If the Cleburne Railroaders are going to make a run to get back in the playoff chase, a sweep of the Wichita Wingnuts would almost be a necessity. The Railroaders took the first step toward that Wednesday night, downing the Wingnuts when Geraldo Valentin reached on an error that scored Alex Polston to give Cleburne the 5-4 victory. That extended Wichita’s losing streak to eight.

Wichita got off to a good start against Alberto Rodriguez, scoring a run in the top of the first. Christian Stringer walked with one down and Brent Clevlen followed with a base hit that advanced Stringer to third. After T.J. Mittelstaedt walked to load the bases, a passed ball brought home Stringer and the Wingnuts were up 1-0.

Tim Brown cruised through the first-inning for Wichita but Cleburne would get two runs against him in the second. Geraldo Valentin doubled into center field to start the inning and moved to third on a ground out. KC Huth then hit a sacrifice fly that brought home Valentin to tie the score. Next up was Ermindo Escobar, who drilled his first home run of the season to put the home team up by one.

In the top half of the third the Wingnuts would tie the score. Clevlen walked with one out and moved to third on double by Mittelstaedt. Matt Chavez followed with a base hit that brought home Clevlen and the game was tied at two. That was his first RBI in five games.

In the bottom of the third the Railroaders would retake the lead. Brown retired the first two batters of the inning, but singles by Derrick Pyles and Pichi Balet kept the inning alive. Once again, Valentin came up big, doubling down the line to score both runners to make the score 4-2.

It would stay that way until the sixth when Wichita would tie the score. Martin Medina singled to begin the inning and moved to second on a ground out. Brennen Salgado was then hit by a pitch. Bryce Beeler was able to retire Leo Vargas, but Prigatano drew a walk bringing Stringer to the plate. On a 2-2 pitch, he lined a single into right that scored both Medina and Salgado to tie the score at four.

Into the ninth the game would go as Austin Boyle came on for Wichita. Alex Polston greeted him with a base hit and moved to second when Boyle misplayed a ground ball back to him for an error, putting two on with no one out. Boyle was able to retire the next two batters, bringing Valentin to the plate. He worked the count full before grounding the ball down to Chavez who mishandled the ball, allowing Polston to score and Cleburne to earn the 5-4 victory.

Casey Upperman (1-2) earned the victory with a scoreless inning of relief. Geraldo Valentin had a huge day at the plate, going 3-5 with a run and 3-RBI. Alex Polston also had 3-hits and he scored a run. The Wingnuts offense was led by Christian Stringer, who was 1-4 with a run and 2-RBI.

Game 2 of this four-game series is set for tomorrow. Ryan Kussmaul (5-3, 3.26) goes for Wichita. He will be opposed by Dylan Mouzakes (3-5, 5.08). First pitch is scheduled for 7:06.

Read Cleburne Railroaders First Half Recap

Read Wichita Wingnuts First Half Recap

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By Robert Pannier