DeBarge delivers walk-off single as Wichita erases five-run deficit in final frame
For more information contact: Tim Grubbs, timg@windsurge.com or media@windsurge.com
WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Wind Surge (26-26) walked off the Arkansas Travelers (20-32), 7-6, in game two of a six-game series Wednesday night at Equity Bank Park, scoring six runs in the bottom of the ninth to erase a five-run deficit.
Kyle DeBarge was the hero, delivering the walk-off single up the middle to cap the six-run rally and record his 22nd multi-hit performance of the season. Jaime Ferrer and Caden Kendle each logged multi-hit, multi-RBI performances, with Kendle driving in a run for the third consecutive game. Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to 24 games, while Graham Brown reached safely for the sixth straight game.
THE RUNDOWN
The Travelers struck first in the top of the third, smashing a two-run homer over the wall in left field to take a 2-0 lead.
The Surge answered in the bottom half, using back-to-back doubles from Rucker and Kendle to plate a run and cut the deficit to 2-1.
After the teams traded scoreless innings, Arkansas loaded the bases in the sixth and scored twice on an RBI single up the middle to extend its lead to 4-1.
The Travelers added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth, blasting a solo homer over the wall in right field before adding another run on a wild pitch to make it 6-1.
Wichita mounted a furious rally in the bottom of the ninth. Ferrer started the scoring with a two-run double before Kendle followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 6-4. The Surge went on to load the bases with nobody out and scored twice on a walk and a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 6-6.
DeBarge completed the comeback, smashing a walk-off single up the middle to give the Wind Surge a 7-6 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kyle DeBarge recorded his 22nd multi-hit performance of the season and delivered the walk-off single in the ninth.
- The Wind Surge win their 3rd game when trailing after 8 innings.
- Caden Kendle notched his 14th multi-hit and 10th multi-RBI performances of the season.
- Kendle has driven in a run in four consecutive games.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to 25 games.
- Graham Brown extended his on-base streak to six games.
- Jaime Ferrer tallied his 13th multi-hit and third multi-RBI performances of the season.
- Ferrer drove in two runs with a double during Wichita's six-run ninth inning.
- RHP Riley Quick struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings.
- RHP Darren Bowen notched his 17th scoreless relief appearance of the year.
TRANSACTIONS
- RHP Jacob Webb released by Wichita.
- Jay Thomason placed on the 7-day injured list.
- Quinn McDaniel assigned from High-A Cedar Rapids to Double-A Wichita.
- RHP Adrian Bohorquez assigned from High-A Cedar Rapids to Double-A Wichita.
STAT OF THE DAY
6 — The Wind Surge scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to erase a five-run deficit and walk off the Travelers, 7-6.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game homestand against the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday 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: Kyle DeBarge — Ed Bailey