SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Wichita Wind Surge (15-22) fell 6-3 to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (15-22) in game four of a six-game series Friday night at Arvest Ballpark despite a strong outing from Riley Quick and a three-run home run by Jake Rucker. The game was shortened after a eighth inning rain delay.
The Wind Surge held the lead for just half an inning after Rucker's three-run homer in the second before a fielding error and a throwing error helped Northwest Arkansas score four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Rucker paced the Wichita offense, as his three-run homer tied his season high with three RBIs and extended his on-base streak to 11 games. Marek Houston doubled to extend his on-base streak to 30 games, while Khadim Diaw's 17-game hitting streak came to an end, one game shy of the franchise record.
On the mound, Quick turned in the best start of his Double-A career, allowing two earned runs over a career-high four innings. William Fleming and Kyle Bischoff each added scoreless relief appearances in the loss.
THE RUNDOWN
After a scoreless first inning, the Wind Surge struck first in the second when Rucker launched a three-run home run to give Wichita an early lead.
The Naturals answered immediately in the bottom half, loading the bases with two outs before scoring four runs on three RBI singles and a fielding error to take a 4-3 lead.
Quick settled in after the second inning, finishing with a career-high four innings while allowing two earned runs on four hits and striking out two.
Northwest Arkansas added to its lead in the fifth, using a walk and three singles to score two runs and extend the advantage to 6-3.
Rain moved into the area in the bottom of the eighth, and after a lengthy downpour with two outs, the game was called, ending one inning early with the Naturals claiming the 6-3 victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The series is tied, 2-2.
- This was the 10th weather delay of the season, and first in the second half.
- Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 30 games with a double.
- Khadim Diaw's 17-game hitting streak came to an end, the second-longest by a Wind Surge player in franchise history.
- Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to nine games and recorded his fifth multi-hit game of the season.
- Andrew Cossetti extended his on-base streak to 19 games.
- Caden Kendle's on-base streak ended at 20 games.
- Jake Rucker hit his sixth home run of the season, extended his on-base streak to 11 games and tied his season high with three RBIs.
- RHP Riley Quick allowed two earned runs over a Double-A career-high four innings.
- RHP William Fleming tossed a scoreless inning of relief.
- RHP Kyle Bischoff recorded a scoreless relief appearance.
- Former Wind Surge short stop Kaelen Culpepper made his MLB Debut, the 49the Surge player all time. He is the ninth player this season and ninth from last years team. His first MLB hit was a home run, the third Surge player to accomplish that. Spencer Steer and Matt Wallner.STAT OF THE DAY
30 — Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 30 consecutive games with an eighth-inning double.
WHAT'S NEXT