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Wichita-----The Explorers late rally came up short in an 8-7 loss to Wichita here Saturday night as the Wingnuts won their fifth straight game and the Explorers lost their fourth straight, their longest losing streak of the season.

For the second straight game, the Explorers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but it didn’t last long as Wichita scored four runs in the bottom of the first frame off losing pitcher Richard Salazar.

The Explorers bullpen of Jon Plefka, Jimmer Kennedy and Chris Bodishbaugh was outstanding again as they retired the final nine Wichita hitters while the X’s hitters came back and scored four runs in the eighth inning.  The big hit came off the bat of Alberto Espinosa who had a bases loaded double to cut the lead to 8-6.  Then Adrian Martinez followed with a double to pull the Explorers within a run.

However, Wichita closer Josh Dew retired the Explorers in order in the ninth to record his eighth save of the season as Wichita won their second straight over the Explorers.

The final game of the three-game series will be played Sunday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The X's will have an off day on Monday before opening a 4 game series at Lewis & Clark Park on Tuesday vs. the Gary Southshore Railcats.