Monarchs Drop Final Game of the Set, Return Home on Friday

Lincoln, NE — After a reckoning of the Saltdogs the past two days, the Monarchs slowed down offensively and suffered a 4-1 loss to Lincoln on Wednesday night.

The final game of the series was the polar opposite of the previous two nights. It was low scoring and all the runs happened in the first five frames.

The Monarchs got the bats going right from the get-go. The leadoff hitter, Hudson Head, hooked a ball into right field and found himself with a triple to open up the contest. It was Saul Garza who recorded his third-straight game with an RBI on a double to center field to bring in Head. Kansas City jumped in front, 1-0, but that was all the scoring they did for the evening.

It took over 20 innings of action, but the Saltdogs finally cracked the scoreboard in the third frame. The inning opened up with a Jacob Morrow walk and a base hit from Paul Myro to put two runners on. Cam Phelts placed a bunt on the first base line which led to an error from Garza. This brought in two runs to score and Lincoln had their first lead of the series.

Ryan Garcia was the starter on the hill for Kansas City. He threw in 4.2 innings while giving up six hits, four runs, three walks, but stuck out four batters. The former UCLA standout is a very talented right hander who will surely respond in his next outing.

Lincoln kept collecting hits in the fifth inning when Cary Arbolida singled followed by a walk on Jairo Pomares. This brought in Tanner O’Tremba, who pushed an RBI single to center field which allowed Arbolida to score. This was the final tally of the night as the Monarchs left six runners on base and were unable to capitalize on their chances.

Kansas City has currently won three consecutive series in a row, but is still looking for their first sweep. With their recent success, the Monarchs (7-5) currently sit two games outside of first. They have an opportunity to make up some ground when the Sioux City Explorers come to town. Friday’s game is the start of a nine-game home stand with first pitch being at 6:35.