Rosario’s late homer lifts Wind Surge past Cardinals 3-1

Late home run, strong pitching secure series finale victory

For more information contact: Tim Grubbs, [email protected] or [email protected]

WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Wind Surge (9-6) closed out a six-game series with a 3-1 win over the Springfield Cardinals (5-8) on Sunday afternoon at Equity Bank Park, powered by a scoreless start from Sam Armstrong and a go-ahead home run from Kala’i Rosario in the eighth inning.

Armstrong turned in a strong outing, allowing three hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out two. Darren Bowen followed with two scoreless innings in relief to earn the win, his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance to open the season. Luis Quiñones recorded the save with a scoreless ninth inning and fanned one.

Offensively, Rosario provided the decisive swing with a solo home run in the eighth. Garrett Spain added two hits to extend his hitting streak to five games, and Jorel Ortega recorded a hit and an RBI in his 2026 Wind Surge debut.

THE RUNDOWN

Armstrong started on the hill for the Surge, inducing weak contact through his first three innings as the game remained scoreless.

Wichita opened the scoring in the third after Ricardo Olivar reached on an infield single and advanced to third on a ground ball from Poncho Ruiz during a hit-and-run. Ruiz later scored on a wild pitch to give the Wind Surge a 1-0 lead.

Armstrong continued to deal into the fifth, finishing his outing with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

The Wind Surge threatened again in the fifth, drawing three consecutive two-out walks, but were unable to add to the lead.

Springfield tied the game in the sixth with a walk, a stolen base and an RBI double to make it 1-1.

Bowen entered in the seventh and delivered two scoreless innings, continuing his strong start to the season.

Wichita regained the lead in the eighth when Rosario launched a solo home run to center field. Spain followed with a double, and Ortega added an RBI single to extend the lead to 3-1.

Quiñones closed the game in the ninth, striking out one to secure the victory.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wichita has hit 11 home runs over the last five games.
• Rosario extended his hitting streak to five games
• Rosario blasted his third home run of the year and has recorded eight RBIs over the last six contests.
• Spain extended his hitting streak to five games and recorded his third multi-hit game of the season.
• Ortega recorded a hit and an RBI in his 2026 debut.
• Armstrong tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
• Bowen earned his first win of the season and recorded his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance.
• Quiñones recorded his first save of 2026 and his second scoreless outing.

STAT OF THE DAY

5 — The Wind Surge won five of six games during the homestand.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Wind Surge hit the road for a six-game series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, beginning Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Arvest Ballpark. Games can be heard on windsurge.com and viewed on MiLB.TV and Bally Sports Live. For tickets, visit windsurge.com/tickets.