Week in Review

A 3-4 week put the Wichita Wingnuts in a virtual tie with the Joplin Blasters for first place in the South Division of the American Association. It is the inconsistency of the club that manager Kevin Hooper is most frustrated with, and this was on full display this past week.

The Wingnuts welcomed the Laredo Lemurs to town for three games to start the week. Wichita had dominated the team from Texas last season, but this time around the Lemurs came away with two victories in the three-game series. Omar Bencomo, who had been with the Wingnuts just four days earlier, shut down his former team in the first game, a 6-1 Laredo win.

In Game 2 of the series, Wichita scored seven runs in the third and led 13-0 before the visitors would get their first run of the game. The club held on for the 14-7 victory as Alberto Gonzalez went 4-4 with 3 runs and 3 RBI. One of his hits was his first home run of the season. Wichita clubbed out 18 hits.

Too bad some of that could not be saved for the rubber match of the series as Greg Holle shut down the Wingnuts with a five-hit 6-1 complete game victory. Gonzalez followed his four-hit game with two more against Holle.

In came the Lincoln Saltdogs, and two slugfests were following by two pitching duels. In Game 1, Wichita scored eight runs in the second inning on their way to the 10-4 win. TJ Mittelstaedt only had one official at-bat, but he made the most of it. The third baseman went 1-1 with 2 runs scored, 3 RBI, a home run and three walks. Jayce Ray had three hits.

Game 2 saw the Saltdogs defeat the Wingnuts bullpen, as Lincoln went on to win 7-6. Three runs by the visitors in the seventh and eighth innings cost the home team the game.

Game 3 was a real nail-biter. Anthony Capra outdueled Jesse Smith, 1-0. Wichita’s only run scored on a passed ball. Capra pitched eight shutout innings, and Matt Nevarez closed out the game for his sixth save of the season.

The final game of the series saw Lincoln win in 11th inning, scoring four runs before Wichita got two in their half in the 4-2 win. Wingnuts starter Tim Brown threw eight shutout innings as did Kirk McGovern. Neither received a decision.

Laredo 6, Wichita 1
Wichita 14, Laredo 7
Laredo 6, Wichita 1
Wichita 10, Lincoln 4
Lincoln 7, Wichita 6
Wichita 1, Lincoln 0
Lincoln 4, Wichita 2, 11 INN

Who’s Hot

Alberto Gonzalez hit in six of the seven games the Wichita Wingnuts played during the week. He was 12-27 with 5 runs and 5 RBI. He raised his average over 50 points during the week.

Transactions

On June 9, the Wichita Wingnuts activated RHP Scott Shuman from the disabled list and signed Joash Brodin. Infielders Tyler Coughenour and Taylor Oldham were released by the club. Brodin has hit .379 since joining the Wingnuts, while Shuman has appeared in three games. He has allowed 1 hit and struck out 5 in 3 pitched innings.

On June 10, infielder Kori Melo was signed and RHP Byron Minnich was released. Melo was released a short time later.

By Robert Pannier