DONATELLA MASTERFUL IN 4-0 WIN OVER SIOUX CITY
August 19, 2021
By: Jack Johnson
Kansas City, Kan. — On the back of the best start from a Monarchs pitcher this season, Kansas City claimed the rubber match with a 4-0 win over Sioux City. With the victory, the Monarchs finish 8-4 against the Explorers in 2021.
Credit John Ellis Kansas City Monarchs – August 19, 2021 Justin Donatella pitches to Sioux City.
After splitting the doubleheader on Wednesday, Kansas City (56-28) turned to its big right-hander Justin Donatella to win the series. Not only did he give them a chance, he made it impossible not to do so. Through the first two innings, Donatella buckled Sioux City (43-41) hitters with his breaking pitch.
In the bottom of the second, the Monarchs took advantage of Jorge Oleaga’s lack of command. The 21-year-old, who was making his professional debut, allowed two runs on no hits. A sacrifice fly from Alexis Olmeda and wild pitch were the cause of the two runs.
Credit John Ellis Kansas City Monarchs – August 19, 2021 Will Kengor hits a home run against Sioux City.
One inning later, Will Kengor belted a solo shot to extend Kansas City’s lead to 3-0. Colin Willis followed suit in the bottom of the fourth, which tied the American Association record for home runs by a team in a single season (128).
Back on the mound, Donatella’s first-pitch strike efficiency allowed him to settle into cruise control. The righty punched out eight through eight scoreless innings on just 86 pitches. In addition, he threw a first-pitch strike to 20 of the first 25 batter’s he faced.
In the ninth, manager Joe Calfapietra gave Donatella the chance to toss a complete game shutout. He did just that and became the first Monarchs pitcher to throw a complete game shutout this season.
Kansas City begins a three-game set against Milwaukee at Legends Field on Friday. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6:35 p.m. and the video stream airing on aabaseball.tv.
Tickets to all Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com. For additional information or interview requests, members of the media may contact the Monarchs Media Relations Department at (817) 739-3693. Stay tuned to monarchsbaseball.com. and the Monarchs Facebook and Twitter pages for updates throughout the season.
WP: Donatella (4-0)
LP: Oleaga (0-1)
S: N/A
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