Casey Harman Derails Railroaders Offense in 2-0 Wingnuts Victory
After watching Travis Banwart blank the Cleburne Railroaders for six innings on Saturday evening, Casey Harman took to the hill on Sunday and tossed eight scoreless frames, combining with Daniel Tillman to shutout Cleburne in the Wichita Wingnuts 2-0 victory. Harman allowed just 2-hits to earn his seventh win of the season, outdueling Railroaders starter Michael Gunn who also only gave up two hits. Tony Thomas scored both runs to lead the offense.
After a 1-2-3 first for both starter, the Wichita Wingnuts took the lead in the bottom of the second. Tony Thomas walked to start the frame, then stole second. Two batters later, Logan Trowbridge lined a single into right that scored Thomas to give the Wingnuts a 1-0 lead.
Casey Harman retired the first nine batters of the game, seeing his streak come to an end when Trevor Sealey singled to start the fourth. Sealey was erased on a double-play as the Wichita starter retired the minimum through the first five innings. That run finally came to an end in the sixth, when KC Huth led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. However, he would move no further, as Harman got Alex Polston to pop out before Sealey struck out to end the threat.
That would be the last hit that Cleburne would get against the lefty. Casey Harman (7-2) went 8-innings, allowing 2-hits, the only base runners to reach against him. He struck out 7.
Harman made that one-run lead, but Tony would give him a little breathing room in the seventh. With one down, Thomas worked the count full before lining his 17th home run over the left field wall to make it 2-0. His home run total leads the American Association.
Daniel Tillman came on in the ninth for Wichita. He retired the side in order for his 16th save of the year, which leads the league.
Tony Thomas finished the day 1-2 with 2-runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.
Michael Gunn (2-3) was the hard luck loser. He gave up 2-hits and 2-runs in 8-innings. The lefty walked one and struck out 3.
The Wichita Wingnuts will have two days off before beginning their three-week long road trip. They start in Minnesota, taking on the St. Paul Saints on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.
Featured Image by Ed Bailey
By Robert Pannier
