Month: June 2016

Wichita’s bullpen shuts down T-Bones

Kansas City’s bats were stifled by Wichita’s strong bullpen in a 6-4 loss Thursday afternoon at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. In four innings, Wichita’s relievers allowed only four base runners while striking out three.

Half of Kansas City’s runs came in the top of the first inning, thanks to a two-run home run by Jake Blackwood, his third of the year, after Tyler Massey started the game with a double off Wingnuts’ starter Alex Boshers.

Kansas City’s 2-0 lead was short-lived, as Wichita answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. After T-Bones starter David Holman allowed back-to-back walks to Zack Cox and Brent Clevlen, Dustin Geiger and Richard Prigatano delivered back-to-back RBI hits that tied the game, 2-2.

Wichita continued its onslaught in the second inning. Holman (2-2) walked Brent Dean before giving up a single to Leo Vargas and then walking Christian Stringer. One out later, Holman walked Brent Clevlen, giving the Wingnuts a 3-2 lead. T.J. Mittelstaedt opened the floodgates with a two-run single, extending Wichita’s lead to 5-2.

Kansas City reliever Josh Tols came in and ended the second by sitting down the next two batters. Tols didn’t stop there. He retired the next 12 batters in a masterful appearance. In 4 2/3 innings pitched, the Australian lefty Tols did not allow a base runner.

The T-Bones left nine runners on base. Five of those were left in scoring position. But Jesse Pratt, Fabian Roman, Chad Nading and closer Frankie Reed, who earned his fourth save, shut down Kansas City.

Kansas City (11-16) travels to Laredo to start a three-game series against the Lemurs beginning Friday night at 7:05. All of the action can be heard at TBonesBaseball.com.


– Story from Matt Fulks, T-Bones

Heat advisory continues for area

Afternoon heat index today (National Weather Service graphic)
Afternoon heat index today (National Weather Service graphic)

A heat advisory continues today until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 94 today with a heat index as high as 101, the weather service said.

It will remain humid, with maximum heat index from 100 to 105 in the region, according to the weather service.

Drier air will move in during the weekend, mitigating the danger heat index, the weather service said. There is a chance of thunderstorms Monday night and Tuesday.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids today, stay in air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors, according to the weather service.

Tonight, expect a low of 71 with an east wind of 5 to 9 mph, the weather service said.

Saturday, it will be sunny with a high near 92 and an east wind of 6 to 8 mph, according to the weather service. Saturday night, the low will be around 69.

Sunday, the high will be near 93 with sunny skies, according to the weather service, and a south wind of 5 to 8 mph. Sunday night, the low will be 73.

Monday, it will be sunny with a high of 93, the weather service said. Monday night, the low will be 69.

Tuesday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 87, according to the weather service. Tuesday night, the low will be around 65.

BPU hears from Leadership 2020

by William Crum

Leadership 2020 representatives visited the Board of Public Utilities’ meeting on June 16.

Students in the program learn leadership skills, work on writing resumes, interviewing and networking.

Crystal Nance, program director for Leadership 2020, said “We have an 85 percent or greater placement factor.”

After students leave the program with new skills, they have a better chance of being gainfully employed in their field, she said.

She said Leadership 2020 is proud of its efforts and of its students.

“The Board of Public Utilities, through its grant program, helps fund it,” she said. According to members of the board, it helps build future leaders within the community. Many have started their own business or decided to go to college.
Representatives of the Wyandotte Council on Economic Development talked about new businesses that are ready to come into Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., in many new developments.

The BPU also approved a personnel code from the BPU Human Resources Department at the meeting.