LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Wind Surge fell in their final road match of the year, dropping the series finale against the Arkansas Travelers 2-1 on Sunday in Little Rock.
For the first time since game two of the series, the Wind Surge were the first ones on the board. In the top of the third, the Surge were down to their final out of the frame. Roy Morales extended the inning with his 13th double of the year on a fly ball to right field. Trey Cabbage followed Morales’ double with his ninth of the year to left center field. Morales and Cabbage switched places for the early 1-0 lead in favor of Wichita.
The Travelers struggled against starter Jordan Balazovic for five innings scoring no runs through five. In the sixth, the Arkansas batters were finally able to get to Balazovic. With runners on second and third, Joe Rizzo hit a line drive to left field that allowed both runners to score. That was the only damage the Travs dealt in the inning, but they left with a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom half of the sixth.
The Wind Surge could not get anything going to extend the game as they fell in the series finale by a final score of 2-1.
Jordan Balazovic had a quality start despite the two runs in the sixth. Balazovic allowed just two runs on six hits and struck out six in his 18th start of the year. Most importantly, Balazovic issued no walks on the afternoon. Zach Neff pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless and hitless relief. Neff also stuck out one. Erik Manoah pitched 1.0 inning facing the minimum and striking out one.
Wichita will return home for the remaining 12 regular season games.
The Wind Surge will host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, first for six games beginning Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Tuesday from Riverfront Stadium in Wichita.