Kansas Swiftie Monarchs Uphold Reputation

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Kansas Swiftie Monarchs night was a Fairytale for nearly 3,000 screaming Monarchs fans.

Kansas City rallied back for a 5-3 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries on Saturday night. The Monarchs clinched a sixth series win in seven to start the 2025 season.

“I try to take things game-by-game,” outfielder Ross Adolph said. “Anytime we can get the series in two, that’s always a plus.”

Daniel Martinez (1-1) dominated in his fourth start of the season. The right-hander struck out six batters to earn his first win with the Monarchs.

Adolph plopped a two-run double to left field to give Kansas City a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning. The two-bagger marked Adolph’s fourth extra-base hit in five games.

“I went up with a plan to stay within myself and drive in runs any way that I can,” Adolph said. “We know our lineup is explosive, we can produce runs at any time.”

Alvaro Gonzalez continued his red-hot hitting one pitch later. Gonzalez dribbled a two-run single to plate Jaylyn Williams and Adolph to Kansas City’s (14-6) to three.

“We know our lineup is explosive, we can produce runs at any time,” Adolph said. “This team is special.”

The Monarchs’ crooked number in the fourth got them Out of the Woods for good. Four Kansas City arms held the Canaries (9-12) to one run over the final six innings.

Blake Goldsberry hung a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts. Tyler McKay earned his fourth save in as many opportunities in the ninth.

“We have a lot of faith and trust in our pitchers,” Adolph said. “Being able to rely on them to take some pressure off us was huge.”

UP NEXT

The Monarchs finish out their nine-game home stretch on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 pm. Southpaw Jeff Hendrickson will start for Kansas City against Sioux Falls’ Tanner Brown.



Monarchs Blast Past Canaries

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs put together a complete team win on First Responders Night at Legends Field. The Monarchs dominated the Sioux Falls Canaries, 6-2. The Monarchs scored six unanswered runs to start the game.

Kansas City (13-6) has now won all seven of its series openers in 2025.

“Tonight was all about bringing the energy,” Monarchs outfielder Gilliam said. “Both sides were clicking. When you have the pitchers pitching well and the offense behind, it’s going to be very hard to beat us.”

Gilliam and Alvaro Gonzalez each went yard in the victory. The Monarchs lead the American Association with 33 home runs.

Gilliam got things going for Kansas City with an automatic double in the first inning. The cleanup batter ambushed Sioux Falls (9-11) starter Christian Knoll with a 109-mph laser, which ricocheted off centerfielder Matt Ruiz and out of play to give KC a 1-0 lead.

He had more in store in the third inning. Gilliam unleashed a towering solo shot to right-center to boost the Monarchs’ lead to six.

Gilliam is up to six home runs on the season, tied for the most of any Monarch this season.

“Today I wanted to command the strike zone early,” Gilliam said. “If I saw a strike, swing.” 

Jackson Goddard (1-1) was stellar in his return to Legends Field. The former Kansas Jayhawk delivered a gem to hold one of the top offenses in the American Association to two runs on two hits.

Goddard began the night with four hitless innings to let his bats go to work.

“He was our foundation tonight,” Gilliam said.

Kansas City’s additional three runs came off a Jaylyn Williams RBI double and Gonzalez’s two-run nuke in the second inning.

Gonzalez towered a blast 439 feet to right-center field.

UP NEXT
The Kansas Swiftie Monarchs take the field tomorrow night at Legends Field at 6:35 pm. Daniel Martinez takes the ball against Sioux Falls’ Seth Miller.

Monarchs Drop Nail-Biter to Explorers

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs and Sioux City Explorers played out another tight series, decided by just one run. The Monarchs slipped up in their chance at a rubber game win.

The Explorers grabbed the lead early and hung on to secure a 4-3 win at Legends Field on Thursday night. 

Kansas City (12-6) threatened in the bottom of the ninth. Josh Bissonette sniped a single to right-center field to keep the game going. Jaylyn Williams attempted to advance from first to third on that single, but tripped on his way to third base. The Explorers completed the rundown to take the one-run victory.

Sioux City (12-7) tagged RHP Asthon Goudeau for three first inning runs and never looked back. Torin Montomgery and Josh Day delivered crucial RBI singles to put the X’s ahead 3-0.

Kansas City’s bullpen starred to keep the team in it. RHP Junior Cerda twirled out of multiple jams to post two scoreless innings.

Patrick Pridgen was exceptional. The former Detroit Tigers prospect spun three scoreless frames with five strikeouts, a new season-best.

Joshuan Sandoval got the Monarchs’ bats going in the third inning. The catcher unloaded a 413-foot two-run home run to cut the Explorers’ lead to 3-2.

The bomb was Sandoval’s first home run with Kansas City and the 31st for the Monarchs this season.

Alvaro Gonzalez slammed a two-run double in the sixth inning. The third baseman plated Ross Adolph from second base to pull the Monarchs within one.

Gonzalez has now recorded an RBI in six of his last seven appearances.

The Monarchs won their first five series of the 2025 season, a franchise record since joining the American Association in 2011.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs begin a three-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries on Friday night for First Responders Night at Legends FIeld. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.



Ortiz Shines in Wild Affair with Explorers

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Jhailyn Ortiz put together his best game back in KCK.

The Kansas City Monarchs dropped game two of its series against the Sioux City Explorers, 11-8, at Legends Field on Wednesday night.

Ortiz delivered a four-hit performance. He drilled three hits over 100+ miles per hour with a 4-for-5 performance.

The former returning Monarch prospect saved his best for last. Ortiz launched a two-run home run in the eighth inning to cut Sioux City’s lead to 8-7.

The Monarchs powered three home runs on Wednesday night. 

Robbie Glendinning towered a three-run home run in the third inning. Glendinning now paces the American Association with 19 RBIs this season.

RHP Julian Garcia responded well after a first-inning Sioux City run. The Monarchs’ opening day starter replied with four consecutive scoreless innings.

Garcia racked up 10 strikeouts on Wednesday night. The performance marked his fifth game as a Monarch with double-digit strikeouts.

The Sioux City offense proved too much on Wednesday. The Explorers powered eight extra-base hits in the win, four coming in the sixth inning.

Sioux City’s five-run sixth proved the difference to take a 7-5 lead. 

The Monarchs pulled within reach in the ninth inning, but struck out with the bases loaded.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs and Explorers wrap up their series on Thursday night at 6:35 pm. Kansas City’s Ashton Goudeau will open against Sioux City’s Jared Wetherbee.

Monarchs Blank Explorers For Game One Dub

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A strong battery sparked the Kansas City Monarchs to an important West Division win.

Catcher Ryan Leitch headlined the Monarchs’ first shutout victory of the season. Josh Hendrickson, Blake Goldsberry and Tyler McKay combined to blank the Sioux City Explorers 3-0 at Legends Field.

Leitch’s home run made the difference. The catcher powered a leadoff bomb in the seventh inning to give Kansas City (12-4) a 1-0 lead.

 “I got a good pitch to hit and didn’t miss it,” Leitch said. “I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by a bunch of great hitters in this team.” 

Hendrickson hurled his best work as a Monarch. The Australian commanded the strike zone to the tune of six scoreless innings.

The southpaw posted four strikeouts in his first time through the lineup card. Hendrickson mauled through the Explorers’ (10-7) lineup with seven punchouts.

“He threw all of his pitches for strikes,” Leitch said. “I give him a suggestion, he goes out there and executes.”

Goldsberry (1-0) tied his season-high with two scoreless innings, McKay (3) polished the night with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

“Hendrickson threw a lot of offspeed. You bring a guy like Goldsberry in, throwing 95 [miles per hour], it’s hard to catch up to,” Leitch said.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs and X’s continue their three-game set at Legends Field for Winning Wednesday at 6:35 pm. Julian Garcia will start for Kansas City, Jared Wetherbee for Sioux City.



Peyton Holt

Tryout To Triumph: Monarchs’ Holt Signs With Reds

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Peyton Holt

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — From an open tryout to affiliated baseball. For many players, it’s a dream. For Peyton Holt, it just became reality.

The Kansas City Monarchs utility player has been signed by the Cincinnati Reds organization, the Monarchs announced Sunday.

“This was the ultimate goal, and I’m blessed to get the chance to go play for an MLB team. I can’t give enough thanks to the guys here, the coaches,” Holt said. “I’m really grateful for the experience I’ve had here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

An Arkansas native, Holt earned SEC All-Defensive Team honors at the University of Arkansas in 2024. He played in the MLB Draft League that summer, but was looking for a place to play in 2025.

He attended the Monarchs’ open tryout at Legends Field on April 29, impressing manager Joe Calfapietra with his speed, instincts and defensive ability. Though the Monarchs’ spring roster was already set, Calfapietra found a place for Holt in the Opening Night lineup.

“We’re so excited about Peyton Holt getting this opportunity. From the beginning at the open tryout, you knew he was deserving,” Calfapietra said. “It’s a lot of hard work, and when it happens, it’s special.”

Holt wasted no time in making an impact, homering in his first game. He collected two home runs, five RBIs and 11 walks across 13 games with Kansas City while impressing defensively at third base and outfield.

Holt’s final hit with the Monarchs was a walk-off single against Lake Country Saturday night at Legends Field.

“I can’t give enough thanks. I’ve had a lot of fans, especially from back home, that have supported me since college. I really appreciate everybody giving me support,” Holt said, “It’s been a journey for sure, and I’m just blessed to be able to have a chance to go play.”

Holt is the third Monarch to sign with an affiliated team in 2025. Infielder Matt Higgins, who trained with the Monarchs in spring camp, was signed by the Phillies before the Monarchs’ season began. Pitcher Josh Bortka, a Kansas City native, signed with the Twins on May 15.

“We feel there’s a lot more talent that we have on our roster that deserve opportunities,” Calfapietra said. “We want to continue the path of these young men. They’re working very hard for us and we’re working very hard for them.”

The first-place Monarchs (11-4) are in the midst of a nine-game homestand. The team will host a Fireworks Friday game on May 30 and Kansas Swiftie Monarchs Night on May 31. Tickets are available at MonarchsBaseball.com or by calling 913-328-5618.

Monarchs Downed in Series Finale

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs were unable to finish off a series sweep on Sunday afternoon. The Monarchs won their three-game set with the Lake Country DockHounds, but dropped the finale, 8-3. The DockHounds used eight consecutive runs to salvage the series.

Kansas City (11-4) remains the top team in the West Division after taking two of three this weekend.

RHP Daniel Martinez flashed brilliance in his third start. The righty opened with five consecutive scoreless frames and six strikeouts.

Robbie Glendinning hit his fifth home run of the season for the Monarchs, tying him with teammate Isiah Gilliam for the league lead. His 16th RBI in 15 games puts him into the league lead.

Kansas City struck first in the third inning. Alvaro Gonzalez drilled an RBI single to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead. Gonzalez holds the longest RBI streak by any Monarch at four games.

Lake Country (9-5) opened the floodgates in the sixth inning. Reigning AAPB Rookie of the Year Ryan Hernandez highlighted a strong day at the plate with a game-tying RBI single.

Luke Roskam and Brian Rey followed up with back-to-back home runs to stretch the lead to 4-1.

The DockHounds posted four more runs in the top of the seventh inning against the Monarchs’ bullpen.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs continue their nine-game home stretch on Tuesday night against the Sioux City Explorers. First pitch is slated for 6:35 pm, tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.

Heroic Holt Walks Off Lake Country

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Peyton Holt fulfilled the Kansas City Monarchs’ destiny.

Holt walked off the Lake Country DockHounds in a stellar Star Wars™ Night at Legends Field. Kansas City overcame a late Lake Country rally to secure the series, 3-2, on Saturday night.

Holt stepped up as the Monarchs’ only hope in a tie ball game in the ninth. With two outs and two strikes against, nobody told Holt the odds.

The Monarchs infielder singled home the winning run with a hard ground ball into left field.

“I didn’t want to go back out on defense,” Holt said. “I got a good pitch to hit, deep in the count and put a good swing on it.”

Kansas City (11-3) takes over as the best team in the American Association with the win.

“Practices and the live [at-bats] we did, you could tell we had a good group,” Holt said. “It’s been a lot of fun. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”

Kansas City starter Ashton Goudeau held Lake Country (8-5) in check. The former major leaguer posted six innings of one-run ball and added three strikeouts.

The tall right-hander was at his best with runners in scoring position. Goudeau worked around threats at second and third in the first inning with a pair of punchouts.

Tyler McKay (1-0) fanned Daunte Stuart with runners on in the ninth inning to set up the win.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs and DockHounds close up its series on Sunday afternoon. Kansas City’s Daniel Martinez starts against Lake Country’s Luke Hansel. First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m.

 

Monarchs Erupt Past DockHounds

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Julian Garcia’s pitching allowed the Kansas City Monarchs’ bats to wake up. Once they did, there was no looking back.

Kansas City erupted with three homers in the sixth inning to defeat the Lake Country DockHounds,9-3, at Legends Field.

Garcia delivered another brilliant display. Kansas City’s returning all-star whirled through six scoreless innings before being pulled in the seventh. The righty flashed eight strikeouts while allowing three runs (two earned) in another stellar outing.

“It’s huge, he’s a professional,” Monarchs infielder Robbie Glendinning said. “He goes out there and does his job. It’s fun going out there and playing behind him”

Kansas City’s bats went to work after that.

Ross Adolph got the home run party going with a go-ahead blast in the sixth. Glendinning unleashed a two-run bomb two batters later, and Jhailyn Ortiz belted a solo shot.

The Monarchs (10-3) turned a scoreless pitcher’s duel into a 4-0 lead within 15 pitches.

“The vibes were really good,” Glendinning said. “It always helps when the team’s playing well. Let’s keep it that way.”

The Monarchs have smoked 25 home runs in their first 13 games to lead the American Association.
“We definitely saw that we had the potential to be a really good lineup,” Glendinning said. “Everyone’s doing a good job being ready to play.”

The floodgates unloaded for both teams after that. Lake Country (8-4) got three runs in the seventh, highlighted by a crucial two-run single by Aaron Hill, to pull within one.

Kansas City poached four runs again in the next inning to put the game to bed. Peyton Holt raced to score on a Lake Country error to make it 5-3. Isiah Gilliam ripped an automatic double to make it 6-3.

Glendinning added one more RBI. The third baseman laced a fastball into right field to plate a seventh run. An Alvaro Gonzalez sacrifice fly brought the game to its final score.

UP NEXT

Kansas City and Lake Country continue the weekend on Saturday for Star Wars Night. First pitch is slated for 6:35 pm, tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.



Hakanson Hurls Monarchs to Series Win

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LINCOLN, Neb. – Jeff Hakanson delivered a gem in a crucial situation and willed the Kansas City Monarchs to a pivotal rubber-game win.

The Monarchs, headlined by Hakanson, proved too much for the Lincoln Saltdogs. Kansas City pulled out the series at Haymarket Park with a 3-1 win on Thursday night.

Hakanson spun one of his best outings as a Kansas City Monarch. The right-hander dealt 2.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

He entered following an injury to KC starter Jackson Goddard. Hakanson (1-0) picked up right where his starter left off, back-to-back strikeouts in the fourth and fanned the side in the fifth.

Goddard posted 3.1 scoreless innings in his second start.

The Monarchs (9-3) bullpen finished out a stellar series at Lincoln. Jake Brentz and Blake Goldsberry kept the Saltdogs (3-9) off the board, Tyler McKay earned his second save of the season.

Alvaro Gonzalez made the difference early with a solo home run in the third inning. Gonzalez demolished a 406-foot tank for a 1-0 Kansas City lead.

The Monarchs have now belted a league-best 22 home runs on the season.

Josh Bissonette added an RBI single in the seventh inning to stretch the lead to 2-0. Gonzalez delivered a third run with a ninth-inning sacrifice fly.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs open a nine-game home stand at Legends Field on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. Kansas City hosts the Lake Country Dockhounds for a three-game set, tickets are available at monarchsbaseball.com.