allowed eight hits, two walks, and struck out five.

Santos also took a no-decision, allowing five earned runs in six and two-thirds on nine hits and one walk. Santos struck out one.

Howard was charged with the loss. Steven Stewart earned the win in relief for Kansas City, pitching one and one-third scorless innings over the seventh and eighth.

The Wingnuts head to Sioux Falls for a three-game series beginning Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra will take the mound in the opener

All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com The Wingnuts return home on Friday, June 10th when they host the Sioux City Explorers. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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T-Bones' Late Runs Beat Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 6-3 to the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

The T-Bones pushed across two unearned runs in the top of the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie and ultimately held on for the win. After Ray Sadler drew a leadoff walk, Jonathan Jaspe dragged a sacrifice bunt attempt up the first base line. Jorge Delgado's throw hit Jaspe in the back, and although Thomas Fitzgerald was able to barehand the ball in mid-air with his foot on the bag, Jaspe was ruled safe. Jared Simon retired Brian Joynt for the first out of the inning and then was relieved by left-hander Eric Gilliland. Gilliland retired Dwayne White on a foul popup to third base, but walked Alberto Espinosa and Fernando Garcia back-to-back to force home the lead run. Aharon Eggleston singled to right to drive in Jaspe. On the same hit, Espinosa was thrown out at the plate by Jorge Cortes to end the inning.

Reliever Kyle Dahman worked around a leadoff single in the bottom of the eighth by Cortes to keep Kansas City in front by two runs. After the T-Bones added another run in the top of the ninth on a single down the left field line from Jaspe, Andy Shipman worked out of a jam in the bottom half to retire the side with tying run at the plate. Shipman earned his second save of the season.

The T-Bones took an early 1-0 lead against starter Jonathan Ellis. Sadler's sacrifice fly to deep right field drove in Eggleston who led off the game with a walk.

Wichita tied it in the bottom half on a two-out, RBI double to center field from Juan Richardson. Delgado hit a two-out, groundball single up the middle in the bottom of the third to give the Wingnuts a 2-1 lead.

After the T-Bones scored twice in the top of the sixth against Ellis to move in front 3-2, Thomas Fitzgerald singled through the left side in the bottom of the seventh to re-tie the game.

Ellis took a no-decision, allowing three earned runs in 6.2 innings. Ellis allowed six hits, two walks, and struck out four.

T-Bones starter T.J. Large earned the win, allowing three earned runs on five hits. Large walked five and struck out two.

Simon took the loss, allowing two unearned runs in two-thirds of an inning.

All nine of the Wingnuts' starters reached base with either a hit or a walk.

Prior to the game, the Wingnuts traded left-handed pitcher Trent Lare to Kansas City, in exchange for a player to be named later. Wichita also activated lefty Eric Gilliland from the 7-Day DL.

The series concludes on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. Justin Murray takes the hill against left-hander Reid Santos. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Brilliant Again as Wingnuts Win Fourth Straight

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won 5-0 over the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

Nick Singleton improved to 6-0 with eight shutout innings. Singleton retired the leadoff hitter in every inning that he worked, and retired the first two hitters in seven of them. Singleton allowed just four hits, three walks, and struck out six. The T-Bones had multiple runners on base just once in the game, and had only two runners reach second.

T-Bones' left-hander Devin Anderson escaped trouble over the first three innings, but the Wingnuts finally broke through in the fourth and went on to score a single run in each of their final five team at bats.

With one out in the fourth, Josh Workman doubled to right field. Two batters later, Mike Conroy doubled to right as well, scoring Workman with the game's first run.

In the fifth, Josh Horn doubled down the left field line with one out. After Ryan Patterson walked, Jorge Cortes ripped a single into right field that scored Horn and made it 2-0. Horn finished the night 4 for 4 with a double, a run scored, and a sacrifice fly which came in the eighth inning.

The Wingnuts' third run came in the sixth. Edwin Bellorin doubled off the fence in center field with one out and advanced to third when Conroy singled to left. Thomas Fitzgerald was next and hit a groundball to second base. The T-Bones erased Conroy on the play, but Fitzgerald beat the relay to first allowing Bellorin to score.

Juan Richardson made it 4-0 in the seventh with a long home run down the left field line. Bellorin drew a leadoff walk in the eighth and moved to second on a single through the right side by Conroy. Fitzgerald laid down a perfect bunt along the third base line, setting up Horn's sacrifice fly to deep left field.

Brandon Mathes relieved Singleton, who threw 127 pitches over his eight scoreless innings, and worked a perfect top of the ninth to finish the win.

Anderson took the loss, allowing four earned runs on 13 hits in seven full innings.

Conroy had three hits in the game. It was Wichita's first team shutout since August 23, 2010 at Fort Worth.

The Wingnuts and T-Bones continue their inaugural series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Jonathan Ellis goes to the mound against right-hander T.J. Large. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Win a Chance to See Friday's Fireworks From the Sky

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts are holding a giveaway for a 30-minute helicopter flight during the RiverFest's 40th anniversary fireworks show following their game against the Kansas City T-Bones on Friday, June 3rd, courtesy of Cherry Oaks Golf Course and Art's & Mary's Tater Chips.

The one-of-a-kind prize will include a prize package from the presenting sponsors, as well as a complimentary bottole of champagne.

Fans can register to win at customer service over the next two nights. The drawing will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m. during the game. Fans must be present to win.

The Wingnuts play their series finale versus Fort Worth tonight at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Take Series From Cats

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Fort Worth Cats 9-7 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday night.

Wichita rallied for five runs, four of which were unearned, in the bottom of the first against Cats' starter Mike Bacsik. Ryan Patterson homered to left-center with one out to give Wichita a 1-0 lead. After Bacsik retired Jorge Cortes on a groundout to first, Juan Richardson reached on an infield single to short that went off the lower body of Cory Morales. On the next play, Morales made a wild throw to first on Jorge Delgado's groundball, putting runners on first and second with two outs. Josh Workman continued the rally with an RBI single to left-center that chased home Richardson.

Now leading 2-0, Mike Conroy crushed a triple to the right-center field fence that increased the Wingnuts' lead to four runs. Morales then committed his second error of the inning with Jeff Stevens at the plate, bouncing his throw to first base and allowing Conroy to score Wichita's fifth run.

Wichita scored two more runs in the second against reliever Griffin Bailey. Patterson doubled down the left field line and came around on a double into the right field corner by Cortes. Richardson lined a single to right-center that brought in Cortes and gave the Wingnuts a 7-0 lead.

Fort Worth chipped away in the third, scoring two unearned runs against Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson. Marcos Rodriguez' sacrifice fly put the Cats on the board. John Allen followed with a two-out, RBI double that made it 7-2.

Cory Morales lined a two-out, two-run double into the left field corner in the top of the fourth to bring the Cats within three, but Delgado's two-out single down the right field line in the bottom of the inning re-extended Wichita's lead.

Fort Worth scratched out runs in the sixth and seventh to pull within two heading into the top of the eighth. With runners on second and third and two out, Rodriguez singled hard to center field. After Brian Fryer scored the Cats' seventh run, Ryan Patterson's throw from center beat Cory Morales to the plate where Jeff Stevens dropped the tag to end the inning and keep the Wingnuts in front by one.

Patterson led off the bottom of the eighth with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly by Richardson to give Wichita an insurance run.

Josh Dew worked a perfect top of the ninth to earn his seventh save.

Hinson earned the win, allowing five runs, three earned, in six innings of work. Hinson struck out five and walked two while allowing six base hits.

Bacsik took the loss, allowing five runs, one earned, in one inning.

The Wingnuts open a three-game series against the Kansas City T-Bones on Friday night at 6:05 p.m. Nick Singleton takes the mound against left-hander Devin Anderson. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Win Again in Extras

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won 4-3 in 12 innings over the Fort Worth Cats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Wednesday night.

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, and down to their final strike with two outs and no one on base, Josh Horn worked out a walk to keep the Wingnuts alive. Horn stole second and then advanced to third when first baseman Trent Lockwood misplayed Evan Button's groundball to first base. With runners on the corners, Ryan Patterson doubled down the left field line on the first pitch from Cats' closer Matthew Sartor to tie the game.

Wingnuts' reliever Josh Dew stranded a runner on second base in three consecutive innings from the 10th through the 12th, setting up Wichita's game-winning rally.

Facing left-hander Cody White, Juan Richardson and Jorge Delgado worked out back-to-back walks with one out. Josh Workman was next and ripped a line drive to the fence in right-center field that scored Richardson with the winning run.

The Wingnuts trailed 3-0 heading into the seventh, but pulled themselved within one run thanks to an RBI single from Horn and an RBI double from Button.

Fort Worth took the early lead in the second on a sacrifice fly from Cory Morales. John Allen and Brian Fryer hit leadoff home runs in the fourth and fifth innings respectively to give the Cats a 3-0 lead.

Junior Guerra started for the Wingnuts, allowing three earned runs on six hits in 6.0 IP. Guerra struck out four and walked three in a no-decision.

Dew earned the win with 2.1 scoreless relief innings. The Wingnuts bullpen combined for 6.0 shutout frames, with Trent Lare, Brandon Mathes, and Jared Simon combining for 3.2 innings.

Dwayne Pollok started for Fort Worth and went six shutout innings on four hits. Pollok also took a no-decision, allowing one walk and striking out five.

The Wingnuts are now 4-1 in extra innings this season. Fort Worth left 15 runners on base in the loss.

The Wingnuts and Cats conclude their series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Ryan Hinson faces former Major Leaguer Mike Bacsik. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Newcomer Murray Helps Wingnuts Bounce Back

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Fort Worth Cats 6-2 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Wingnuts used a pair of early three-run innings to open a 6-0 lead, giving plenty of support to Justin Murray who earned the win in his Wichita debut.

With first and second and two outs in the bottom of the second, Mike Conroy ripped a line drive single to right that scored Jorge Delgado from second base with the game's first run. During the following at bat to Thomas Fitzgerald, Conroy took off for second base, stopped halfway, and stayed in a rundown long enough for Edwin Bellorin to score from third. Fitzgerald then singled Conroy to third base to keep the rally alive. Josh Horn capped the inning with a hit-and-run single through the right side that scored Conroy and gave Wichita a 3-0 lead.

The Wingnuts scored three more in the third, highlighted by a monstroous two-run home run down the left field line from Delgado. The longball brought in Jorge Cortes from second who led off the inning with a ground rule double down the right field line. Later in the inning, and with two outs and no one on base, Bellorin doubled down the right field line and scored on Conroy's RBI double to right-center.

Murray evaded trouble in the first, getting John Allen to hit into an inning-ending double play with first and second and no outs. Murray then kept the Cats scoreless until the fifth when Marcos Rodriguez hit a two-out, two-run double into the right field corner. Murray recovered and pitched a scoreless sixth, finishing the night having allowed just the two earned runs on eight hits. Murray walked three and struck out one.

Tyler Seaman started for Fort Worth and took the loss, allowing six earned runs on 12 hits in 4.0+ innings.

Brandon Mathes, Jared Simon, and Gary Lee each chipped in a scoreless inning to close out the win.

Delgado had three hits, while Bellorin and Conroy each finished with two.

The series continues Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Junior Guerra goes to the mound for the Wingnuts. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Cats Slip by Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 7-6 to the Fort Worth Cats at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Monday night.

The Wingnuts twice led by four runs, but the Cats scored over their final four at bats to tie the game and eventually take the lead on a Travis Metcalf solo home run in the top of the ninth inning.

With the Wingnuts leading 6-2 in the top of the seventh, Fort Worth scored two runs on a two-out, two-run double to left-center field by Marcos Rodriguez. Starting pitcher Jonathan Ellis was then relieved by Jared Simon who retired Metcalf to end the inning.

The Cats loaded the bases with no outs against Simon to start the eighth inning. Trent Lockwood doubled to right-center. John Allen drew a walk and then Kelly Gulledge was hit by a pitch. Cephas Howard took over for Simon and retired Derek Kinzler on a sacrifice fly to center field that cut the lead to 6-5. Cory Morales grounded a hit-and-run single through the left side that scored Allen to tie the game. After a single by Cameron Monger that re-loaded the bases, Howard kept the game tied by inducing a double play ball off the bat of Brian Fryer.

After the Wingnuts were held scoreless in the bottom of the eighth, Metcalf homered with one out in the top of the ninth to complete the Cats' comeback. On 2-1, Metcalf took a close pitch near the inside half of the plate that was ruled a ball by home plate umpire Ben Levin. Wingnuts' catcher Edwin Bellorin was ejected after arguing the pitch. After Metcalf's home run on the next pitch, Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper was ejected by Levin as well.

Evan Button gave the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, hitting a two-out RBI single to shallow left field. Button capped off a three-run rally in the fourth with a two-run, opposite field home run that made it 4-0. It was Button's first home run of his professional career. Josh Workman hit an RBI double earlier in the inning to drive in the Wingnuts second run.

After Fort Worth scored two against Ellis in the fifth, the Wingnuts scored twice more in the bottom half. Workman led off with a long home run, just to the left of center field. Later in the frame, Ryan Patterson knocked a two-out RBI single to left that increased Wichita's lead to 6-2.

Ellis took a no-decision, allowing four earned runs in 6.2 IP. Ellis struck out one and walked one, allowing eight hits. Ellis did not allow a run over the first five innings.

Wade Mackey started for the Wingnuts and also took a no-decision. Mackey allowed six earned runs on 11 hits, walked two, and struck out zero.

Nick DeBarr earned the win, taking over in the eighth and pitching two scoreless frames. DeBarr worked a perfect ninth inning on three groundball outs to end the game.

Button finished 3 for 3 with a walk and was a double shy of the cycle. Workman was a triple shy from completing the circuit.

The Wingnuts and Cats continue their series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Murray makes his Wingnuts' debut and takes on Cats' right-hander Tyler Seamon. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Lifts Wingnuts to Series Win

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts won 7-1 over the Lincoln Saltdogs in the rubber game of their series at Haymarket Park on Sunday evening.

Nick Singleton improved to 5-0 with eight innings of one-run ball. Singleton retired 23 of the final 26 batters he faced, striking out eight, walking one, and scattering five hits. Singleton needed only 97 pitches to get through eight innings.

Leading 2-1, the Wingnuts scored five times in the top of the ninth to break the game open. Edwin Bellorin led off with a walk and went to third on Mike Conroy's hit-and-run single through the right side. When Conroy took off for second on the first pitch to Thomas Fitzgerald, Lincoln catcher Pat Trettel's throw to second broke off the glove of shortstop Kevin Rios and into center field. Bellorin scored and Conroy went to third, giving the Wingnuts a 3-1 lead. Two batters later, Josh Horn singled through a drawn in Saltdogs' infield to make it 4-1. Ryan Patterson followed with a line drive home run over the left-center field wall to extend the lead to 6-1. Jorge Cortes homered in Wichita's next at bat, lining the ball over the right field wall on a full count.

Brandon Mathes worked a scoreless ninth inning to finish up the win.

Jorge Delgado hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the first to give Wichita an early lead against Lincoln starter Alessandro Maestri, but Blake Gailen led off the bottom of the inning with a solo home run to tie the game. Lincoln built a threat with first and second and one out, but Singleton retired Maikel Jova and Gavin Dickey to end the inning.

From the second through the eighth innings, Singleton did not allow a runner past first base, and retired nine in a row from the fifth into the seventh. The eight innings were the most by a Wingnuts' starter this season.

Wichita scratched out a run in the top of the sixth against Maestri to re-gain the lead. With first and third and one out, Bellorin hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Juan Richardson.

The Wingnuts return home for a seven-game homestand beginning Monday night versus Fort Worth. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton Named Pitcher of the Week

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' starting pitcher Nick Singleton has been named the Pointstreak American Association Pitcher of the Week for May 23rd-May 29th.

Singleton went 2-0 in two starts last week, allowing just four earned runs in 14.1 innings while striking out 15. On Monday, Singleton allowed three earned runs in 6.1 innings in a series-opening victory at Gary SouthShore. Singleton fanned seven in the win.

Yesterday evening, the Montgombery, AL native worked eight complete innings and allowed one earned run in a rubber match win at Lincoln. Singleton struck out a season-high eight, while allowing just one walk and five hits. The 28-year old right-hander retired 23 of the final 26 batters to face him.

Singleton is now a league-best 5-0 on the season with a 3.00 ERA in four starts and two relief outings. The second-year Wingnuts pitcher is also leading the league with 31 strikeouts.

This marks the 12th time a Wingnuts player has earned a league Player of the Week award, and the sixth time a pitcher has received the honor.

The Wingnuts host the Fort Worth Cats tonight at 7:05 p.m., kicking off a seven-game homestand that runs through Sunday. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Lincoln's Big Inning Beats Wingnuts

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 5-2 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park on Saturday night.

Lincoln used a four-run fourth inning to break a scoreless tie and take control of the game. After Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson retired the first 10 batters to face him, Curt Smith hit a line drive home run that just cleared the left-center field fence to give Lincoln a 1-0 lead. Phil Hawke drew a four-pitch walk and then scored when Jon Nelson doubled to the fence in left-center. Maikel Jova hit another double to left-center field to make it 3-0 and scored two batters later on a double down the right field line from Robby Alcombrack.

The Wingnuts cut into the lead in the next half inning. Thomas Fitzgerald singled with one out and moved to second when Josh Horn reached on an error by shortstop Kevin Rios. After a wild pitch advanced Fizgerald and Horn an extra 90 feet, Jorge Cortes hit a two-out, two-run double to right-center to bring the Wingnuts within two.

Lincoln added another run in the sixth on an infield single from Gavin Dickey.

Wichita had runners on in every inning from the second through the ninth, but left nine on base in the loss.

Lincoln's P.J. Zocchi worked around a leadoff walk in the top of the ninth to earn the save.

Hinson worked seven full innings in the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits. Hinson struck out three and walked one.

Tim Brown earned the win for Lincoln, allowing two unearned runs in 6.2 innings. Brown walked one and struck out three.

Gary Lee worked a perfect eighth inning in his Wingnuts' debut. Cortes, Jorge Delgado, and Josh Workman each had two hits in the game.

Prior to Friday night's game, the Wingnuts made two corresponding roster moves. Wichita signed right-handed pitchers Justin Murray and Lee. Murray is an alumnus of Kansas State and is expected to start for the Wingnuts next week at home. Lee opened the season with the Fort Worth Cats. Wichita placed left-hander Eric Gilliland on the 7-Day DL, retroactive to last Tuesday, and also released right-hander David Miller.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs finish their series on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. Nick Singleton takes the mound against right-hander Alessandro Maestri. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts host the Fort Worth Cats on Monday, opening a seven-game homestand at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Do It Again in Extras

LINCOLN, NE- The Wichita Wingnuts won 4-2 over the Lincoln Saltdogs in 10 innings at Haymarket Park on Friday night.

Jorge Cortes hit a two-out, two-run home run to deep right-center field in the top of the 10th inning to give Wichita a 4-2 lead. Thomas Fitzgerald reached second base on an error by third baseman Brandon Jones to lead off the inning. Saltdogs' reliever Paul Koss nearly escaped the jam by retiring Josh Horn and Ryan Patterson back-to-back before allowing the home run to Cortes.

In the last of the 10th, Josh Dew retired the side in order on just 10 pitches to earn his league-leading sixth save of the year.

The 10th-inning rally followed clutch relief pitching by Cephas Howard in the bottom of the ninth. Howard came on with the bases loaded and one out with the game still tied 2-2, and went on to retire Jon Nelson and Maikel Jova, Lincoln's number four and five hitters respectively, to end Lincoln's rally.

Wichita scratched out an unearned run in the top of the second against Lincoln starter Thomas Palica to take a 1-0 lead, and added another in the sixth on a solo home run to left by Patterson.

Lincoln got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Jova hit a sacrifice fly to center, and then tied the game on a seventh-inning RBI double by Curt Smith.

Junior Guerra turned in another strong start, allowing two earned runs in 6.1 IP with six strikeouts in a no-decision.

Jared Simon contributed 2.0 scoreless relief innings, and struck out the side in order in the eighth.

Palica also took a no-decision, allowing two runs, one earned, in six innings.

The Wingnuts are now 3-1 in extra innings this season, including a 2-1 mark on the road.

The Wingnuts and Saltdogs play game two of their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Lefty Ryan Hinson takes on Lincoln right-hander Tim Brown. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts host the Fort Worth Cats on Monday in the opener of a seven-game homestand. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Fan-Friendly Promotions Planned for 2011

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts have announced their promotional schedule for the remainder of the 2011 season.

A full description of the Wingnuts' 2011 promotions can be found at www.wichitawingnuts.com/promotions.html

Headlining the Wingnuts' promotional schedule are four terrific guest appearances, beginning with Myron Noodleman on Friday June 11th. "The hippest nerd in da biz" returns to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium courtesy of Baker University and Wendy's. June 11th is also the conclusion of the Wichita Riverfest's 40th anniversary, so fans can stay for a fireworks spectacular following the 6:05 p.m. game versus Sioux City.

The world famous ZOOperstars bring their "wild-n-crazy entertainment show" to Wichita on Friday, July 22nd when the Wingnuts host the El Paso Diablos. More information on the ZOOperstars and their sports-themed characters can be found at www.zooperstars.com

When the Wingnuts face the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks on Wednesday, July 27th, fans of all ages can meet the timeless storybook characters Curious Geroge and Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of KPTS.

Breakin' B-Boy McCoy and his dancing act visit Wichita for a second straight year on Friday, August 12th during Day 14 of the 77th annual National Baseball Congress World Series.

The Wingnuts host Tribute to Armed Forces Night during their Memorial Day game on Monday, May 30th versus Fort Worth. The Wingnuts will wear camouflage jerseys while a special video presentation honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces will be shown after the game.

On Friday, June 3rd, the Wingnuts play their inaugural regular season game against their in-state rivals, the Kansas City T-Bones. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Wingnuts pen schedule, courtesy of Emprise Bank. June 3rd is also the opening night of the 40th annual Riverfest. A post-game fireworks spectacular will follow the 6:05 p.m. game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

The Wingnuts pay homage to Snoop Dog with Hip-Hop Night on Thursday, June 23rd. Goodwill Industries will also be hosting a clothing drive that night as the Wingnuts take on the Fort Worth Cats.

Allegiant Air and the Wingnuts will be giving away free flights to Los Angeles, CA on Friday, July 1st versus the T-Bones.

The following night, the Wingnuts host 'Salute to America's Heroes', honoring the local men and women of Wichita who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our great city. A fireworks show will follow the game between Wichita and Kansas City, courtesy of Kansas One Call and KAKE-TV.

The Wingnuts host their third annual 'Bark in the Park' on Sunday, July 10th. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, courtesy of All Paws Center and Newman University. Fans can receive discounted tickets for the game with a dog food donation.

Saturday, July 23rd is the Wingnuts' fourth annual 'Pack the Park' night, presented by the University of Phoenix - Wichita Campus. A fireworks show will follow the 7:05 p.m. game between the Wingnuts and El Paso Diablos.

Thursday, July 28th versus Kansas City is Cancer Awareness Night. The event is meant to help raise awareness of all forms of cancer. More details are to come involving LiveStrong and other local cancer programs.

Local radio personality "The Hitman" will be immortalized in bobblehead form on Thursday, August 18th, courtesy of Power 93.9. The Wingnuts host the T-Bones that night, and will also be hosting their "Back to School Bash" College Fair.

Fans can remember the 2011 Wingnuts by attending the Friday, August 19th contest versus the Gary SouthShore RailCats. Fans will receive a set of Wingnuts trading cards upon entering the stadium that night.

Sunday, August 21st is Little League Night. The Wingnuts will be recognizing all of the Little League teams in the Wichita and surrounding areas before taking on the RailCats at 5:05 p.m.

The Wingnuts' 2011 home schedule concludes on Friday, August 26th with Fan Appreciation Night. While the Wingnuts battle the Amarillo Sox in what could be a pivotal game in the pennant race, Allegiant Air will also be giving away free flights to Phoenix, AZ.

The Wingnuts have once again partnered with several local businesses to offer five 'buy-in' nights where fans can visit each establishment and receive a complimentary general admission ticket. The vouchers may be upgraded into a Lower Box or Upper Box seat at a discount rate.

2011 Wichita Wingnuts Buy-In Nights
Tuesday, May 31st - American Family Insurance Buy-In Night (7:05 p.m.)
Sunday, June 12th - Credit Union of America Buy-In Night (5:05 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 15th - Texas Roadhouse Buy-In Night (7:05 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 21st - Arby's Buy-In Night (7:05 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 28th - American Family Insurance Buy-In Night (7:05 p.m.)

For individual, group, or season tickets to the 2011 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the team's official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Honor Your Heroes at Monday's Game

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts are offering fans the opportunity to contribute to a post-game slideshow for Tribute to Armed Forces Night on Monday, May 30th.

The slideshow will honor America's heroes, past and present, following the Wingnuts' 7:05 p.m. game against the Fort Worth Cats.

Please provide a picture of the veteran along with their full name, rank/position, and company/branch for inclusion in the slideshow. The Wingnuts will accept the first 50 submissions. All pictures must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27th.

Those interested in contributing should contact Sarah Duffy at the Wingnuts' office at sarah@wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Drop Series to RailCats

GARY, IN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 11-4 to the Gary SouthShore RailCats at US Steel Yard on Wednesday afternoon.

The RailCats scored five early runs to distance themselves from the Wingnuts and take two of three in the series.

With first and third and one out in the bottom of the first, Cristian Guerrero singled on a soft groundball through the left side to give the RailCats a 1-0 lead. After Jeff Beauchum singled to load the bases, Kyle Haines hit a line drive single down the right field line that made it 2-0.

The RailCats scored three more times in the second. Guerrero drew a bases loaded walk with one out and was followed by an RBI single through the left side from Beauchum. Kyle Haines made it 5-0 with a sacrifice fly to right.

Gary scratched out an unearned run in the fifth and scored three more in the seventh on a bases clearing triple to right-center by Mike Rohde.

Jorge Cortes doubled home two runs in the top of the seventh to get the Wingnuts on the board at 9-2, but the RailCats scored single runs in both the seventh and eighth frames. Juan Richardson hit a two-run home run for the Wingnuts in the top of the ninth for the game's final margin.

Trent Lare took the loss for the Wingnuts, allowing six runs, five earned, in 5.0 IP. Lare struck out three, walked three, and allowed 11 hits.

Scott Shaw earned the win, throwing six shutout innings. Shaw struck out six and allowed five hits. The Wingnuts were charged with four errors in the game.

The Wingnuts head to Lincoln for a three-game series at Haymarket Park beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts host the Fort Worth Cats on Monday, May 30th to open a seven-game homestand. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Introduce Dollar Days

WICHITA, KS- New for the 2011 season, the Wichita Wingnuts are offering 'Dollar Days' for all five of their Monday home games, as well as one Monday during the National Baseball Congress World Series.

General admission tickets (regularly priced at $5.00) for all six 'Dollar Days with the Wingnuts' will cost just $1.00.

Select concession items, including hot dogs, soda, chips, candy, and ice cream sanwiches will be priced at $1.00 for each 'Dollar Day'.

The Wingnuts' gift shop will have a variety of items available for $1.00 throughout the 'Dollar Day' season, beginning with mini bats of any color on Monday, May 30th versus Fort Worth.

2011 'Dollar Days With the Wingnuts' Dates (all events are scheduled for 7:05 p.m.)
Monday, May 30th - Wichita Wingnuts vs. Fort Worth Cats
Monday, June 13th - Wichita Wingnuts vs. Shreveport-Bossier Captains
Monday, June 27th - Wichita Wingnuts vs. El Paso Diablos
Monday, July 11th - Wichita Wingnuts vs. Shreveport-Bossier Captains
Monday, July 25th - Wichita Wingnuts vs. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
Monday, August 8th - National Baseball Congress World Series - Day 10

For tickets to any of the 'Dollar Days With the Wingnuts', or any other remaining home game for the 2011 season, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the team's official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Rally, but Fall in Extras

GARY, IN- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 4-3 in 12 innings to the Gary SouthShore RailCats at US Steel Yard on Tuesday afternoon.

The Wingnuts rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game, but Jeff Beaucham's RBI single in the bottom of the 12th allowed Gary to squeak out the win.

Brad Boyer led off the bottom of the 12th with a triple to right field off of David Miller. After Cristian Guerrero walked, Beaucham singled through the left side to snap the Wingnuts' four-game winning streak.

Trailing 3-0, and with two outs and no one on in the top of the ninth, Jorge Delgado was hit by a pitch to extend the game. Josh Workman reached on an infield single to put runners on first and second, and then Edwin Bellorin bounced a single through the right side that cut the RailCats' lead to 3-1. Mike Conroy doubled into the right field corner to score the tying runs and send the game to extra innings.

Wichita had several chances to bring in the go-ahead run over the 10th, 11th, and 12th frames, but were unable to take their first lead of the game.

Gary scratched out two runs against starting pitcher Jonathan Ellis in the bottom of the second. A hit batsman, single, and walk loaded the bases with no outs. Ellis then hit Adam Klein to force home the game's first run. Mike Massaro made it 2-0 on an infield single with a slow roller to the left of the mound. Ellis recovered and retired the next three hitters to prevent any further scoring.

Ellis went six innings, allowing just the two earned runs on three hits. Ellis walked five and struck out two.

In the bottom of the seventh, Gary scored again on a two-out, RBI single to center from Guerrero to make it 3-0.

RailCats' starter Derek Gordon pitched seven scoreless innings and took a no-decision, allowing eight hits and two walks.

Jared Simon pitched two scoreless relief innings for the Wingnuts.

The Wingnuts and RailCats finish their series on Wednesday morning at 11:10 a.m. Trent Lare goes to the mound for Wichita against right-hander Scott Shaw. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Hang on for Fourth Straight Win

GARY, IN- The Wichita Wingnuts won their fourth game in a row on Monday night, beating the Gary SouthShore RailCats 6-5 at US Steel Yard.

Jorge Cortes hit two home runs and drove in four, while Nick Singleton improved to 4-0 with eight strikeouts in 6.1 innings of work.

Josh Dew recorded a four-out save to preserve the win, escaping jams in both the eighth and ninth innings.

With the Wingnuts leading 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Dew came on with first and second and two outs. After Dew walked Toddric Johnson to load the bases, the Wingnuts' closer came back and retired Mike Rohde on a popup into short right that was caught by second baseman Evan Button.

With one out in the ninth, Chris Carrara reached first on an infield single and moved to second when Adam Klein reached on an error charged to Jorge Delgado. Mike Massaro hit a groundball to short that Josh Horn used to start a force play at second. Evan Button's return throw to first went over the head of Delgado and allowed Carrara to score Gary SouthShore's fifth run. With the tying run on first and two outs, Dew struck out Kyle Haines to end the ballgame and earn his league-leading fifth save.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the second, the Wingnuts plated four runs to take their first lead of the night. Mike Conroy singled through the left side and advanced to third on Button's hit-and-run single through the right side. After Horn walked, Conroy scored on a shallow fly to right hit by Ryan Patterson that cut the lead to 2-1. Cortes was next and hit a towering, three-run home run just inside the right field foul pole to give Wichita a 4-2 lead.

The Wingnuts added a run in the top of the fifth when Juan Richardson's double play ball with first and third and no outs scored Patterson. Cortes made it 6-2 Wichita with a line drive solo home run down the right field line in the seventh.

Singleton retired 10 batters in a row after allowing an infield single to Cristian Guerrero in the first. Singleton allowed three earned runs in 6.1 IP, walking two and allowing just five hits.

The RailCats chipped away at the Wingnuts lead scoring twice in the seventh on RBI from Rohde and Carrara.

Gary scored twice in the first to take a 2-0 lead on an RBI triple from Massaro and a sacrifice fly by Haines.

Nolan Nicholson took the loss for Gary, allowing five earned runs in five innings.

The Wingnuts and RailCats continue their series Tuesday morning at 11:10 a.m. Jonathan Ellis opposes Gary left-hander Derrick Gordon. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts open a seven-game homestand on Monday, May 30th against the Fort Worth Cats. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Throttle Diablos to Finish Sweep

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts completed a three-game sweep of the El Paso Diablos, winning 19-2 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Sunday evening.

Wichita set a new team record for runs in a single game for the second time in nine days, and for a third time in 10 games this season, all nine of the Wingnuts starters collected at least one hit.

The Wingnuts scored five runs in the bottom of the second to take a 5-0 lead and never looked back. Juan Richardson was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a walk to Jorge Delgado. Josh Workman singled home the first run of the game with a groundball through the right side. Michael Conroy followed with a line drive single to right that scored Delgado. With runners on first and second and still no outs, Jeff Stevens laid down a sacrifice attempt to the left side of the infield. Diablos' starter Wardell Starling barehanded the ball, but threw over the reach of third baseman Martin Parra. The errant throw allowed Workman to score and gave the Wingnuts a 3-0 lead.

Evan Button followed Stevens' at bat in the second with a double off the right field fence that plated Conroy with the Wingnuts' fourth run. Josh Horn capped off the rally with an RBI single through the right side.

Richardson homered well over the left-center field wall leading off the third, and then the Wingnuts added two more against Starling in the fourth on a Ryan Patterson RBI single and a wild pitch thrown by reliever Alfredo Caballero.

Starling lasted 3.2 innings and was charged with the loss, allowing eight runs, seven earned, on seven hits.

Wichita scored six more runs in the fifth, highlighted by two-run hits from Horn and Patterson. Jorge Cortes and Richardson added RBI in the frame as well.

Wingnuts' starter Ryan Hinson threw six shutout innings to earn his second win in as many starts this season. Hinson scattered four hits and struck out eight while allowing just one walk.

After El Paso scratched out a run in the seventh against David Miller, Thomas Fitzgerald doubled home a run in the bottom half to make it 15-1. Two batters later, Workman singled through the right side to drive in two more.

The Diablos scored another run in the eighth, and again, the Wingnuts answered back with two in their half. Patterson and Cortes knocked in runs with outs to make it 19-2.

Eric Gilliland pitched a scoreless ninth to finish the game.

The Wingnuts head to Gary, IN for a three-game series against the RailCats beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton is scheduled to start against right-hander Nolan Nicholson. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts return home for a seven-game homestand on Monday, May 30th when they host the Fort Worth Cats at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Guerra Sharp in Wingnuts Win

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the El Paso Diablos 8-5 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Saturday night.

In the Wingnuts' regularly scheduled game against El Paso, Junior Guerra led the Wingnuts with seven strong innings to earn his first win of the season. Guerra allowed just one earned run on three hits, walked one, and struck out three. Guerra retired the leadoff hitter in every inning, and retired the first two hitters in each of the first six. The right-hander needed only 93 pitches to get through seven full innings.

After falling behind 1-0 on a Gerardo Avila home run in the top of the second, the Wingnuts rallied for six runs in the bottom of the inning against left-handed starter Josh Blanco. Josh Workman drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third when Edwin Bellorin doubled to the right-center field fence. Mike Conroy walked to load the bases, and after Blanco struck out Evan Button, Josh Horn singled through the left side to give Wichita a 2-1 lead.

Blanco retired Ryan Patterson on a flyball to right field, but back-to-back two-out walks to Jorge Cortes and Juan Richardson forced in Wichita's third run. Jorge Delgado followed with a two-run single to left field that made it 5-1 Wingnuts. A bases loaded walk to Edwin Bellorin later in the inning increased the lead to 6-1.

Delgado was hit by a pitch with two outs in the fourth, and after stealing second base, was driven home when Workman doubled into the right field corner.

Patterson plated the Wingnuts' eighth run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly.

El Paso scratched out two runs against David Miller in the eighth on a two-out, bouncing ball single to center from Chad Gabriel.

Avila hit his second home run of the night leading off the ninth against Brandon Mathes. El Paso scored once more on a wild pitch, but Mathes recorded the final out on Stephen Douglas to lock down the win.

Blanco took the loss, allowing six earned runs in two innings, walking six and allowing five hits.

The series concludes Sunday at 5:05 p.m. with Ryan Hinson squaring off against right-hander Wardell Starling. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Rally Again to Win Longest Game in League History

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the El Paso Diablos 9-8 in 15 innings in the completion of Friday night's suspended game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 15th, Jeff Stevens snapped an 8-8 tie with a drive to deep left-center field that landed past a drawn in Diablos' outfield.

The Wingnuts entered the frame trailing 8-7, but Ryan Patterson led off with a home run to left field against El Paso righty Alfredo Caballero. Caballero issued walks to Jorge Cortes, Jorge Delgado, and Josh Workman to set up Stevens' game-winning hit.

El Paso had taken the lead in the top of the 15th when Arnoldo Ponce was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded by Cephas Howard.

The game was suspended after 14 complete innings last night due to the league's curfew rule. The 15th-inning comeback by Wichita was their third rally in which they entered facing their final three outs.

The official game time finished at five hours and 22 minutes, breaking the American Association mark of 5:02 set by Shreveport-Bossier and Pensacola on May 31st of last year. Singleton earned the win in relief and is now 3-0 on the season.

The Wingnuts also set an American Association single-game record with 22 total strikeouts.

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Cortes Collects 1,000, Wingnuts Set Strikeout Record in Suspended Game

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts and El Paso Diablos had their game suspended after 14 innings due to the American Association's curfew rule at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Friday night.

The score is tied at 7-7 and the game will resume in the top of the 15th inning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, with the regularly scheduled game between Wichita and El Paso to follow.

Twice, the Wingnuts rallied to tie the game while down to their final three outs. Trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the 14th, Josh Workman drew a leadoff walk against Jorge Crespo who was working in his fourth inning. After Workman stole second base, Edwin Bellorin singled up the middle to tie the game. Reliever Alfredo Caballero was brought on after an error by shortstop Arnoldo Ponce and escaped further trouble when Josh Horn grounded into an inning-ending double play.

El Paso had taken the lead in the top of the inning on a two-out, RBI single to left-center by Manny Mejia against Cephas Howard.

Wichita trailed 6-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but rallied for three runs against Diablos' closer Scott Vander Weg. Thomas Fitzgerald opened the frame with a double and scored on Josh Horn's single to right. Ryan Patterson singled Horn to second and both advanced a base on a double steal. With second and third and one out, Juan Richardson and Jorge Delgado drew back-to-back walks, the latter of which cut the lead to 6-5. Vander Weg struck out Workman for the second out, but walked Bellorin with the bases loaded to force home the tying run.

The Diablos led three batters into the game when Chad Gabriel hit a two-run home run to left against Wingnuts' starter Trent Lare. RBI hits from Richardson in the first and Delgado in the third tied the game, but Albenis Machado's two-run home run down the left field line gave the Diablos a 4-2 lead in the top of the fourth.

Kyle Nichols hit a solo home run to left-center in the fifth to increase the lead to three runs. After Workman drove in a run with a groundout in the sixth, Nichols hit a two-out, RBI single to left-center in the seventh to give El Paso its second three-run lead of the night.

In the bottom of the third, Jorge Cortes doubled down the left field line for the 1,000th hit of his professional career.

Trent Lare started for the Wingnuts and allowed five earned runs in six innings while striking out four.

Cardoza Tucker will also take a no-decision in the game, allowing three earned runs in 5.1 innings.

Josh Dew worked 2.2 hitless, scoreless relief innings over the 11th through 13th innings, notching six strikeouts. Jared Simon worked 2.1 scoreless frames from the ninth into the 11th.

Through the first 14 innings, Wingnuts' pitchers have combined for an American Association record 21 strikeouts.

The Wingnuts and Diablos continue their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Junior Guerra takes the ball against El Paso lefty Josh Blanco. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Cats Take Series Finale From Wingnuts

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-1 to the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Cats' Right-hander Wade Mackey pitched a complete game two-hitter in his first professional start to earn the win. Mackey walked three and struck out one, and finished the game on 89 pitches.

Fort Worth scored first for the first time in the series, plating two runs in the opening inning. Soft groundballs through the left side from Jeremy Sauceda and Marcos Rodriguez were followed by a bloop single to right by Travis Metcalf that loaded the bases. John Allen drove in a run, hitting into a double play that made it 1-0, and then Trent Lockwood scored Rodriguez with a two-out, infield single to shortstop.

The Wingnuts scratched out a run in the top of the fourth on an RBI single to center from Jorge Delgado, but the Cats extended their lead with four in the bottom of the inning. With one out, Derek Kinzler reached on an infield single up the middle and moved to second when Cory Morales walked. Cameron Monger broke the game open with a three-run home run to left field to give the Cats a 5-1 lead. Metcalf added a two-out, RBI single later in the frame for the Cats' sixth run.

Trent Lockwood hit a towering, wind-aided home run in the bottom of the fourth to make it 8-1.

Jonathan Ellis was charged with six earned runs in four innings and took the loss in his Wingnuts' debut. Ellis struck out three, walked two, and allowed 12 hits.

David Miller worked a scoreless eighth for the Wingnuts.

Ryan Patterson had a 12-game hitting streak snapped that dated back to last season. Cortes' hit was the 998th of his professional career.

The Wingnuts finish their season-opening road trip 5-2, having each of their first two series.

The Wingnuts now return home for their 2011 home opener versus the El Paso Diablos. Trent Lare is expected to start against Diablos' right-hander Cardoza Tucker.

For tickets to Friday's game, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Singleton, Bullpen Lead Wingnuts Over Cats

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts won 3-1 over the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Tuesday night.

Nick Singleton tossed six shutout innings to earn the win, while Josh Dew notched his league-leading fourth save with a scoreless bottom of the ninth.

With the game tied 0-0, Ryan Patterson opened the fourth inning with a single to center field against former Wingnuts' right-hander Derek Blacksher. Jorge Cortes and Juan Richardson followed with consecutive walks to load the bases with no outs. Jorge Delgado jumped on a first pitch and lined a two-run single to left field to break the scoreless tie. Later in the inning, Edwin Bellorin added an RBI single through the right side to make it 3-0.

In the bottom half of the inning, two singles and a walk allowed the Cats to load the bases with no outs. Singleton recovered though, striking out Cory Morales and Jeremy Sauceda back-to-back, and then retiring Brian Fryer on a popup to first base to escape the inning unscathed.

Singleton struck out six and scattered five hits en route to his second win of the season.

Sauceda cut the lead to 3-1 with a leadoff home run in the seventh against Jared Simon, but Simon recovered and ended the inning without further damage.

Cephas Howard bounced back from Sunday evening at Amrillo, working a perfect eighth that included a strikeout of Kelley Gulledge.

The Cats loaded the bases against Dew in the ninth, but the Wingnuts' right-hander struck out former Major Leaguer Travis Metcalf on three pitches to strand the tying and winning runs on base.

The Wingnuts and Cats conclude their series on Wednesday morning at 11:05 a.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com Newly-signed righty John Ellis goes to the mound against Cats' left-hander Mike Bacsik.

Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Add Experienced Starter

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed right-handed pitcher Jonathan Ellis on Tuesday.

Ellis is in his eighth season of professional baseball and owns a lifetime record of 31-26 with a 3.90 ERA in 395.0 innings of work. Ellis pitched in the Atlantic League last season, splitting time with Somerset and Camden. The 28-year old righty was a combined 4-3 with a 5.05 ERA in 24 games, 10 as a starter, and struck out 51 in 62.1 IP.

A native of Charleston, SC, Ellis was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the sixth round in 2004 out of The Citadel. Ellis spent six years in the Padres' organization, four of which were spent at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. Mostly a reliever throughout his professional career, Ellis is expected to join the Wingnuts' rotation. Ellis was a starter during his college days at The Citadel, which included a 12-2 mark in his junior season in 2004. The 6-foot, 205-pound Ellis struck out 131 in 136.1 IP that spring with a 2.18 ERA.

Ellis is scheduled to take the ball on Wednesday morning in the Wingnuts' series finale at Fort Worth.

The Wingnuts recently placed Dan Grybash on the Inactive List after the right-hander left his start last Friday in the bottom of the first inning. American Association players must remain on the Inactive List for at least 30 days.

The Wingnuts continue their series against the Fort Worth Cats tonight at 7:05 p.m. 2008 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year Nick Singleton faces 2009 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year Derek Blacksher. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Sox Stun Wingnuts in Series Finale

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-7 to the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Sunday evening.

Trailing 7-4 in the bottom of the ninth, a single and two walks loaded the bases with one out for the Sox. Chris Nash hit a bloop single to left that made it 7-5. Tim Alberts followed with a game-ending three-run double to right-center field off of Cephas Howard that prevented the Wingnuts from completing a four-game sweep to start the season.

The Wingnuts started quick on Sunday, scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the first. Josh Horn reached base in the game's first plate appearance for a fourth straight night, lining a single to left field. Ryan Patterson doubled into the left field corner to score Horn and give Wichita a 1-0 lead. After Patterson moved to third on Jorge Cortes' groundout to first, Juan Richardson scorched a base hit past third baseman Adam De La Garza to make it 2-0. Two batters later, Josh Workman tripled to the right-center field wall to score Richardson from first.

Amarillo took the lead with a four-run fourth. With the bases loaded and one out, Fehlandt Lentini hit into a force play at second that scored Tim Alberts' with the Sox' first run. Matthew Tucker walked to re-load the bases, and then Cyle Hankerd doulbed off the bottom of the fence in right field to clear the bases and make it 4-3.

The Wingnuts re-gained the lead in the top of the seventh. Horn singled off the glove of first baseman Chris Nash to start the rally and immediately scored on Patterson's hit and run triple down the left field line. Jorge Cortes drove in Patterson with the lead run, hitting a sacrifice fly to center field.

Thomas Fitzgerald's two-out, RBI single in the top of the eighth gave Wichita a 6-4 lead.
Richardson drove in the Wingnuts' seventh run with an RBI single that plated Patterson in the ninth. Patterson led off the inning with a triple to center field.

Howard took the loss, allowing four earned runs in 0.2 IP.

Brandon Mathes worked 2.2 outstanding relief innings, allowing no runs and striking out three. Junior Guerra started for the Wingnuts and allowed four earned runs in five innings with four strikeouts in a no-decision.

Lee Henry earned the win in relief for the Sox, pitching the top of the ninth.

The Wingnuts now travel to Fort Worth to open a three-game series against the Cats. Lefty Ryan Hinson takes the mound on Monday at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Big Innings Help Wingnuts Bounce Back

FORT WORTH, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts won 12-5 over the Fort Worth Cats at LaGrave Field on Monday night.

Juan Richardson nearly hit for the cycle, while left-hander Ryan Hinson became the first Wingnuts' starter this season to earn a victory.

For a third time in five games, the Wingnuts pushed across three runs in the top of the first inning. Josh Horn reached base in the opening plate appearance for a fifth straight game, walking against Cats' starter Gary Lee. Jorge Cortes drew a one-out walk to put runners on first and second, which set up a two-run triple down the right field line for Juan Richardson that gave the Wingnuts a 2-0 lead. Jorge Delgado drove in Richardson with an RBI single through the right side.

The Cats threatened in the bottom of the inning, cutting the lead to 3-1 on an RBI single from John Allen. But Hinson limited the damage, and induced an inning-ending force play on Cory Morales to leave the bases loaded. Hinson worked around a leadoff double from Derek Kinzler in the second to keep the Wingnuts ahead by two.

Wichita broke the game open in the third, scoring four times. Horn, Ryan Patterson, Cortes, and Richardson opened the inning with consecutive singles, with the latter two driving in runs. After the Wingnuts loaded the bases, Josh Workman and Edwin Bellorin hit back-to-back sacrifice flies that opened a 7-1 lead.

Facing reliever Tyler Seamon in the fourth, Wichita extended its lead even further with a five-run frame. Richardson doubled home Patterson from first base with one out to make it 8-1. A bases loaded walk to Bellorin forced home the Wingnuts' ninth run, while Mike Conroy capped off the team's offensive attack with a three-run triple to the right-center field fence.

Conroy made a spectacular play in the bottom of the third. After Travis Metcalf grounded a ball down the left field line and towards the Wingnuts' bullpen, Conroy crossed into foul territory, retrieved the ball, and made an off-balance, line drive throw to Thomas Fitzgerald at second base who tagged out Metcalf by several feet.

In the top of the fifth, and with a triple, single, and double to his credit, Richardson crushed a line drive that hit off the upper part of the left field wall, narrowly missing the home run needed to complete the cycle.

Hinson worked six full innings, allowing two earned runs on nine hits. Hinson struck out five and walked four. David Miller pitched the final three innings to earn the save, allowing three earned runs.

Lee took the loss, allowing seven earned runs in 3.0 IP. Seamon worked five full innings in long relief.

The Wingnuts and Cats continue their series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Nick Singleton makes his second start of the year and will be opposed by former Wingnuts' righty Derek Blacksher. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Speechless: Wingnuts Rally, Hang on for 17-16 Win

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Amarillo Sox 17-16 at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Saturday night.

For a second straight night, all nine of the Wingnuts' starter had at least one hit. The 17 runs scored set a new franchise record for a single game.

First baseman Jorge Delgado made a game-saving catch in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, preventing the Sox from completing a comeback from six runs down after seven and a half innings.

With the tying and winning runs in scoring position, Josh Dew faced Matthew Tucker who scorched a low line drive towards the right side of the infield. Delgado made a headlong dive to his right and reached across his body to make the catch.

Amarillo trailed 17-11 heading into the bottom of the eighth when Thomas Fitzgerald was moved from left field to pitcher to help rest a tired Wingnuts' bullpen. The Sox scratched out two runs against Fitzgerald in the eighth to make it 17-13. After Fitzgerald retired the first two hitters in the ninth, two infield singles and a walk loaded the bases. Closer Josh Dew entered his third consecutive game and allowed an RBI single to Jason White and a two-run bloop double down the left field line to Fehlandt Lentini before retiring Tucker to end the game. Relief pitcher Brandon Mathes played left field over the final two innings after Fitzgerald came into pitch.

The Wingnuts themselves trailed twice by four runs, and trailed 11-9 heading into the top of the eighth. Wichita rallied for eight runs in the inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Edwin Bellorin that gave Wichita a 13-9 lead. A throwing error from catcher Kevin Butler, along with RBI from Josh Horn, Ryan Patterson, and Delgado helped round out the eight-run outburst.

The Sox scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first on a two-out, RBI single from Lee Cruz. After the Wingnuts tied it in the second on Evan Button's two-out RBI hit, Lentini singled through the right side with two outs to make it 2-1 Amarillo.

Jorge Delgado hit a two-run home run in the top of the third that gave Wichita a 3-2 lead, and the Wingnuts added an unearned run in the fourth on an error charged to second baseman Matthew Tucker.

Amarillo moved back in front with a six-run fourth against Wingnuts' starter Trent Lare. The big hit came from Cruz, who hit a three-run double to left-center field.

After the teams traded runs in the fifth, the Wingnuts scored four times in the top of the sixth to tie it at 9-9. Patterson and Mike Conroy hit sacrifice flies, while Josh Workman singled home two runs to contribute to the rally.

Wingnuts' starting pitcher Nick Singleton worked the top of the seventh, and allowed two earned runs that gave the Sox an 11-9 advantage. Singleton earned the win after the Wingnuts' rally in the eighth.

Lare took a no-decision, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in four innings. Lare struck out the final two batters to face him in the fourth to strand the bases loaded and keep Wichita within four runs.

Colin Allen started for the Sox and also took a no-decision, allowing five runs, four earned, in five innings.

Brian Oliver suffered the loss, allowing all eight runs in the top of the eighth.

Wichita and Amarillo complete their season-opening series on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Junior Guerra goes to the mound against Sox' righty Ryan Mitchell. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Wingnuts Beat Adversity, Sox

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Amarillo Sox 12-11 at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Friday night.

The Wingnuts used seven pitchers, totaled 19 hits, and overcame two four-run deficits to pull out the win. 10 Wingnuts' position players had at least one hit in the game.

With the game tied 10-10 in the top of the eighth, Josh Workman led off with a single through the middle. Workman advanced to second on Edwin Bellorin's hit-and-run groundout, and scored when Mike Conroy tripled to the fence in center field. Conry came home with an insurance run on Evan Button's second sacrifice fly of the night.

Cephas Howard worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth, helped by a huge defensive play by Juan Richardson. With the tying runs in scoring position and two out, Richardson snared Cyle Hankerd's sharp one-hopper to the left side of the infield, before throwing to first to end the inning.

Kevin Butler hit an RBI single against Josh Dew in the bottom of the ninth to cut the lead to 12-11, but Dew retired Adam De La Garza on a flyout to left field that ended the four-hour and 15-minute ballgame.

The Sox scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the first, helped by three errors charged to the Wingnuts' infield. With one out, Matthew Tucker reached when Button's throw to first went into the Wingnuts dugout. Hankerd followed and reached first when Jorge Delgado dropped Richardson's throw from third base on a ground ball. After Lee Cruz flied out to left, Chris Nash loaded the bases, reaching on an error charged to Richardson. Tim Alberts and Butler then drew back-to-back walks to force home two runs. Following the walk to Butler, Wingnuts' starter Dan Grybash was removed from the game due to an apparent injury.

In the top of the second, Delgado led off with a double down the left field line and scored on a bloop single into short left from Workman.

Amarillo scored three more runs in their half of the second. Jason White, Fehlandt Lentini, and Tucker drew consecutive walks to open the inning. After Brandon Mathes retired Hankerd on a line drive to second, Cruz worked out another bases loaded walk to make it 3-1.

David Miller relieved Mathes and faced Chris Nash, who lifted a sacrifice fly to right that extended the Sox' lead to 4-1. Amarillo made it 5-1 when Tim Alberts' infield single plated Tucker.

Two-out, RBI singles in the third inning from Delgado and Workman cut the lead to 5-3, but Amarillo pushed across two more in their half on another bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly.

The Wingnuts made it a one-run ballgame with a three-run fourth. Button singled through the left side with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch. Horn drove in Button with a single to center field. After a double by Ryan Patterson that moved Horn to third, Thomas Fitzgerald, who subbed into the game for Jorge Cortes, singled home Horn. Richardson added a sacrifice fly to make it 7-6. Cortes left early in the game after an apparent injury on a first-inning pickoff attempt.

Button hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game in the top of the fifth, but consecutive, two-out RBI doubles from Hankerd and Cruz in the bottom half put Amarillo back in front 9-7.

The Wingnuts finally took their first lead of the night in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs. Fitzgerald, Richardson, and Delgado hit three straight long doubles to knot the game at 9-9. Bellorin hit a two-out single up the middle later in the inning for the lead run. Amarillo re-tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out, RBI single from Jason White.

Jared Simon earned the win, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings and collecting four strikeouts. Simon fanned Butler with the bases loaded in the seventh to end the inning and keep the game tied.

Tyler Pearson took the loss, allowing the two earned runs in the top of the eighth.

The Wingnuts combined for 10 walks allowed and committed four errors on defense in the win. Horn, Patterson, Fitzgerald, Delgado, Workman, and Bellorin all had multi-hit nights.

The Wingnuts and Sox play game three of their four-game series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Trent Lare takes the ball for Wichita and will face right-hander Colin Allen. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Bullpen Helps Wingnuts Outlast Sox on Opening Night

AMARILLO, TX- The Wichita Wingnuts won 5-3 in 10 innings over the Amarillo Sox at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium on Thursday night.

Five Wingnuts relievers combined for five shutout innings helping set up a 10th inning rally that decided the game.

Tied at 3-3, Josh Horn worked out a leadoff walk against Sox' reliever Tyler Pearson. Ryan Patterson laid down a sacrifice bunt attempt toward third that Cristobal Santana threw wild down the right field line. After the ball was ruled out of play, Horn was awarded third and Patterson second. Jorge Cortes worked ahead in the count 2-0 and was eventually intentionally walked. Juan Richardson then singled to right-center, plating Horn and Patterson.

Josh Dew worked the bottom of the 10th, retiring the side in order on eight pitches.

The Wingnuts manufactured three runs in the top of the first. Horn drew a leadoff walk and was singled to second by Ryan Patterson. After Sox' starter Matt Elliott struck out Cortes, Horn and Patterson executed a double steal. Richardson walked to load the bases, and then Jorge Delgado hit a tapper towards third base that Cristobal Santana threw down the right field line. Horn and Patterson scored to give Wichita a 2-0 lead. Josh Workman added an RBI groundout later in the inning to make it 3-0.

Cortes made a key defensive play in the bottom of the first when leadoff hitter Fehlandt Lentini tried stretching a double into a triple. Lentini's pop fly fell inside the right field line and off the glove of second baseman Evan Button. With a hustling Lentini rounding second, Cortes backed up the play and fired to third to nab Lentini by a healthy margin.

Amarillo cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the third, collecting RBI singles from Lentini and Matthew Tucker. Nick Singleton recovered to strike out Cyle Henkerd and Lee Cruz back-to-back to end the inning and strand the tying run on third base.

In the bottom of the fourth, Adam De La Garza doubled to deep right field to score Chris Nash with the tying run.

Singleton struck out seven and allowed three earned runs in five innings in his first start since July 29th of last season. Singleton took a no-decision.

Brandon Mathes, Jared Simon, Eric Gilliland, Cephas Howard, and Dew all combined to shut down the Sox' offense through the late innings.

Pearson took the loss, allowing two runs, one earned, in 1.0+ innings.

Matt Elliott started for Amarillo and allowed one earned run in six frames.

The Wingnuts and Sox continue their series Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Dan Grybash makes his Wingnuts' debut and opposes right-hander Justin Garcia. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com

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Guerra, Long Balls Propel Wingnuts Final Spring Win

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts beat the Sioux City Explorers 5-2 in their final exhibition game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Tuesday night.

Junior Guerra pitched five shutout innings to earn the win while Josh Workman and Juan Richardson each homered to support the offense.

Wichita took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Josh Horn chopped a single up the middle to lead off the frame and scored one batter later when Ryan Patterson doubled to the fence in left-center. Patterson advanced to third on a grounout and came home on an RBI groundout by Richardson.

Workman hit a monstrous home run leading off the second to make it 3-0. Workman's shot went to dead center field and struck the top of the batter's eye.

The X's cut into the lead in the top of the sixth on a two-run home run from Ray Serrano.

With the Wingnuts still leading 3-2 in the eighth, Jorge Cortes drew a two-out walk. Richardson followed with a long home run to left-center to give Wichita some breathing room.

Guerra struck out four and walked none while scattering six hits. Guerra finishes the spring with eight shutout innings.

Matthew Rossignol started for the Explorers and took the loss, allowing three earned runs in 4.0 innings.

David Miller, Cephas Howard, and Josh Dew each threw a scoreless relief inning, with Dew earning the save.

The teams agreed to play the bottom of the ninth inning where the Wingnuts added another run on a Workman RBI double.

The Wingnuts finish their exhibition schedule 2-1-1

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo at 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 93.5 KWME and worldwide at www.kleyam.com Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Individual tickets, season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Clevlen Purchased by Reds, Wingnuts Pare Down Roster

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts' outfielder Brent Clevlen has been purchased by the Cincinnati Reds' organization.

Clevlen, who spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues, signed with the Wingnuts in late-April. The 27-year old Clevlen hit two home runs in four Spring Training games, and is expected to report to Triple-A Louisville.

Clevlen is now the ninth Wingnuts player purchased by a Major League organization, and the fifth in 2011.

The Wingnuts also trimmed their roster to 21 players after Saturday's practice session. The team released infielder Jason Diaz, catcher Ben Harty, as well as pitchers John Holdzkom, David Miller, and Anthony Shawler. The Wingnuts may add up to 23 players in time for their season opener on Thursday. American Association rosters must be cut down to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.

The Wingnuts complete their exhibition schedule on Tuesday when they host the Sioux City Explorers at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are just $7.00 general admission and may be purchased at the Wingnuts' office, or at the gate the night of the event.

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Individual tickets, season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Clevlen Homers, but Wingnuts Stopped by T-Bones

KANSAS CITY, MO- The Wichita Wingnuts lost 8-4 to the Kansas City T-Bones in an exhibition game at Community America Ballpark on Friday night.

The T-Bones took an early lead, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. Keanon Simon led off the inning with a walk and moved to second on a single to center from Jimmy Mojica. Rico Washington then singled to right, bringing home Simon with the game's first run. After Ray Sadler walked to load the bases, Wingnuts' starter Anthony Shawler got Dwayne White to hit into a double play that scored Mojica from third base. Later in the inning, Brian Joynt bounced a single through the left side to make it 3-0. The T-Bones fourth run came on an error charged to third baseman Juan Richardson.

Richardson doubled leading off the second, moved to third on a flyball, and then scored on Jorge Delgado's sacrifice fly to left.

In the bottom of the second, and with a runner on third and two outs, center fielder Brent Clevlen saved a run by diving toward the outfield fence and robbing Ray Sadler of an extra base hit.

White led off the bottom of the third with a home run to straightaway center to make it 5-1 Kansas City.

Trailing 5-1 in the top of the eighth, Josh Horn doubled and took third on a wild pitch. After Ryan Patterson drew a walk, Clevlen crushed a three-run home run to right-center field to bring the Wingnuts within one. Kansas City re-extended its lead in the bottom half of the inning, thanks to RBI hits from White and Joynt. The T-Bones eighth run of the night came on a wild pitch thrown by Reyes Dorado.

Shawler allowed five runs, four earned, in three innings of work, while taking the loss. Shawler walked two and struck out none. Reid Santos started for the T-Bones, allowing one earned run in three innings.

Cole Akins worked two strong innings in relief of Shawler, striking out two and not allowing a run. Brandon Mathes and David Miller each threw a scoreless relief inning.

The teams agreed to complete the bottom of the ninth. Cephas Howard saw his first game action of the spring and struck out the side.

The Wingnuts are now 2-1-1 during the pre-season.

Wichita's exhibition schedule wraps up on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. versus Sioux City. Tickets for the game are just $7.00 general admission and can be purchased at either the Wingnuts' office or at the gate the night of the game.

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Reminder: Wingnuts Open House Saturday at 1:00

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts would like to remind everyone about their inaugural Open House on Saturday, May 7th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Fans of all ages are invited to attend the free event, which will feature Wingnuts' players, coaches, and front office staff.

The Open House offers everyone a sneak peak at the various renovation projects that have taken place at the ballpark. Since late 2010, Lawrence-Dumont Stadium has undergone several exciting changes, including the installation of state-of-the-art field turf on both the infield and outfield, repairing of chairbacks in the lower box seating bowl, painting and replacement of outfield and foul territory wall pads, expansion and restructuring of dugouts, and installation of a new lighting system.

Sports Radio 1410 KGSO will be hosting a live remote during the Open House from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

May 7th also marks the first day that single game tickets for the 2011 season go on sale to the public. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Open House.

The Wingnuts continue their 2011 exhibition schedule tonight when they face the Kansas City T-Bones at Community America Ballpark. Pre-season action concludes Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. when the Wingnuts host the Sioux City Explorers. Tickets for the exhibition are just $7.00 general admission, and can be purchased at the Wingnuts' front office or at the gate the night of the game.

The Wingnuts open the 2011 regular season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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Wingnuts Topple T-Bones in Daytime Exhibition

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts defeated the Kansas City T-Bones 8-1 in an exhibition game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

With the game scoreless after three innings, the Wingnuts erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the fourth. Juan Richardson led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third on Jorge Cortes' single to right-center. After Jorge Delgado was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Josh Workman lifted a sacrifice fly to left that plated Richardson with the game's first run. Jeff Stevens singled to re-load the bases which set up a walk to Evan Button that made it 3-0.

Later in the inning, and with the bases again loaded, Brent Clevlen reached first on an infield single that scored the Wingnuts' fourth run of the inning. Juan Richardson broke things open with a long double to left-center that scored Josh Horn, Ryan Patterson, and Clevlen.

Cortes tripled off the right field wall leading off the bottom of the fifth and came home on Workman's RBI groundout to first base.

Kansas City scratched out its lone run in the top of the eighth on an RBI single from Gabriel Suarez.

Junior Guerra continued the positive trend of Wingnuts' starters this spring, blanking the T-Bones for three innings and allowing just one hit. Guerra struck out two and walked one. Ryan Hinson relieved Guerra and earned the win, pitching three shutout frames. Josh Dew closed out the win with a scoreless ninth.

Stewart took the loss, allowing all eight runs in 2.0 innings. Mike Rocco worked three scoreless innings in his start for Kansas City.

Cortes, Richardson, and Stevens each had two hits.

The Wingnuts continue their exhibition schedule tomorrow night when they play the T-Bones in Kansas City at Community America Ballpark at 7:05 p.m. Wichita's final spring match is on Tuesday, May 10th versus the Sioux City Explorers. Tickets for the 7:05 p.m. game are just $7.00 general admission and can be purchased both at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium or at the game the night of the event.

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Wingnuts Offense Outlasts ESU in First Spring Win

EMPORIA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts won 10-8 over Emporia State University in an exhibition game at Glennen Field on Tuesday night.

Josh Horn and Jorge Delgado each collected three hits and combined for three RBI, while Josh Workman continued his hot start to the spring by going 2 for 2.

Already leading 1-0, the Wingnuts broke the game open with three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings.

Evan Button, Horn, and Ryan Patterson each drove in a run during the Wingnuts' fourth inning rally, while Delgado, Edwin Bellorin, and Jason Diaz knocked in runs in the fifth to open a 6-1 lead.

The Hornets plated four in the bottom of the seventh to make it 7-5, with Andy Cotton, Dill Hazlett, and Rudy Weiser each driving in runs.

Wichita re-extended its lead with a run in the eighth and two more in the ninth, before staving off another Emporia State Rally in the bottom of the final frame.

Thomas Fitzgerald singled home Diaz in the eighth to make it 8-5. Jeff Stevens and Horn chipped in one RBI each in the top of the ninth.

Hazlett hit an RBI single in the bottom half to trim the lead to 10-6. Karsten Strelliof hit a two-run double later in the inning to make it 10-8, but Wingnuts' reliever Reyes Dorado retired the next three hitters to preserve the win.

Dan Grybash earned the win in a designated split, tossing three scoreless innings in the start. Grybash struck out two and walked one.

Derek Brooks took the loss, also in a designated split, yielding one earned run in three innings.

Trent Lare allowed one unearned run in three relief innings, taking over for Grybash in the fourth. Eric Gilliland worked one scoreless relief inning for Wichita.

Delgado and Jorge Cortes each scored two runs. Horn stole two bases. Button and Diaz each had one stolen base. The Wingnuts are now 1-0-1 on the spring.

The Wingnuts spring training schedule continues on Thursday afternoon when they host the Kansas City T-Bones at 12:05 p.m. Tickets for the game are just $7.00 general admission and may be purchased at the gate the day of the game, or in advance at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.

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Wingnuts Return Former Shocker Workman

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed former Wichita State University outfielder Josh Workman on Monday.

Workman returns after a brief stint with the Wingnuts last season that was cut short due to injury. Workman is a career .271 hitter with a .368 on-base percentage during three years of professional baseball. An Atchison native and Derby resident, Workman has spent most of the past three seasons in the Detroit Tigers' organization, including a 2009 campaign that saw him bat .297 in 55 games in the High-A Florida State League.

"We are real excited to get Josh back in a Wingnuts uniform," said manager Kevin Hooper. "Unfortunately his season was cut short last year due to injury. He seems to be fully healthy now and, as of today, will open the season as our DH. He is very versatile being able to play multiple positions. Josh is also another local guy that played his college ball at WSU. I am excited for what he can bring to the team, not only on the field but in the clubhouse also."

The 6-foot, 220-pound Workman played three seasons at Wichita State, hitting a combined .308 with 12 home runs, 102 RBI, 157 runs scored, and 63 stolen bases in 187 games played. The Tigers selected Workman in the 38th round of the 2008 amateur draft. Now 25-years old, Workman began his career later that summer in the Gulf Coast Rookie League where he scored 17 runs in just 18 games.

To make room for Workman, the Wingnuts traded infielder D.J Dixon to the Golden League's Yuma Scorpions.

The Wingnuts begin their 2011 exhibition schedule tonight when they take on the Newman University Jets at Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field, located on the campus of Wichita State University. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game are just $7.00 general admission and can be purchased at the gate.

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Wingnuts Tie Jets in Spring Opener

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts drew an 8-8 tie against the Newman University Jets in their 2011 spring opener at Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field on Monday night.

Thomas Fitzgerald doubled down the left field line to score Josh Horn as the tying run in the bottom of the ninth. After an intentional walk to Brent Clevlen, Newman reliever Gage Daniels retired Juan Ricahrdson and Jorge Cortes to end the inning. The teams agreed to end the game following the ninth.

Trailing 3-0 in the top of the sixth, the Jets rallied for eight runs to take the lead. With the bases loaded and one out, Corey Cowan singled home two runs to cut the Wingnuts' lead to 3-2. Newman then managed four consecutive walks against John Holdzkom, the last three of which came with the bases loaded. With the Jets now leading 5-3, John Bonebrake singled through the right side to drive in two more runs. Bonebrake took third base on a throwing error and eventually scored on a groundout to second by David Longmore.

Wichita cut the deficit to 8-7 with three runs in their half of the sixth. With first and second and two out, Ben Harty singled through the middle to plate Juan Richardson and make it an 8-3 contest. Josh Workman walked to load the bases, setting up a two-run single to right from pinch-hitter Evan Button. Horn capped the rally with a single down the right field line to bring the Wingnuts back within one.

The Wingnuts scored the first run of the night in the bottom of the third. Workman doubled to right-center field with one out and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jason Diaz plated Workman on a chopper up the middle that was ruled an error on shortstop Brett Delcombe.

Clevlen increased the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run to straightaway center field to lead off the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, Harty tripled to deep center field and scored on a sharp single up the middle by Workman.

Nick Singleton started for the Wingnuts, tossing three scoreless innings. Singleton struck out seven, including the final six batters to face him. Logan Clewes started for Newman and allowed one earned run in three innings.

Eric Gilliland, Jared Simon, Brandon Mathes, and Josh Dew combined for 4.2 scoreless relief innings with seven strikeouts. Daniels allowed one earned run in three relief innings.

Workman finished the night with a double, triple, and three runs scored.

Wichita's exhibition schedule continues Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. when the Wingnuts travel north to battle Emporia State University at Glennen Field.

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Wingnuts Media Day Scheduled for May 9th

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts' fourth annual media day is scheduled for Monday, May 9th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 1:45 p.m.

The 2011 Wichita Wingnuts will be dressed in uniform and available for pictures and interviews on-field. All television, radio, and print media are encouraged to attend.

Formal spring training begins Saturday, April 30th at 9:00 a.m. at a location to be determined. The media will be informed when the location is finalized and is invited to attend spring training. Interviews may be conducted at the conclusion of each practice session.

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Wingnuts Open House May 7th

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts will host their first annual Open House on Saturday, May 7th at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Fans of all ages are invited to attend the free event, which will feature Wingnuts' players, coaches, and staff.

This will be the public's first opportunity to see the various renovation projects that have taken place at the ballpark. Since late 2010, Lawrence-Dumont Stadium has undergone several exciting changes, including the installation of state-of-the-art field turf on both the infield and outfield, repairing of lower box seats, replacement of outfield wall pads, expansion of dugouts, and installation of a new lighting system.

Sports Radio 1410 KGSO will be hosting a live remote during the Open House from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

May 7th also marks the first day that single game tickets for the 2011 season go on sale to the public. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Open House.

The Wingnuts continue their inaugural caravan on Thursday, visiting Heartspring at 8700 E. 29th St. North from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and then Heroes Sports Bar and Grill on Mosley St. in Old Town at 12:00 p.m.

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Wingnuts Holding Caravan Wednesday and Thursday

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts are holding their inaugural team caravan Wednesday, April 27th and Thursday, April 28th.

The caravan plans to visit two hospitals on Wednesday, beginning with Wesley Medical Center at Central and Hillside. The team will then visit Via Christi St. Francis Pediatric Unit, located at 929 North St. Francis from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Day two of the caravan begins at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Heartspring, located at 8700 E. 29th St. North near the intersection of 29th St. and Webb Rd. The event culminates with a meet and greet at Heroes Sporst Bar and Grill on Mosley St. in Old Town.

Wingnuts players will be leading the caravan appearances, including Cole Akins, Edwin Bellorin, Jorge Delgado, Josh Horn, Ryan Patterson, Nick Singleton, and manager Kevin Hooper.

Wichita Wingnuts 2011 Caravan Schedule:
Wednesday, April 27th
Wesley Medical Center: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Via Christi St. Francis Pediatric Unit: 11:00-12:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 28th
Heartspring: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Heroes Sports Bar and Grill: 12:00 p.m.

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Wingnuts Announce Exhibition Schedule

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced their 2011 exhibition schedule on Tuesday.

The five-game schedule begins Monday, May 2nd when the Wingnuts take on Newman University at 7:05 p.m. The game will be played at Wichita State University's Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field. Tickets for the event are just $7.00 general admission and can be purchased at the gate the night of the event.

On Tuesday, May 3rd, the Wingnuts travel north to take on Emporia State University. First pitch at Glennen Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The Wingnuts get their first look at newly renovated Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Thursday, May 5th when they host the rival Kansas City T-Bones at 12:05 p.m. The Wingnuts and T-Bones battle again the following night at 7:05 p.m. at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City.

Pre-season action finishes Tuesday, May 10th when the Wingnuts host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for the games at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on May 5th and May 10th are $7.00 general admission at the gate. Fans can also purchase tickets to those contests, as well as the May 2nd match at Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field, at the Wingnuts' main office located at 300 S. Sycamore St.

2011 Wichita Wingnuts Exhibition Schedule
Monday, May 2nd vs. Newman University - Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3rd at Emporia State University - Glennen Field, 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, May 5th vs. Kansas City T-Bones - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 12:05 p.m.
Friday, May 6th at Kansas City T-Bones - Community America Ballpark, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10th vs. Sioux City Explorers - Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 7:05 p.m.

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Wingnuts Add Major Leaguer Clevlen

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made a significant, late addition to their roster on Monday, signing former Major League outfielder Brent Clevlen.

Since 2006, Clevlen has spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues, including three with the Detroit Tigers where he was a teammate of both Wingnuts' owner Nate Robertson and Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. Clevlen appeared in four games with the Atlanta Braves last season, while spending most of the year at Triple-A Gwinnett. Now entering his 10th season of professional baseball, Clevlen has totaled 103 home runs and 909 base hits in 993 career games, while averaging 83 RBI for every 162 contests.

"Brent was a teammate of mine in Detroit and has some big time tools," said Hooper. "He will play centerfield more than likely and will hit right in the heart of our order. He has a plus arm in the outfield and some serious power at the plate. Brent will be a guy I really rely on to be a leader, not only on the field, but also in the clubhouse as one of our veterans."

The Wingnuts' now have 28 players on their 2011 roster. American Association rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day on May 12th, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.

2011 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Cole Akins
C Edwin Bellorin
LHP Josh Berry
OF Evan Button
OF Brent Clevlen
OF Jorge Cortes
1B Jorge Delgado
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jason Diaz
IF D.J. Dixon
RHP Reyes Dorado
IF Thomas Fitzgerald
LHP Eric Gilliland
RHP Dan Grybash
C Ben Harty
LHP Ryan Hinson
RHP John Holdzkom
SS Josh Horn
RHP Cephas Howard
LHP Trent Lare
RHP Brandon Mathes
RHP David Miller
OF Ryan Patterson
3B Juan Richardson
RHP Anthony Shawler
RHP Jared Simon
RHP Nick Singleton
C Jeff Stevens

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Veteran Cortes Returns, Wingnuts Add Big Pitcher

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two more players to their roster on Friday, re-signing outfielder Jorge Cortes and signing right-handed pitcher John Holdzkom.

Cortes was one of the steadiest bats in the Wingnuts' lineup during the second half of 2010. After joining Wichita in early-July, Cortes hit .320 with five home runs and 46 RBI in just 51 games played. The veteran outfielder displayed great patience at the plate, posting a .402 on-base percentage, and drawing 31 walks against 21 strikeouts. The 30-year old Cortes hit safely in 43 of 51 games with the Wingnuts, and was especially dangerous at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium where he hit .373. In 59 at bats with runners in scoring position, Cortes hit .424.

"Jorge was a huge piece of the puzzle last year and I'm expecting more of the same for 2011," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He is one of our veterans and will be a leader on and off the field for us. He is a great defender and gives himself a great chance at the plate by putting the ball in play as much as he does. He is a true run producer."

Cortes enters his 13th season of professional baseball with a lifetime .286 batting average and .377 on-base percentage. A left-handed hitter and fielder, Cortes is just eight hits shy of 1,000 for his career, and has amassed 992 base hits in 1,015 professional games. A native of Baranquilla, Colombia, Cortes was originally signed as an international free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997. Cortes has seen time with three different Major League organizations, and reached the Triple-A level in both 2007 (Cubs) and 2008 (Pirates). Cortes was the Low-A South Atlantic League's MVP in 2003 where he hit .325 with eight home runs and 66 RBI in 98 games for the Hickory Crawdads. Cortes has hit .288 or better in eight of 12 pro seasons.

Holdzkom also adds a wealth of affiliated experience having pitched four seasons in the New York Mets' organization. The Pasadena, CA native battled injury in 2010, but still dominated when on the mound, striking out 10 in just 5.0 innings of work. Holdzkom's best work came in 2008 where he split time between the Rookie Appalachian and Low-A South Atlantic leagues. Holdzkom recorded a career-high 86.2 IP that season with 100 strikeouts, seeing time in both the rotation and the bullpen.

"John will come to camp battling for a spot in our rotation," said Hooper. "He has a big frame at 6-foot-9, which comes with a live fastball. John wants a chance to start to see what he can do, and hopefully he can pound the zone and get back to affiliated ball sooner than later. I'm excited to see his electric stuff in action."

An imposing figure on the mound, Holdzkom stands at 6-foot-9, 250-pounds. During his four-year career, Holdzkom has racked up 143 strikeouts in 126.0 IP with an 8-10 record and three saves. Holdzkom has made 57 professional appearances, 14 as a starting pitcher. The 23-year old righty was drafted by the Mets in the fourth round in 2006 out of Salt Lake City Community College.

The Wingnuts also traded right-handed pitcher Sean Teague to the Frontier League's Southern Illinois Miners.

The Wingnuts now have 28 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.

2011 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Cole Akins
C Edwin Bellorin
LHP Josh Berry
OF Evan Button
OF Jorge Cortes
1B Jorge Delgado
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jason Diaz
IF D.J. Dixon
RHP Reyes Dorado
IF Thomas Fitzgerald
LHP Eric Gilliland
RHP Dan Grybash
RHP Junior Guerra
C Ben Harty
LHP Ryan Hinson
RHP John Holdzkom
SS Josh Horn
RHP Cephas Howard
LHP Trent Lare
RHP Brandon Mathes
RHP David Miller
OF Ryan Patterson
3B Juan Richardson
RHP Anthony Shawler
RHP Jared Simon
RHP Nick Singleton
C Jeff Stevens

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Righty and Lefty Added to Wingnuts' Pitching Mix

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two pitchers to their roster on Tuesday, signing right-hander Anthony Shawler and left-hander Ryan Hinson.

Shawler pitched for two affiliates in the Detroit Tigers' organization last year, including significant time at the Double-A level. The 23-year old opened the season with Lakeland in the High-A Florida State League, pitching to a 0.96 ERA in 11 relief outings. In 18.2 IP for the Flying Tigers, Shawler struck out 15 and walked just one. The Chesapeake, VA native was promoted to Double-A Erie in mid-May where he served in a dual role as a starter and reliever. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound righty appeared in 28 games for the SeaWolves, 12 of them as a starting pitcher. Shawler logged 102.1 innings in Double-A, striking out 83 and walking 22.

"Anthony will come into camp competing for a spot in our rotation," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He has great career numbers throughout his time in the minor leagues so far. Anthony is young with some good experience on his resume and hopefully has a bright future still ahead of him."

Shawler is 15-12 with a 3.57 ERA in his three years of professional baseball, all spent with the Tigers. A former ninth round pick in 2008, Shawler has 250 strikeouts against 72 walks in 279.2 career IP. Shawler was drafted out of Old Dominion University where he starred as a pitcher and outfielder for three seasons. During his sophomore campaign in 2007, Shawler was 11-2 with a 2.20 ERA, and earned All-American honors from Louisville Slugger, the American Baseball Coaches Association, and Baseball America. Over his final two seasons at Old Dominion, Shawler also hit .310 with a combined 75 RBI in 96 games.

Hinson enters his third season of professional baseball, having spent each of the first two in the San Diego Padres' organization. The lefty was limited to 13 games in 2010 due to injury, but still averaged more than a strikeout per inning for a second straight season. The Rock Hill, SC native fanned 12 in 11.1 IP, sharing time at the Rookie and Short Season-A levels.

"Ryan is another guy who will have a shot to crack our rotation," said Hooper. "He also has spent quite a bit of time in the bullpen which is very valuable. He gives you a lot of options and has a good arm from the left side."

Hinson reached High-A with Lake Elsinore during his pro debut in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound Hinson appeared in 22 games, striking out 48 over 44.0 IP. The Padres selected Hinson in the 10th round in 2009 out of Clemson University. The 23-year old pitched four years for the Tigers and left with a 3.69 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 219.1 career innings.

The Wingnuts now have 27 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.

2011 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Cole Akins
C Edwin Bellorin
LHP Josh Berry
OF Evan Button
1B Jorge Delgado
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jason Diaz
IF D.J. Dixon
RHP Reyes Dorado
IF Thomas Fitzgerald
LHP Eric Gilliland
RHP Dan Grybash
RHP Junior Guerra
C Ben Harty
LHP Ryan Hinson
SS Josh Horn
RHP Cephas Howard
LHP Trent Lare
RHP Brandon Mathes
RHP David Miller
OF Ryan Patterson
3B Juan Richardson
RHP Anthony Shawler
RHP Jared Simon
RHP Nick Singleton
C Jeff Stevens
RHP Sean Teague

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Wingnuts Add Punch to Lineup, Rotation

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two major pieces to their 2011 roster on Thursday, re-signing first baseman Jorge Delgado, and signing right-handed starter Dan Grybash.

Delgado made his presence felt during his short time with the Wingnuts last season, hitting .391 with three home runs and 26 RBI in 31 games played . A right-handed hitter and fielder, Delgado hit safely in 27 of 31 contests, and compiled a 19-game hitting streak from July 31st-August 21st (34 for 67, .507). A native of Acarigua, Venezuela, Delgado hit .397 in 63 at bats with men on base, and .391 in 46 tries with runners in scoring position.

"Jorge will be our opening day First Baseman this year," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He will be a huge part of any success we have and will hit in the middle of our lineup. Jorge has a lot of experience under his belt and I can't wait to have him for a full season."

The 30-year old Delgado spent most of 2010 in the Liga Norte de Mexico where he won his third consecutive batting title. Delgado posted averages of .480, .464, and .456 with a combined 29 home runs and 209 RBI in 182 games from 2008-2010. The 6-foot, 240-pound Delgado originally signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in 1997, and made his stateside debut two years later in the Arizona Rookie League. Delgado hit .301 in 176 games over four years in affiliated ball, three with Arizona and one with Colorado.

Grybash (pronounced GRIH-bish) returns to professional baseball after missing the 2010 season due to injury. The 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander last pitched in 2009 for the Fort Worth Cats where he was 6-2 with a 2.76 ERA in eight starts and two relief outings. From 2006-2008, the Chicago, IL native worked at least 92 innings while keeping his ERA under 4.00. In 2007, Grybash notched a career-high nine wins and 100 strikeouts for the Northern League's Schaumburg Flyers. The following season, Grybash was an American Association All-Star for the Cats, finishing the season eighth in ERA (3.18) and fourth in strikeouts (100).

"Dan is a guy we are real excited to have signed and added to our rotation," said Hooper. "He is a quality starter with proven success in our league. Dan is coming off of shoulder surgery and is anxious to get back on the mound. He is a bulldog type and will be a great leader for us."

During his seven-year professional career, Grybash is a combined 41-25 with a 3.78 ERA and has averaged 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Grybash was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 34th round in 2003, and reached High-A Brevard County in 2005. Grybash pitched collegiately at Carthage College in Wisconsin.

Outfielder Eric Williams has been traded to the Frontier League's River City Rascals in exchange for a player to be named later. The rights to left-handed pitcher Kevin Angelle have been sold to the Atlantic League's York Revolution.

The Wingnuts also learned that outfielder Ryan Patterson and right-handed pitcher Cephas Howard will be re-joining the team for 2011.

The Wingnuts now have 26 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.

2011 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Cole Akins
RHP Kendy Batista
C Edwin Bellorin
LHP Josh Berry
OF Evan Button
1B Jorge Delgado
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jason Diaz
IF D.J. Dixon
RHP Reyes Dorado
IF Thomas Fitzgerald
LHP Eric Gilliland
RHP Dan Grybash
RHP Junior Guerra
C Ben Harty
SS Josh Horn
RHP Cephas Howard
LHP Trent Lare
RHP Brandon Mathes
RHP David Miller
OF Ryan Patterson
3B Juan Richardson
RHP Jared Simon
RHP Nick Singleton
C Jeff Stevens
RHP Sean Teague

-Wingnuts-

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Wingnuts News

News Archives

Multi-Tool Talent Returns to Wingnuts

Workhorse Guerra Back With Wingnuts

Savage Headed to Big League Camp With Dodgers

Closer Returns to Wingnuts

Wingnuts Trade for Two, Grybash Retires

Five-Time All-Star Horn Retires

Wingnuts Acquire Pitcher of the Year Lowey

Hooper to Remain With Wingnuts Through 2013

Wingnuts Sign Righty and Lefty

Wingnuts Announce 2012 Schedule

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Wingnuts Hitting the Mark in Winter Ball

Wingnuts' Richardson Earns National Accolades

Wichita Wingnuts 2011 Season Review

Wingnuts' Season Ends in Close Game Four Loss

Hustle, Grit in Game Three Keep Wingnuts Alive

Wingnuts Handed Another Tough Loss

Wingnuts Suffer Tough Loss in Game One

Wingnuts are Central Division Champs!

Nutty Ninth Helps Wichita Close in

Richardson, Horn Named All-Stars

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Information Regarding Potential Wingnuts' Tie-Breakers

Richardson Ties League Record in Rout

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