A first-inning grand slam by designated hitter Josh Workman proved to be enough offense for the Wichita Wingnuts (40-31) on Thursday night as they defeated the Kansas City T-Bones (33-38), 8-3, at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita, KS.
 
The Wingnuts loaded the bases against Matt Mitchell (2-4) with a double and two walks in the bottom of the first. After a foulout to the catcher by Jorge Delgado, Workman connected for the decisive blast to give Wichita an early 4-0 lead.

Aharon Eggleston pulled the T-Bones within two on a home run off Derek Blacksher (6-7) in the top of the second, but Wichita responded with another run on a double by Josh Horn in the bottom of the frame to make the score 5-2. Jim Fasano drove in Kansas City’s final run with a double in the fourth, but the Wingnuts used an RBI double by Mike Conroy in the bottom half of the inning to maintain a three-run advantage.

Mitchell was charged with six runs on six hits and four walks while striking out one over five innings in the loss. Blacksher allowed three runs on six hits while striking out five in seven innings for the victory.

T.J. Large surrendered two runs on five hits over two and one-thirds innings of relief to cap the score at 8-3. Martin Dewald retired both of the batters he faced to finish the game for Kansas City.

Only two T-Bones reached base over the final four frames, and neither runner moved into scoring position. Matthew Nevarez and Josh Dew combined to strike out four of the last five Kansas City batters to end the contest.

The two teams now head to Kansas City for a short two-game series that begins on Friday night. The series will open a five-games-in-seven-days homestand for the T-Bones, with every game scheduled to start at 7:05. Friday night is 80’s Night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark where every fan dressed in their favorite 80’s attire will receive BOGO berm tickets. For more information, and to secure your seats, call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com.