SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— The Wichita Wind Surge (13-19) dropped game five of a six-game series, falling 4-3 to the Springfield Cardinals (21-11) on Saturday night at Route 66 Stadium despite three multi-hit performances and another home run from Marek Houston.
Houston continued his blistering stretch at the plate, hitting a two-run home run while extending his on-base streak to 25 games and his hitting streak to 12 games. He has recorded multiple hits, multiple RBIs and a home run in back-to-back games. Khadim Diaw also collected two hits, while Jake Rucker recorded his eighth multi-hit game of the season.
On the mound, Wichita received strong work from its bullpen. Mitch Mueller recorded his third consecutive scoreless appearance to begin his Wind Surge tenure, while Ty Langenberg allowed just one hit over four scoreless innings of relief.
THE RUNDOWN
The Wind Surge opened the scoring in the first inning, beginning the game with three consecutive hits to plate one run. Springfield answered in the bottom half with a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1.
The Cardinals took the lead in the third. An error and a walk put two runners aboard before a three-run home run gave Springfield a 4-1 advantage.
Wichita cut into the deficit in the fifth when Houston launched a two-run home run to right field. The blast was his second hit of the game, his sixth homer of the season and his second home run in as many nights, trimming the Cardinals' lead to 4-3.
Langenberg entered in the bottom of the fifth and delivered four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out four.
The Wind Surge could not erase the one-run deficit over the final four innings as Springfield secured the 4-3 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge trail the series 4-1.
- The Wind Surge recorded 10 hits, their 23rd game with double-digit hits this season.
- Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 25 games and his hitting streak to 12 games.
- Houston recorded his 12th multi-hit game of the season and hit his sixth home run.
- Houston has recorded multiple hits, multiple RBIs and a home run in back-to-back games.
- Houston has recorded nine extra-base hits over his last nine games.
- Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 14 games and recorded his 12th multi-hit game of the season.
- Brandon Winokur has driven in a run in back-to-back games.
- Jake Rucker extended his on-base streak to nine games and recorded his eighth multi-hit game of the season.
- Andrew Cossetti extended his on-base streak to 14 games.
- Caden Kendle extended his on-base streak to 18 games.
- Wichita was three for seven with runners in scoring position tonight and 10 for 49 in the series.
- RHP Riley Quick made his second start of the season.
- RHP Mitch Mueller recorded his third consecutive scoreless appearance to begin his Wichita tenure.
- RHP Ty Langenberg allowed one hit over four scoreless innings while striking out four.
STAT OF THE DAY
9— Marek Houston has recorded nine extra-base hits over his last nine games.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge conclude their six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals on Sunday at Route 66 Stadium. 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.