Monarchs Out-Slugged by Dockhounds
Oconomowoc, WI — It was a game where there were 24 combined hits, but a frustrating night for the Monarchs offensively as they left 15 runners on base and fell to Lake Country 8-5.
Kansas City got off to a strong start where on the fourth pitch of the game, Edwin Diaz smoked his third homer of the season to give the Monarch an early lead. Diaz has solidified himself as one of the key leadoff hitters.
Lake Country had an even better start as they put up four-run first frame to take an early lead. In two pitches, there were a pair of runners on base and then two batters later, Joshua Mears tied up the game on a ground ball which sent home Ripken Reyes. That brought in Mario Feliciano who roped a line drive into center that scored Dom Johnson and Mears. Anthony Garcia finished out the inning with a solo blast.
There were three scoreless frames, but the Monarchs rallied back in the fifth. Luken Baker and Grant Richardson stayed smart at the plate and drew two walks with no outs. This allowed Saul Garza to hammer a fly ball into right field which scored both runners as Garza recorded his team-leading 20th double this season. Garza would get to third and then eventually home after Dockhounds pitcher, Jacob Campbell threw a wild pitch.
Unfortunately, the lead did not last long as Lake Country orchestrated an immediate response. In the bottom half of the inning, Ray Zuberer reached base via fielders choice and then Mears singled. Feliciano ripped a hard grounder through the right side which score both runners. Lake Country would hold on to the lead for the rest of the night.
Geison Urbaez started on the bump for Kansas City and allowed 11 hits with seven runs. He once again put up a five K performance, but did not have his best start. Jeff Hakanson had a good outing on the bump in the seventh inning as he punched out two batters with no hits given up.
The Monarchs had a golden opportunity to strike in the sixth inning as Diaz, Baker, and Richardson all walked with only one out. They unfortunately could not drive home any runs in the frame and came up empty once again.
Kansas City got one back in the top of the eighth as there were two runners on and Hudson Head sliced a ball into left center field on a ground rule double that scored Austin Callahan. Baker got to third and with two runners in scoring position, they couldn’t find a way to tie up the game. 15 runners was the most the Monarchs left on base the entire season as the timely hitting was not there tonight.
The Dockhounds would score one more tally in the bottom half of the inning and that would seal it. With a Winnipeg win, Kansas City sits only a half game ahead in first place. The Monarchs will look to try and even up the series tomorrow night with a 6:35 first pitch.
