Houston extends on-base streak to 24 games with three-hit, three-RBI night
For more information contact: Tim Grubbs, timg@windsurge.com or media@windsurge.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Wichita Wind Surge (13-18) took the fourth game of a six-game series with a 6-1 victory over the Springfield Cardinals (20-11) on Friday night at Route 66 Stadium behind a dominant start from Sam Armstrong and multi-hit performances from Marek Houston, Jorel Ortega and Garrett Spain.
Houston paced the offense with three hits and three RBIs, including his fifth home run of the season. He recorded his 11th multi-hit game of the year while extending his on-base streak to 24 games and his hitting streak to 11 games. Spain added his 16th home run of the season and his 20th multi-hit performance, while Ortega collected his fifth multi-hit game of the year. Brandon Winokur also homered, his fourth of the season.
On the mound, Armstrong was dominant, tossing five innings of shutout baseball while striking out four to earn the win. William Fleming and Paulshawn Pasqualotto followed with scoreless relief appearances to secure the victory.
THE RUNDOWN
Armstrong started on the mound for the Wind Surge and worked efficiently through the first three innings, allowing just one hit while facing only two batters over the minimum.
The Wind Surge opened the scoring in the fourth inning when Spain launched a solo home run onto the roof beyond right field to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.
Armstrong finished his outing after five innings, allowing one run while striking out four in another strong start.
After several scoreless frames, Wichita added to its lead in the seventh. Three consecutive singles and a balk plated two runs to make it 3-0.
The Wind Surge added another run in the eighth when Winokur connected for a solo home run, his fourth of the season, extending the lead to 4-0.
Later in the inning, Houston capped Wichita's scoring with a two-run home run to center field, pushing the lead to 6-0.
The Cardinals scratched across a run in the bottom of the ninth, but it wasn't enough as the Wind Surge earned a 6-1 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge trail the series 3-1.
- Surge snap a eight game losing streak at Route 66 Stadium in Springfield.
- Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 24 games and his hitting streak to 11 games.
- Houston recorded his 11th multi-hit game of the season and hit his fifth home run.
- Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 12 games.
- Brandon Winokur hit his fourth home run of the season.
- Garrett Spain hit his 16th home run of the season.
- Spain recorded his 20th multi-hit game of the season.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to eight games.
- Jaime Ferrer recorded a hit, scored a run and drove in a run.
- Jorel Ortega recorded his fifth multi-hit game of the season.
- RHP Sam Armstrong allowed one run over five innings while striking out four. Won his fourth consecutive game
- RHP William Fleming recorded his 12th scoreless appearance of the season.
- RHP Paulshawn Pasqualotto recorded his seventh scoreless relief appearance.
STAT OF THE DAY
11 — Marek Houston recorded his 11th multi-hit game of the season and hit his fifth home run.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals on Saturday at Route 66 Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The game can be heard on 92.3 FM ESPN Wichita and at windsurge.com, and viewed on MiLB.TV and Bally Sports Live.
Photo: Sam Armstrong — Kaylee Vaughan