Spain belts two homers, drives in four as Wichita evens series
WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Wind Surge (18-23) slugged their way to a 9-3 win over the Corpus Christi Hooks (21-20) in game two of a six-game series Wednesday night at Equity Bank Park, powered by a 10-hit attack that included three home runs and a multi-homer performance from Garrett Spain.
Spain paced the offense, leaving the yard twice and driving in four runs. Brandon Winokur also launched a three-run homer in the second inning, his fifth of the season. Marek Houston and Caden Kendle each recorded two hits as Wichita reached double-digit hits for the 25th time this season.
On the mound, Ty Langenberg turned in a stellar start, allowing just one hit over four shutout innings while striking out three. The Wichita pitching staff struck out 12 batters overall, marking its 46th double-digit strikeout game of the season. Spencer Bengard and Jaylen Nowlin also recorded scoreless relief appearances in the win.
Langenberg started on the mound for the Wind Surge, facing the minimum and striking out one in a scoreless first inning. Wichita opened the scoring in the bottom half when Spain blasted a three-run homer into the Boot Barn Home Run Deck in right field. The Surge led 3-0 after one.
The Wind Surge added on in the second, scoring one on an RBI single from Houston before Winokur launched a three-run homer to left field, his fifth long ball of the season, to make it 7-0.
Wichita continued the scoring in the third, using a single and a walk before a fielder’s choice advanced the runners and a sacrifice fly brought home another run.
Langenberg finished his night after four innings, allowing just one hit over four shutout frames while striking out three.
The Hooks cut into the deficit in the fifth, lifting a two-run homer over the left-center field wall to make it 8-2.
Wichita answered in the bottom half when Spain crushed his second home run of the game and 20th of the season. The blast marked his second multi-homer game of the year and extended the Wind Surge lead to 9-2.
The Wichita pitching staff held Corpus Christi to just one additional run the rest of the way to secure the 9-3 victory.
4 — Garrett Spain has hit four home runs over his last four games, including two tonight.
The Wind Surge continue their six-game series against the Corpus Christi Hooks with game three Thursday at Equity Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 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: Garrett Spain — Ed Bailey