SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Wichita Wind Surge managed three hits and struck out 16 times in a 5-1 loss to the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday night at Route 66 Stadium.
The game opened a six-game series between the Double-A clubs.
Springfield scored three runs in the second inning against Wichita starter C.J. Lewis. Deniel Ortiz scored when Miguel Ugueto grounded into a double play before Tre Richardson III hit a two-run homer to center field.
Lewis allowed three unearned runs on two hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out five and fell to 1-5.
The Cardinals extended their lead to 5-0 in the seventh when Jesús Báez hit a two-run homer off Marco Pasqualotto.
Jake Rucker broke up the shutout with a solo homer in the ninth, his fifth of the season. Kyle DeBarge doubled and Carson McCusker Kendle added Wichita’s other hit.
The Wind Surge went 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base. Springfield finished with four hits.
Wilfredo Saladin earned the victory in relief, improving to 5-1.