by Kaitlyn Sanders, Monarchs
Jon Harris achieved the first Kansas City complete game of the season and helped put the Monarchs (28-16) back in the win column after almost completing a shutout against the Gary SouthShore RailCats (20-25) in a 6-1 win.
In the third inning J.C. Escarra hit a single to left field, getting to second and third after back-to-back putouts from Darnel Sweeney and Kevin Santa.
Jan Hernandez walked to first base before Matt Adams singled to center field to bring in Santa for an RBI, the score at 1-0.
The same couldn’t be said for Gary as the bases were quiet and they couldn’t reach base through the first four innings courtesy of Monarchs starting pitcher Jon Harris.
The Monarchs toured the bases in the fifth inning as the top half of the order were all walked on base, with Gaby Guerrero being awarded an RBI, the score 3-0. Casey Gillaspie continued to reach base, going two for three, with a fielder’s choice to center field, adding onto the Monarchs score at 4-0.
The RailCats’ reliever Steven Colon continued to walk the Monarchs in the sixth. Escarra walked and Sweeney singled to right field before Santa walked again. A sacrifice fly from Hernandez brought in Escarra before a fielder’s choice from Adams scored Sweeney, extending the Monarchs’ lead to 6-0 going into the seventh.
Gary SouthShore finally got on the board in the top of the ninth as Ryan Lingua singled to left field before Jesus Marriaga went to deep right-center field for an RBI, bringing the final score to 6-1.
Harris ended his nine complete innings with 6 hits, one run, one base on balls and six strikeouts. It was the first complete game for the Monarchs since Justin Donatella tossed a complete game shut out last Aug. 19 against the Sioux City X’s at Legends Field.
Game two against the Gary SouthShore RailCats is at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on aabaseball.tv.
Tickets to Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com.
Tonight’s theme will be Salute to Service, honoring service members, with post-game fireworks weather-permitting, and military vehicles on display.
