Alex Boshers Dazzles in Leading Wichita Wingnuts to 10-3 Victory
With injuries to the pitching staff, Wichita Wingnuts reliever Alex Boshers was called upon to start Thursday’s game against the Texas AirHogs, and he delivered a gem. The right-hander gave the Wingnuts six outstanding innings of relief, as Wichita won 10-3.
The Wingnuts staked their starter to a 1-0 lead coming out of the first. Christian Stringer started out the game with a triple. Two batters later Brent Clevlen grounded out, but Stringer scored on the play to make it a one-run lead.
Texas would get that run back in the bottom of the second. Boshers retired the first two hitters of the inning, but an error gave life to the AirHogs. Brian Bistagne’s single moved Cody Lenahan to third, and he scored on a single by Will DuPont. That tied the score.
The game did not remain tied for very long. In the top of the third, the hot hitting Leo Vargas doubled to get the frame started. That extended his hitting streak to seven. Stringer then walked to put two on with no one out. After a balk, Clevlen drove Vargas home with a sacrifice fly. A double by T.J. Mittelstaedt scored Stringer and it was 3-1 Wichita. It was a lead they would not relinquish.
In the top of the fifth Wichita blew the game open. A walk to Stringer got it started, and Zack Cox reached on an error to put two on and no one out. Clevlen singled to load the bases and Mittelstaedt walked to drive home Stringer. Martin Medina then drew a walk and it was 5-1 Wichita.
The AirHogs turned to Cody Boutte, but he could not stop the bleeding. Dustin Geiger walked to plate Clevlen and Richard Prigatano followed with a base hit that scored both Mittelstaedt and Martin. Harrison Kain’s single brought home Geiger and Prigatano and it was 10-1 Wichita.
It would stay that way heading into the bottom of the ninth. The AirHogs were able to plate a run, but a downpour ended the game and it was officially called after eight, with Wichita winning 10-2.
Boshers (1-2) earned his first victory of the season. He pitched 6-innings, allowing 8-hits, an earned run and a walk. He struck out 5. Cody Hebner (0-4) took the loss.
Stringer finished 2-4 with 3-runs scored. Clevlen and Mittlelstaedt each drove in 2-runs. Prigatano, Kain, and Vargas each had 2-hits, and the bottom third of the order went 6-10 with 2-runs and 4-RBI. Burt Reynolds had three hits in the loss.
These two teams will continue their four-game series tomorrow. Game time is 7:05. Tim Brown is expected to go for the Wingnuts.
By Robert Pannier
