Month: August 2015

Offense sizzles as T-Bones sweep Thunderheads

The Kansas City T-Bones struck for three first-inning runs as they completed the three-game sweep of Amarillo, 7-4, Wednesday night in Amarillo, Texas.

Kansas City used a three-run first inning off Amarillo starting pitcher Matt Larkins to get started. Starlin Rodriguez and Nate Tenbrink both singled and scored on Jake Blackwood’s double for a 2-0 lead. Kyle Robinson drove in Blackwood with a fielders choice that gave Kansas City a 3-0 lead.

The T-Bones added two more runs in the third inning, courtesy of Adam Bailey’s 14th home run of the season, which also plated Blackwood for a 5-0 lead.

Kansas City starting pitcher Jeremy Strawn (1-0) got his first win in a T-Bones uniform. Strawn, whom the T-Bones acquired last weekend, allowed two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. Strawn struck out three and walked none.

The T-Bones made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh inning, as they failed to convert three double-play opportunities. Amarillo cashed that into a run and pulled within 6-4, before Aaron Baker slammed the door.

Kansas City added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning, with a perfectly executed suicide squeeze by Robby Kuzdale which scored Tenbrink from third base for a 7-4 lead.

T-Bones closer Fernando Hernandez closed out the ninth inning with a perfect frame, picking up the save.

The T-Bones (46-42) return home to CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Thursday for an eight-game homestand. Tickets are available by calling the box office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.

Drew to be honored at UG meeting

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will honor Larry Drew, former professional basketball player and current assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, during the commission meeting at City Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.

Mayor Mark Holland will present the former Wyandotte High School standout with a proclamation in recognition of his many achievements during his career. Drew will be visiting his home town this weekend to hold an autograph signing event from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Peace and Fellowship Community Church, 8550 Parkway in Kansas City, Kan.

“I will always have a close connection with my hometown of KCK. This is where I grew up, attended school and made my first connections in life,” Drew said.

“To see someone giving back to our community is a big part of what we value. We’re very grateful for his commitment to his hometown and using his star power to bring awareness to the issues in our community and to lift up the rest of the community is a great gift,” Mayor Holland said.

Due to his demanding schedule with the NBA and raising three children with his wife Sharon, it’s been two years since Drew has visited Kansas City, Kan. He says he’s looking forward to returning home and visiting his home church where his brother, James Drew Jr., is the pastor.

“My family and I are very close and I always enjoy a home cooked meal from Mom and visiting with my siblings,” Drew said. “I will take full advantage of every opportunity to enjoy my hometown.”

After high school, Larry Drew played for the University of Missouri under coach Norm Stewart from 1976 to 1980. He had a long 10-year career in the NBA, which began when he was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Pistons in 1980. He played one year for the Pistons before coming back home to Kansas City to play for the Kings, which later relocated to Sacramento, Calif.

After his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, New Jersey Nets and Atlanta Hawks. He was head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2010 to 2013. After his head coaching stint in Atlanta, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Drew as the head coach for a season. He now is currently the assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers which is known for the NBA’s star studded player, LeBron James.

“We’re very proud of our native son Larry Drew and all of his accomplishments showing that world class athletes and people come from Kansas City, Kansas,” Holland said.

Showers move through area

Today's weather forecast. (National Weather Service graphic)
Today’s weather forecast. (National Weather Service graphic)

Showers and a thunderstorm moved through Wyandotte County this morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered storms are possible through 2 p.m., and tonight, there is a chance of showers and storms after 1 a.m., the weather service said.

This afternoon, skies will be partly sunny with a high near 83, according to the weather service.

As a cold front moves into the area, there may be a chance of thunderstorms on Friday into Friday evening, according to the weather service.

A few storms tonight into Friday could be strong with gusty winds and heavy rainfall, the weather service said.

For more weather information, visit www.weather.gov/kc.

Tonight's thunderstorm outlook. (National Weather Service graphic)
Tonight’s thunderstorm outlook. (National Weather Service graphic)