WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Wind Surge (20-23) earned a 1-0 shutout victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks (21-22) in game four of a six-game series Friday night in front of 6,778 fans at Equity Bank Park, powered by a dominant pitching performance from Preston Johnson and Sam Armstrong.
Johnson delivered five shutout innings, allowing just one hit without issuing a walk while striking out five. Armstrong followed with three scoreless innings of relief and three strikeouts before Paulshawn Pasqualotto worked a scoreless ninth to record his third save of the season.
Offensively, Jake Rucker provided the difference, driving in Wichita's lone run and recording his ninth multi-hit performance of the season while extending his team-leading on-base streak to 16 games. Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to 14 games, while Luis Hernandez reached base in his Double-A debut.
THE RUNDOWN
Johnson started on the mound for the Wind Surge and worked around a double to keep Corpus Christi scoreless through the first four innings while striking out three.
The Surge broke through in the bottom of the fourth when Rucker lined a two-out RBI single to give Wichita a 1-0 lead.
Johnson completed his dominant outing with a scoreless fifth, finishing with five shutout innings while allowing just one hit and no walks and striking out five.
Armstrong entered in the sixth and continued Wichita's stellar performance on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings while striking out three to preserve the one-run advantage.
Pasqualotto took over in the ninth and recorded the final three outs to complete Wichita's fourth shutout of the season and secure the 1-0 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge recorded their fourth shutout of the season.
- Wichita earned its first 1-0 victory since Sept. 11, 2022, and the third 1-0 win in franchise history.
- The Wind Surge lead the series 3-1.
- Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to 14 games.
- Garrett Spain extended his on-base streak to six games.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to 16 games and recorded his ninth multi-hit performance of the season.
- Graham Brown extended his on-base streak to nine games.
- Luis Hernandez made his Double-A debut.
- Jorel Ortega extended his on-base streak to seven games.
- RHP Preston Johnson tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out five.
- RHP Sam Armstrong tossed three scoreless innings while striking out three.
- RHP Paulshawn Pasqualotto recorded his third save of the season.
STAT OF THE DAY
1 — Wichita earned its first 1-0 victory since Sept. 11, 2022, and the third 1-0 win in franchise history.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game series against the Corpus Christi Hooks with game five Saturday at Equity Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 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.