Monarchs Roll Over Saltdogs
Lincoln, NE — It was a feel-good win for the Monarchs to get back in the win column as they shut down the Saltdogs, 6-3, to kickstart the weekend on Friday night.
KC opened up the scoring in the top of the third as Tyler Gentry belted a solo homer to jump in front.
In the fifth, Hudson Head walked and then on the second pitch of the at bat, Jose Torres connects on a two-run blast to left field. The Monarchs quickly had a 3-0 advantage in the frame.
Just an inning later, Kansas City kept the bats hot as Luken Baker singled and Grant Richardson drove a liner into right field to put runners at the corners. Saul Garza did his job when he pushed a sac fly to allow Baker to cross home plate for the fourth run. Later in the frame, Head laced a ball into right field and brought home Richardson. Just like that, the Monarchs put up consecutive two-run frames.
The Monarchs added their final tally of the night as Tyler Gentry got on base and swiped a bag to second. Baker walked while Garza ripped an RBI double to bring in Gentry.
Geison Urbaez was the story on the defensive side. The Dominican native went 8 2/3 frames and allowed just two hits the entire night. He was one out away from a complete game in the ninth, but showed fatigue as Emmanuel Chapman came in for relief for the final out.
KC held Lincoln scoreless for eight-straight frames, but the Saltdogs finally got on the board in the last inning. Jairo Pomares and Jake Hjelle both collected a base-knock while Cary Arbolida was hit by a pitch. With two down and the bases loaded, Calvyn Halvorson hit an RBI single to bring in Pomares. The Saltdogs tried to spark a late rally as Tanner O’Tremba plated a two-run RBI single to cut the lead to three. It was too little too late as Kansas City already established a sizable lead and sealed the game.
It was an exceptional defense performance behind timely Monarch hitting as Kansas City took the opening game of the set. They will look to clinch the series with a 6:05 first pitch tomorrow night.
