Houston extends club-best on-base streak to 23 games despite series setback
For more information contact: Tim Grubbs, timg@windsurge.com or media@windsurge.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Wichita Wind Surge (12-18) dropped the third game of a six-game series, falling 6-1 to the Springfield Cardinals (20-10) on Thursday night at Route 66 Stadium. Wichita stranded 11 runners on base and grounded into four double plays in the loss.
Andrew Cossetti drove in the Wind Surge's lone run with an RBI single in the first inning to extend his on-base streak to 13 games. Marek Houston doubled to extend his on-base streak to 23 games, the longest by a Wichita player this season. Khadim Diaw also singled to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Despite scoring just one run, every member of the Wind Surge's starting lineup reached base safely.
On the mound, Chris Vallimont turned in a solid outing, allowing two runs over five innings while striking out five, but was saddled with the tough-luck loss. Jaylen Nowlin and Kyle Bischoff each added a scoreless inning of relief.
THE RUNDOWN
The Wind Surge struck first in the opening inning. Houston led off with a double and later scored on an RBI single by Cossetti to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.
Vallimont settled in early, facing just one batter over the minimum through his first two innings while striking out one.
Wichita loaded the bases in the third inning, but a 1-2-3 double play followed by a strikeout ended the threat. The Wind Surge again loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth but came away empty after another inning-ending strikeout.
The Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run home run to left field.
Vallimont finished his night after five innings, allowing two runs on the homer while striking out five in a solid start.
Springfield added four insurance runs in the sixth inning. A walk, two RBI doubles and a two-run home run by Deniel Ortiz, his second big fly of the game, pushed the Cardinals' lead to 6-1.
The Wind Surge were unable to mount a comeback over the final three innings as Springfield claimed the 6-1 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge trail the series 0-3. Wichita is 0-8 in Springfield this season and dropped 26 of last 32 games.
- Every member of Wichita's starting lineup reached base safely.
- Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 23 games and his hitting streak to 10 games.
- Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 12 games.
- Andrew Cossetti extended his on-base streak to 13 games.
- Caden Kendle extended his on-base streak to 16 games.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to seven games.
- RHP Chris Vallimont struck out five and allowed two runs over five innings.
- LHP Jaylen Nowlin recorded his 15th scoreless appearance of the season.
- RHP Kyle Bischoff recorded his 20th scoreless appearance of the season.
TRANSACTIONS
- INF Jorel Ortega reinstated from the Development List.
- INF Tanner Schobel assigned to Triple-A St. Paul.
- INF Jay Thomason placed on the Temporarily Inactive List
STAT OF THE DAY
9 — Every member of the Wind Surge's starting lineup reached base safely in the loss.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals on Friday at Route 66 Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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: Jake Rucker — Shanna Stafford