Former Major League great Rafael Palmeiro opted to join his teammates in Wichita for the opening game of the Cleburne Railroaders four game set against the Wingnuts. A crowd of over 3,100 came to see the baseball great, but it was Wingnuts starter Travis Banwart who was the star of the game, allowing 4-hits in 7-innings of work, combining with two relievers to blank the Railroaders, 1-0.

Banwart gave up a leadoff single to KC Huth to start the game, but induced a double-play before getting a fly ball to end the threat.

The Wichita Wingnuts would get a run in the bottom of the first to take the lead against Cleburne starter Jared Mortensen. Logan Watkins led off with a ball hit into the hole at second that he beat out for a single. Logan Trowbridge followed by grounding a single into left field, moving Watkins to second. Two batters later, Tony Thomas went the other way, scooting a ball into right field that brought Watkins home and it was 1-0.

Amazingly, that would be the only run of the night. Banwart gave up a single with one out in the second, then struck out the final two batters to end the frame. That started a run of six straight batters retired. Cameron Monger doubled with two outs in the fifth, and that would be the final hit that the Wichita starter allowed. He retired the final seven batters he faced, striking out three of the final four.

Travis Banwart (2-1) came out after 7-innings. He allowed 4-hits and a walk, while striking out 7.

Mortensen was pitching brilliantly as well. After giving up the Thomas hit in the first, he would not allow another until Thomas doubled with two down in the sixth. Mortensen would go 8-innings, allowing 4-hits, a run and a walk while striking out 7 in tossing the first complete game in the American Association this season.

Felix Carvallo came on in the eighth for Wichita and quickly retired the first two batters, however a single by Huth kept the inning alive before Alex Polston drew a walk. That brought Patrick Palmeiro to the plate, who hit a ball to shallow center that second baseman Logan Trowbridge made a nice play on for the final out.

In the ninth, James Campbell came on looking for his first save of the year. Campbell retired all three batters, striking out two to close out the game, as the Wingnuts won 1-0.

Tony Thomas had two of the four hits for the Wichita Wingnuts. KC Huth had 2-hits for the Railroaders.

These two teams will continue their series tomorrow. Casey Harman (1-0, 0.00) will go for the Wichita Wingnuts. Patrick Mincey (0-0, 7.14) will be the starter for the Cleburne Railroaders. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Boxscore

Featured Image by Ed Bailey

By Robert Pannier