Monarchs Grit Out Series Win Over Dogs

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Two stellar ninth-inning catches preserved a clutch rubber game win for the Kansas City Monarchs.

The Monarchs outlasted the Chicago Dogs 4-3 at Legends Field on Thursday night. Hunter McMahon retired the heart of Chicago’s lineup in the ninth to earn his ninth save of the season.

The Kansas City, Missouri native retired reigning league Player of the Year Jacob Teter on strikes. Yoyner Fajardo flashed the leather with a sliding catch in center field for the second out.

Left fielder Jorge Bonifacio crashed into the Home Run Patio wall to clamp the final out.

“I said ‘he’s still got it?’” said outfielder Micah Pries. “He’s great out there.”

Pries guided Kansas City (45-33) to an early lead after two innings. The powerful right fielder lifted a solo home run to right field to tie the ballgame at one in the first inning.

The round-tripper was Pries’ fourth with the Monarchs.

“I was looking for a pitch to drive. I put my best swing on it,” Pries said.

Bonifacio went on to score a go-ahead run later in the frame on a wild pitch to make it 2-1.

Pries boosted the lead to 3-1 with a two-out single in the second inning.

The Dogs (40-38) came back with a vengeance. Back-to-back home runs from Reggie Pruitt Jr. and Jacob Teter tied the game at 3 in the third inning.

Right-hander Blake Goldsberry (5-1) nailed the Dogs down from there. The Monarchs starter completed a quality start with three consecutive scoreless innings.

Goldsberry finished with six innings of three-run ball. The former Jayhawk struck out four in the win.

The Monarchs manufactured a go-ahead run in the fifth. Robbie Glendinning provided a sacrifice fly for his team-leading 52nd RBI of the season and a 4-3 KC lead.

“We have a great group of guys,” Pries said. “We’re working hard for each other every day.”

Kansas City’s bullpen dazzled again with three scoreless innings. Leam Mendez, Steffon Moore and McMahon combined to earn a gritty victory.

The win clinched a 4-2 home stand against two playoff contenders. The Monarchs won a rubber game over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Sunday.

“These wins are important to get the vibes high,” Pries said. “Everyone top-to-bottom did a great job tonight.”

UP NEXT

The Monarchs embark on a nine-game road trip on Friday night against the Sioux Falls Canaries from Sioux Falls Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 pm. Fans can listen live to all 50 road games on The Bet KC 1660 AM.