LINCOLN — The Wichita Wingnuts scored six runs in the first inning and cruised to a 9-2 victory over the Saltdogs at Haymarket Park Thursday night to take a commanding two-games-to-none lead in the American Association Championship Series.
After Wichita’s first three hitters singled, A.A. Player of the Year Brent Clevlen swatted a three-run homer to right center to give the ‘Nuts a 4-0 lead eight pitches into the contest.
Three batters later Chris McMurray hit a one-out homer to make it 6-0, and chase Kevin McGovern from the game.
The Wingnuts added two more in the second to assume an 8-0 lead. Ian Gac homered in the bottom of the second and Mike Gilmartin hit a RBI single.
Anthony Capra (1-1) pitched five innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five and walking four to earn the win.
Matt Forgatch and Jeremy Hamilton each had multi-hit games in the losing effort.
McGovern (0-1) allowed six runs in 1/3 of an inning to take the loss.
Wichita has an opportunity to win its first title Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Joe Bisenius (1-1, 3.60) is scheduled to pitch for the Saltdogs against RHP Jason Van Skike (1-0, 1.29).
Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240 with “At the Ballpark” and “The Obie Show.”