American Association Playoffs: How sweep it is for the Wingnuts, Railcats storm back to shock RedHawks

  With the majors coming into full swing expanding their September rosters to 40 players, those keeping the dream alive in the minor leagues are starting their playoff runs. In the American Association, the local Winnipeg Goldeyes missed out on the wildcard playoff spot by only 2.5 games losing out to the Gary-Southshore Railcats. The first round pitted those Railcats against the North Division winning Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Meanwhile, the Central Division winner Wichita Wingnuts take on the South Division champion Grand Prairie AirHogs.

Gary-Southshore Railcats:2      Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks:1
After Fargo took a close game 1 winning 2-0, the Railcats have stormed back to take a 2-1 series lead. They were anchored by a game two 5 RBI performance by Reid Fronk which saw them cruise to a 11-2 victory over the RedHawks, evening the series at one.

   In game three Gary got back to doing what they do best. Gary scored three runs on only five hits en route to a 3-1 win over RedHawks tonight. The Railcats have been known to play small ball, utilize great pitching, and capitalize on their chances as often as possible. They take a 2-1 series lead on the RedHawks with games 4 and 5 both going in Gary tomorrow and if necessary Sunday.


Wichita Wingnuts:3     Grand Prairie AirHogs: 0
   For the second straight year, the Wichita Wingnuts are on their way to the American Association championship. And with many returnees from last year's team that fell in the final to the Goldeyes, this team will be hungry to win it all.
   The Wingnuts barely scratched out a 2-0 win in game one, having the winning run walked in in extra innings. Game's two and three weren't quite as close.
   In game two, Wingnuts pitcher Chris Smith pitched a nine inning shutout issuing three hits, three walks,  and registering five strikeouts in what was his first full fame shutout. The Wingnuts were led offensively by IF Ryan Khoury who registered three hits and scored the winning run, en route to a 6-0 pounding of the  AirHogs to take a 2-0 series lead.
   The Wingnuts kept their foot on the gas in game three hammering the AirHogs 13-0 in tonight's contest, completing the sweep. Officially booking their ticket to the American Association Championship for the second year in a row.