Monarchs Drive In 16 Runs to Claim West Division Title

Kansas City, KS — In a high scoring affair, it was all business for the Monarchs as they went on to win 16-11 over Winnipeg and earn their fourth division title.

Saul Garza talked about the feeling of being West Division champs and said, “It feels great for all the guys, for Joe (Calfapietra), and the coaching staff. Joe set goals for us this year and this is one that we get to check off, it feels great to do it here at home in front of the fans. Just great all around team win.”

The Monarchs grabbed the lead in a hurry in the first frame as Tyler Gentry opened up the scoring with a solo shot to jump in front. Austin Callahan walked and then Luken Baker doubled to allow Richardson to drive in the first run on an RBI single. Sahid Valenzuela and Jose Torres drove in the next three runs off base hits and just like that, it became a 5-0 advantage.

It did not stop there as Baker led off the second inning with his second consecutive double. After Saul Garza collected a base hit, Valenzuela drove in his second RBI while Hudson Head brought home Garza.

This was a 7-0 game and just when you think the Monarchs would slow down, they did the opposite. KC put up another five-run frame in the third and after Callahan walked, Baker tallied his third-straight knock while Richardson brought home Callahan on a line drive into right center. Shortly after, the bases were loaded and then Head cracked a ball the opposite way that went over the left field fence to grab his first grand slam in a Monarchs uniform. In three innings, Kansas City was up a dozen.

It was the 16th start out of Jimmy Endersby tonight. He went five innings and threw six punchouts while allowing five runs. It was a solid night from the Anaheim, CA native, but he had a lot of help from his offense.

Winnipeg crossed home plate in the top of the fourth, but the Monarchs had more left in store. Baker belted his 26th homer with a two-run jack to center. It was 14-1

This game seemed like it was over as Kansas City had all the momentum. Winnipeg found some life in the fifth inning as the bases were juiced with no outs. Ray-Patrick Didder drilled a grand slam into left to give the Goldeyes some life.

The runs did not stop as the Goldeyes grabbed a run in the seventh and then and then Winnipeg continued to chip away in the eighth. Kevin Garcia singled while Ramon Bramasco walked and then Adam Hall collected a base hit. That brought up Didder who once again, rocketed his second-straight grand slam and this became a four-run game.

KC added two insurance runs in the eighth as Jose Torres got home on a passed ball and Gentry hit his second homer of the night for the 16th and final run.

There was a lot to celebrate tonight, but the Monarchs know there is still much more to play for. They claimed the division, wrapped up the number one spot, and will await to see who their first round opponent is. As it stands, it will either be Sioux Falls or Sioux City.

First pitch with the Goldeyes is at 6:35 tomorrow night.