Wichita scored runs in the first three innings and Springfield bended but never broke starter Junior Herndon in a 4-2 win for the Wranglers, Friday.
Herndon pitched 7.1 innings allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out five. He was able to keep the damage to a minimum by only walking one batter and only allowing singles when hits got through. Devon Lowery finished the ninth to get the save.
Alex Gordon showed his all-around athleticism singling in the first inning, stealing second, and scoring on an error. After the Cardinals tied the game at 1-1, Adam Donachie’s RBI single in the second scored Donnie Murphy who doubled earlier in the inning, giving Wichita the lead for good.
Blake Hawksworth got the loss allowing four runs – three earned – on seven hits and striking out six in 6.2 innings of work.
