Hernandez Stays Hot, But Monarchs Lead Slips Away

GENEVA, Ill. — Jan Hernandez hit his third home run in four games, but the Kansas City Monarchs fell to the Kane County Cougars 8-7 Thursday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.

The Monarchs led 7-3 midway through the third inning, but allowed five unanswered runs over the next six frames. Armond Upshaw hit a two-run home run in the sixth to put the Cougars ahead for good.

Peter Maris hit a two-run home run in the third inning, his first as a Monarch. Brian O’Grady continued his hot hitting with a two-run double in the first.

The Monarchs remain in first place in the American Association West, one game ahead of Fargo-Moorhead. The RedHawks also lost Thursday.

Monarchs starter Zach Matson went four innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on six hits. He walked three without striking out a batter.

Jose Fuentes earned the win in relief for Kane County, throwing three scoreless innings.

The Monarchs will look to get back on the winning track Friday night against the Winnipeg Goldeyes on Dotte Proud Night at Legends Field. The first 500 fans in attendance get a free T-shirt.