Kendle homers for third straight game as Wichita pitching staff strikes out 11
For more information contact: Tim Grubbs, timg@windsurge.com or media@windsurge.com
WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Wind Surge (17-23) fell 3-2 to the Corpus Christi Hooks (21-19) in the opener of a six-game series Tuesday night at Equity Bank Park despite a strong start from Cory Lewis and a late two-run home run from Caden Kendle.
Kendle paced the offense with his fifth home run of the season, going deep for the third consecutive game while recording his sixth multi-RBI game of the year. Brandon Winokur and Jake Rucker also extended their on-base streaks in the loss.
On the mound, Lewis turned in a stellar start, allowing two unearned runs while striking out six over four innings. Jacob Webb and Paulshawn Pasqualotto also recorded scoreless relief appearances, while the Wichita pitching staff struck out 11 batters for its 45th double-digit strikeout game of the season.
THE RUNDOWN
Lewis started on the hill for the Wind Surge and struck out a pair in a scoreless first inning. Wichita threatened in the bottom half, loading the bases with three walks, but a fly ball to the warning track ended the inning without a run.
The Hooks opened the scoring in the second, using a leadoff baserunner and a bunt single before a sacrifice bunt put two runners in scoring position. Corpus Christi plated one run on a sacrifice fly before adding another on an RBI double to take a 2-0 lead.
Wichita threatened again in the third. Khadim Diaw led off with a single and stole second before Winokur lined a base hit down the left-field line, but a strong throw to the plate cut down Diaw at the plate.
Corpus Christi extended its lead in the fifth, launching a solo home run over the wall in left-center field to make it 3-0.
The Wind Surge cut into the deficit in the sixth when Kendle launched a two-run home run over the left-field wall. The blast marked his third consecutive game with a home run and pulled Wichita within one, 3-2.
Wichita threatened to tie the game in the eighth, putting runners on the corners with two outs, but a strikeout stranded the tying run 90 feet away.
The Wind Surge could not rally in the ninth as the Hooks held on for the 3-2 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge struck out 11 batters, their 45th double-digit strikeout game of the season.
- Marek Houston's on-base streak ended at 31 games.
- Khadim Diaw singled and stole a base.
- Jaime Ferrer extended his on-base streak to nine games as a pinch hitter.
- Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to 11 games.
- Caden Kendle hit his fifth home run of the season and has homered in three consecutive games.
- Kendle recorded his sixth multi-RBI game of the season.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to 14 games.
- RHP Cory Lewis did not allow an earned run and struck out six over four innings.
- RHP Jacob Webb recorded his fifth scoreless relief appearance of the season.
- RHP Paulshawn Pasqualotto recorded his eighth scoreless relief appearance of the season.
STAT OF THE DAY
3 — Caden Kendle hit his fifth home run of the season and has homered in three consecutive games.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game series against the Corpus Christi Hooks with game two Wednesday at Equity Bank Park. 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: Caden Kendle — Ed Bailey