TULSA, Okla. — The Wichita Wind Surge (26-33) fell 5-4 to the Tulsa Drillers (34-25) in game two of a six-game series Wednesday afternoon at ONEOK Field despite a strong start from Chris Vallimont, who allowed no earned runs on two hits while striking out six over five innings.
Graham Brown led the way offensively, recording his third multi-hit performance of the season and driving in a run. Marek Houston and Khadim Diaw also collected two hits apiece, with Houston driving in a run on an RBI single. Jaime Ferrer extended his on-base streak to 11 games as Wichita recorded its 34th game with double-digit hits this season.
On the mound, Vallimont turned in five strong innings, allowing no earned runs on two hits while striking out six. The right-hander struck out the final four batters he faced, but a pair of Wichita errors led to two unearned runs. Spencer Bengard also recorded a scoreless appearance in relief.
THE RUNDOWN
Vallimont started on the mound for the Wind Surge and faced the minimum in the first inning while striking out one.
The Surge opened the scoring in the top of the second, using a pair of doubles, an RBI groundout and an RBI single to plate two runs and take a 2-0 lead.
Tulsa tied the game in the bottom of the third, taking advantage of two Wichita errors and a pair of bunt singles to plate a run before adding another on a sacrifice fly. The score was tied 2-2 after three innings.
Vallimont finished his outing after five innings, allowing no earned runs on two hits while striking out six. He struck out each of the final four batters he faced.
The Wind Surge regained the lead in the top of the sixth, using a walk and a single to put a runner in scoring position with two outs before Houston lined an RBI single up the middle to make it 3-2.
The Drillers tied the game in the bottom of the seventh, using three walks to load the bases before scoring on a sacrifice fly.
Tulsa took the lead in the bottom of the eighth, launching a two-run homer over the wall in left field to make it 5-3.
Wichita pulled within a run in the ninth but could not complete the comeback, falling 5-4.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wind Surge trail the six-game series 2-0 and have lost seven consecutive.
- Wichita recorded its 34th game with double-digit hits this season.
- Marek Houston notched his 17th multi-hit performance of the season.
- Khadim Diaw recorded his 18th multi-hit performance of the season.
- Caden Kendle doubled in the loss.
- Andrew Cossetti extended his on-base streak to five games.
- Jaime Ferrer extended his on-base streak to 11 games.
- Graham Brown tallied his third multi-hit performance of the season.
- Brown recorded his 12th RBI in his first 20 games with Wichita.
- RHP Chris Vallimont allowed no earned runs on two hits over five innings while striking out six.
- RHP Spencer Bengard recorded his 14th scoreless appearance of the season.
- RHP Luis Quiñones made his first appearance since being activated from the 60-day injured list.
STAT OF THE DAY
0 — RHP Chris Vallimont allowed no earned runs over five innings while striking out six.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Wind Surge continue their six-game road series against the Tulsa Drillers on Thursday at ONEOK Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 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.
The Wind Surge are home next Tuesday for the final six game homestand of the season.