Leitch Lifts Monarchs Past Canaries for Series Win

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Kansas City, KS — On the earliest start time of the season, it was a defensive battle in Kansas City where the Monarchs were able to come from behind twice and win 3-2 over Sioux Falls.

The Canaries found themselves with an early lead in the opening frame as Michael Curialle walked and that allowed Josh Rehwaldt to belt a one-run double into right field to give Sioux Falls the advantage.

Former UCLA All-American, Ryan Garcia, delivered a nine-strikeout performance for the Monarchs which tied his season high. He continued to work in his slider along with his fastball and was collecting punch outs all day long. Garcia says, “After last outing I was looking to bounce back (and) give our team a chance to win. Our priority was getting through five at least, helping out the bullpen and was able to get helped out by our hitters towards the end so it was nice.”

It wasn’t until the 5th inning where the Monarchs tied up the contest. Trevor Boone connected on the first pitch and smoked a solo bomb to left center. It was his second home run in a matter of games, respectively. Since Boone has returned to the lineup, he’s gone 4-7 at the dish with three RBI’s.

 

Sioux Falls would not go away and retook the lead in the top half of the seventh. Rehwaldt was at it once again with a towering fly ball that went beyond the fence in right field to give them a 2-1 advantage.

In the bottom half the inning the Monarchs were able to get some timely hits and it started off with Sahid Valenzuela. He led off with a double and finished the afternoon 2-3 at the dish. Sahid mentioned, “I’m just trying to get good pitches (that) I can do some damage with. If I get late in the count, i’m just trying to put good swings on (and) get on base. So the guys behind me  can drive me in. I’m seeing it well and the whole team is seeing it well. We are having really good team at bats.”

Two batters later, Ryan Leitch proved to be the hero when he cranked his first home run this season to give the Monarchs the only and final lead of the afternoon.

 

KC now stands three games clear of Sioux Falls and will look to sweep the series before going on another long road trip. Grant Gambrell will get the start for a 6:35 pitch tomorrow night.