Errors derail T-Bones in doubleheader sweep

Gary, Ind. – The T-Bones committed seven errors Wednesday afternoon, costing the team seven runs in what turned out to be a doubleheader sweep to Gary SouthShore, 9-0 and 4-3, at the U.S. Steel Yard.

Pat Doyle (1-1) started the first game and was doing fine until errors by Kansas City’s defense resulted in four unearned runs in the third inning. Doyle pitched five innings and allowed six runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks. Nick Giarraputo was the only T-Bone with two hits, including his third double of the season.

The T-Bones committed three errors in the first of two seven-inning games as a result of rain Tuesday night.

Kansas City’s defense fared worse in the second game, committing four miscues in the nightcap, started by Rick Zagone, who took a no-decision after pitching six innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits.

Errors in the sixth and eighth innings gave the RailCats the tie and win, respectively. In the sixth, with runners on the corners and one out, T.J. Mittelstaedt fielded a groundball at third and threw wildly to catcher Danny Masiello that allowed Gary to tie the game at 3-3.

Then, in the eighth with Chris Squires (1-2) on the mound, there was a miscommunication between left fielder Byron Wiley and shortstop Vladimir Frias that resulted in a collision and a two-base error. Pinch-hitter Craig Maddox then won the game with a bloop single to centerfield that gave Gary SouthShore the 4-3 win and the series, two games to one.

Kansas City, still searching for its first series win, will continue the roadtrip with a four-game series at Sioux Falls starting at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. The game can be heard on 1660-AM in Kansas City or online at tbonesbaseball.com.

– Information from T-Bones

Sporting Kansas City plays to a tie

Fans cheer Tuesday night at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Sporting KC tied the Red Bulls, 1-1. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

Last night Sporting Kansas City went up against the New York Red Bulls in one of the most challenging matches ever.

Sporting Kansas City is plagued with a lot of injuries, making it very hard for Sporting Kansas City to win. However, the team did tie, 1-1. A lot of the fans had hoped that Sporting KC would win, however, due to the injuries that the team is facing, this did not happen.
According to coach Peter Vermes, the injuries are the reason the team did not do as well as expected.
“The game was really grueling, making it really hard for Sporting or either team to win. It was one of the most challenging games ever,” he said.
The first goal was scored by Sporting Kansas City, Antonio Dovale No. 9. The second goal was scored by New York Red Bulls, No. 99 Bradley Phillips.
According to Mike Petke, head coach for the New York Red Bulls, “Sporting Kansas City is a real tough team, they are real hard to beat. I’m glad we did as well as we did.”
Soon Sporting Kansas City will have a break. This will give the team a chance to rebuild, and to bring back those players who were on the injured list.

Fans interacted with the Sporting KC Blue mascot on Tuesday night at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Sporting KC tied the Red Bulls, 1-1. (Photo by William Crum)

Fireworks at the Tuesday night game at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Sporting KC tied the Red Bulls, 1-1. (Photo by William Crum)

Fireworks at the Tuesday night match at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Sporting KC tied the Red Bulls, 1-1. (Photo by William Crum)

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said one of the reasons for the tie Tuesday night was Sporting KC injuries. (Photo by William Crum)

KCK schools awarded Head Start grant

The Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools have been awarded a $6.7 million per year Head Start grant.

The district was notified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of the five-year award to serve children and families in Wyandotte County.

The grant will provide 560 part-day and 318 full-day slots for 3- and 4-year-old children, and also support work with their families. KCKPS is the lead agency in a community partnership that includes churches, social service agencies, day care providers and public agencies.

“We are thrilled to receive news of this grant award,” said Superintendent Cynthia Lane. “Research clearly supports investments in supporting brain development in children’s earliest years, and we are strongly committed to developing the highest quality Head Start program in the country.”

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in:
• Language and literacy
• Cognition and general knowledge
• Physical development and health
• Social and emotional development
• Approaches to learning

Head Start also supports work with families on health and safety, child development and parenting, providing them resources and knowledge to support the growth and development of their children.

KCKPS submitted the grant in October 2013, and since then has been working hard to prepare for the possibility of receiving the grant, a spokesman said. More than 100 staff will be hired for this grant, including early childhood teachers, teaching assistants, family service workers and site managers.

The district also has been working with the current grantee, the Community Development Institute Head Start, on a plan for transition, which will take place during the month of June. Currently, the district is in the process of hosting centralized enrollment for all of its preschool slots at its Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kan.

The grant begins June 1, 2014, and KCKPS will begin serving Head Start families on Aug. 12, 2014.

– Information from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools