SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Wichita Wind Surge (16-22) secured at least a series split with a 5-2 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (15-23) in game five of a six-game series Saturday night at Arvest Ballpark, powered by four scoreless innings from Chris Vallimont and home runs from Garrett Spain and Caden Kendle.
Spain paced the offense, driving in two runs and recording his 21st multi-hit game of the season, highlighted by his 17th home run. Kendle also went deep and drove in two runs in the win. Khadim Diaw collected a pair of doubles for his 14th multi-hit game of the season, while Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 31 games.
On the mound, Vallimont turned in an impressive start, tossing four scoreless innings while striking out four. Jaylen Nowlin reached a franchise milestone, making his 100th appearance with the Wind Surge and recording his 16th scoreless appearance of the season. Mitch Mueller also tossed two scoreless innings, extending his streak to five consecutive scoreless appearances to begin his Wichita tenure.
THE RUNDOWN
The Wind Surge opened the scoring in the first inning. Diaw doubled to move into scoring position before Spain rolled an RBI single through the infield. Kendle followed with an RBI fielder's choice to give Wichita a 2-0 lead.
Wichita extended its advantage in the second when Jorel Ortega lined an RBI double down the left-field line and to the wall to drive in one.
Vallimont worked around a pair of doubles over his first two innings to keep the Naturals off the scoreboard while striking out two.
The right-hander continued his strong outing through the fourth, finishing with four scoreless innings while allowing five hits and striking out four.
Northwest Arkansas got on the board in the fifth with a sacrifice fly, but the Wind Surge answered in the sixth when Spain launched his 17th home run of the season to make it 4-1.
The Naturals cut into the deficit in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases before scoring a run on a wild pitch. Wichita maintained a 4-2 lead after six innings.
The Wind Surge added an insurance run in the eighth when Kendle launched a solo home run over the left-field wall, his third homer of the season.
Mueller took over in the bottom of the eighth and recorded the final six outs to secure the 5-2 victory and guarantee Wichita at least a split of the six-game series.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge lead the series, 3-2.
- Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 31 games.
- Khadim Diaw recorded his 14th multi-hit game of the season.
- Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to 10 games.
- Garrett Spain hit his 17th home run of the season and recorded his 21st multi-hit game.
- Spain recorded his eighth multi-RBI game of the season.
- Caden Kendle hit his third home run of the season and recorded his third multi-RBI game.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to 12 games.
- Jaime Ferrer extended his on-base streak to seven games.
- Jorel Ortega drove in a run with an RBI double.
- Jay Thomason extended his on-base streak to five games.
- RHP Chris Vallimont tossed four scoreless innings while striking out four.
- LHP Jaylen Nowlin made his 100th career appearance with the Wind Surge and recorded his 16th scoreless appearance of the season.
- RHP Mitch Mueller recorded his fifth consecutive scoreless appearance and earned his second save of the season.
STAT OF THE DAY
100 — LHP Jaylen Nowlin made his 100th career appearance with the Wind Surge.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge conclude their road trip with the finale of their six-game series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Sunday at Arvest Ballpark. Wichita enters the finale with a 3-2 series lead and an opportunity to secure the series victory. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 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: Chris Vallimont — Kason Huckabay