Brown's Grand Slam Lifts Wind Surge Past Naturals, 7-6

Brown's first Double-A hit caps four-run comeback in eighth inning

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

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Wichita Wind Surge (14-21) rallied for a 7-6 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (14-21) in game two of a six-game series Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark, using Graham Brown's go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning and an efficient start from Sam Armstrong.

Armstrong allowed just two runs on three hits over five innings, needing only 48 pitches to complete his five inning start. The right-hander surrendered all three hits in the second inning before retiring the final nine batters he faced while striking out two.

Brown led the offense with the decisive grand slam, the first hit and first home run of his Double-A career, finishing with four RBIs in his first start with Wichita. Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 16 games, the longest active streak in the Texas League and the longest by a Wind Surge player this season. Marek Houston singled to extend his on-base streak to 28 games, while Brandon Winokur drove in a run and extended his on-base streak to seven games.

THE RUNDOWN

The Naturals opened the scoring in the second inning, using a pair of doubles and an RBI single to take a 2-0 lead.

After three scoreless innings, the Wind Surge evened the score in the fifth. A leadoff single and a walk turned into two runs thanks to three stolen bases, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly.

Armstrong settled in after the second inning, retiring the final nine batters he faced to finish five innings with two runs allowed on three hits.

Wichita took its first lead in the sixth when Kyle DeBarge doubled and Jay Thomason followed with an RBI single to make it 3-2.

Northwest Arkansas answered in the bottom half with a three-run home run to regain the lead, then added another run on a sacrifice fly in the seventh to go ahead 6-3.

The Wind Surge completed the comeback in the eighth, loading the bases before Brown launched a go-ahead grand slam for his first Double-A hit and first Double-A home run.

Mitch Mueller tossed two scoreless innings to close out the 7-6 victory and earn his first save of the season.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marek Houston extended his on-base streak to 28 games.

• Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 16 games, the longest by a Wind Surge player this season and the longest active streak in the Texas League.

• Brandon Winokur extended his on-base streak to seven games and drove in a run.

• Andrew Cossetti extended his on-base streak to 17 games.

• Jay Thomason drove in a run with an RBI single.

• Kyle DeBarge reached base three times.

• Graham Brown recorded his first Double-A hit and first Double-A home run with a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning.

• RHP Sam Armstrong allowed two runs on three hits over five innings.

• RHP Mitch Mueller recorded his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance and earned his first save of the season.

STAT OF THE DAY

16 — Khadim Diaw extended his hitting streak to 16 games, the longest by a Wind Surge player this season and the longest active streak in the Texas League.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Wind Surge continue their road trip with game three of a six-game series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Thursday at Arvest Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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.

Photo: Sam Armstrong — Kason Huckabay