Wright draws hometown crowd
in visit to Oklahoma City's Brickyard Ballpark

The McDonald’s on H.E. Bailey Turnpike south of Lawton was full of Iowa Parkans early Sunday afternoon, grabbing a quick bite before heading to Oklahoma City to watch former Hawk Chase Wright take the mound for the Nashville Sounds against the RedHawks in a Triple-A conference game.

“We were there last night (at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark) and Chase’s start was moved to Sunday, but he still came out to talk to everyone, and gave the boys tickets for today’s game,” said James Dudley. “He is just the nicest, most down-to-earth guy you’d ever want to meet, and a great example for the younger kids.”

Such was the case in a back-and-forth scheduling scenario for Wright, now pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers Triple-A club.

Originally scheduled to pitch Saturday, coaches moved Wright’s start to Sunday because of an earlier start and the necessity for at least four day’s rest between starts.

On top of that, local ticket buyers were thrown a curve when Wright’s Sunday start was put into jeapordy by a move by the Brewers that sent a pitcher from their rotation back to Nashville for some rehab work. However, once the Sounds organization learned of the throng of Wright supporters headed to Oklahoma City for Sunday’s game, they secured his start.

Prior to the game on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon, Wright lingered near the stands along the first-base line, visiting with family, friends, former classmates, and signing autographs for the youngsters.

He pitched impressively, lasting seven and one-third innings in a pitcher’s duel against RedHawk starter Neftali Feliz. He retired ten straight batters between the third and sixth innings, and relieved by Matt Ginter with the game tied 1-1.

Oklahoma City did not have multiple base runners on against Wright after the second inning.

In the ninth, Joaquin Arias singled for the RedHawks, then Esteban German was hit by Ginter to put runners at first and second On the next pitch, Max Ramirez laid down a sacrific bunt, and Ginter’s throw to first sailed into right field, with Arias scoring the winning run for a 2-1 final.

Over three dozen Iowa Parkans attended the game. One local youngster, Katelyn Skinner, served as bat girl for the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Wright faced 26 batters in the game, striking out two and walking one, and allowing six hits. Despite the no decision, Wright lowered his ERA to 3.82 with the effort.