Nick Belzer of the Kansas City Monarchs delivered a pitch in the Monarchs’ 8-5 loss to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Wednesday night, Sept. 14, at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by John Ellis, Kansas City Monarchs)Ryan Grotjohn of the Kansas City Monarchs hit a single to left in the Monarchs’ 8-5 loss to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Wednesday night, Sept. 14, at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by John Ellis, Kansas City Monarchs)
by Adam Cook, Monarchs
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (3-2) won a back-and-forth battle with the Kansas City Monarchs (3-1) on Wednesday night in Kansas City, Kansas.
The roller coaster of a ballgame featured four lead changes, but Fargo came out on top 8-5 in the tug-of-war match after going ahead in the eighth and never looking back.
Monarchs starting pitcher Nick Belzer led the game off with a two-strike hit-by-pitch to leadoff batter Peter Maris. Belzer retired the next three batters, but Maris scored in the process, having the Monarchs bats enter the bottom half of the inning down 1-0.
However, the Monarchs offense saw their first baserunner in the second inning after Jan Hernandez drew a one-out walk.
Casey Gillaspie followed Hernandez up with a single up the middle that just got past the sliding glove of shortstop Sam Dexter, putting runners at first and third. J.C. Escarra, the hero of game one in Fargo, delivered again with a fielder’s choice that scored Hernandez, evening the score at one. Pete Kozma then made it three straight productive at-bats when he hit a ground ball, scoring Escarra and giving the Monarchs a 2-1 lead.
In the third, the RedHawks threatened with runners on second and third with only one away, but Belzer didn’t allow it to get any worse for Kansas City as he struck out Drew Ward and then got Leobaldo Piña to ground out, stranding both.
The Monarchs also threatened in their half-inning when they got runners at the corners with one away. After a Jacob Robson strikeout, Hernandez came to the plate and smacked a line drive off the left field home run patio, extending the Kansas City lead to two.
An intentional walk to Gillaspie loaded the bases, but Escarra flew out to end the inning with the score 3-1.
The RedHawks again threatened in the fourth, this time loading the bases with one away, but a ground ball right to Santa at the second base bag was cause for an inning-ending double play, again stranding the RedHawks scoreless. The Monarchs also loaded the bases in the bottom half, but a long line drive to deep center field off the bat of Ryan Grotjohn was caught by center fielder Evan Alexander just before the warning track, retiring the inning without a score from either side despite both bases-loaded jams.
After a quiet fifth inning, Manuel Boscan woke Legends Field up in the top of the sixth with a two-run blast to left field, tying the game at threes.
The RedHawks then caught a break in the seventh when Brandon Koch came on and allow two walks, putting runners at first and second with two outs. Then, a ground ball to Monarchs first baseman Gillapsie was mishandled, loading the bases for John Silviano, who delivered with a two-RBI single, making the score 5-3 Fargo-Moorhead.
The bottom of the seventh also proved fruitful for the home nine, however. Grotjohn stepped to the plate with one out and put a charge into one, sending an absolute blast to the top of the right field home run hill, cutting the deficit to one. Then, Robson walked and stole second base, putting himself in scoring position when Gillaspie stepped in with two outs. Gillaspie made up for his earlier mistake and came through with an RBI double to the left field corner, tying the game once again, this time at five apiece.
Monarchs relief pitcher Jeremy Rhoades began the eighth inning on the bump, and promptly walked Alec Olund. Olund was moved to second by way of a sacrifice bunt, and then scored with an RBI single up the middle by Sam Dexter, once again giving the RedHawks a lead, 6-5.
After a relatively quiet eighth, Alex Valdez came on for the Monarchs to attempt to shut down the top of the ninth. His inning uncharacteristically got off to a shaky start, allowing a walk and then a single.
Silviano then made it three straight baserunners when he sliced an RBI single to left field, adding one to the lead but also getting himself thrown out at second as he tried for the double. Olund then drove the nail deeper with another RBI single, bringing the score to 8-5 RedHawks.
In the bottom half, the Monarchs showed little signs of life, going down in four batters and sending the West Division Championship Series to a decisive game three.
The Monarchs are back in action for the winner-takes-all rubber match at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6 p.m. and the video stream airing on aa baseball.tv.
Tickets to Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com.
A federal grand jury in Topeka, Kansas, returned a six-count indictment, unsealed today, charging former Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department detective Roger Golubski with federal civil rights crimes for sexually assaulting two victims while acting under color of law.
According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, kidnapping also was alleged.
The first three counts of the indictment charged Golubski with sexually assaulting and raping the first victim on multiple occasions between 1998 and 2001. These allegedly occurred in and next to his vehicle.
The remaining three counts of the indictment charged Golubski with sexually assaulting the second victim on multiple occasions between 1999 and 2002 by raping and sexually assaulting her. Those allegedly took place in her home and in his vehicle.
The indictment alleged Golubski’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
If convicted, Golubski, who pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for the district of Kansas, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayob of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Kansas City Field Office investigated the case in conjunction with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting of the district of Kansas and trial attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The investigation is ongoing, according to a spokesman. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) issued a statement Thursday on this case.
David Grummon, an attorney who is the Criminal Justice Task Force chair and board member of MORE2, stated: “The arrest of Roger Golubski is a long overdue message to the community that the police are not immune from prosecution when they break the law. More importantly, it signals that it’s now safe for the rest of his victims to come forward, report what he did, and, hopefully, finally have an opportunity to pursue justice.”
The Rev. Rick Behrens, of Grandview Park Presbyterian Church and board member of MORE2, stated: “This is a huge step toward justice for victims of Golubski. Those who enabled and sheltered him including the criminal court system, KCKPD and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County should also be held accountable. The arrest of Golubski is huge, but our community is still faced with the need for truth and reconciliation in light of all the pain, injustice and evil we have allowed under our watch in this Beloved Community of God’s Children.”
A statement from Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman: “I was notified this morning that former KCKPD officer Roger Golubski was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested by the FBI. This indictment is an example that no individual is above the law. The department will continue to cooperate and offer any assistance needed by the FBI as this case moves forward. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is committed to building community ties through transparency, integrity, engagement and safety.”
A statement from Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree: “The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office was notified about the arrest of Roger Golubski this morning. While it is important to note this is a federal case, the impact of Golubski’s alleged acts are local. Since 2017, this office has worked continuously with multiple agencies, including the FBI in an ongoing effort to bring about justice in this matter. It is our hope that today’s arrest is the start of the healing and closure process for the affected families who may feel that justice delayed is justice denied. This arrest shows that no one is above the law.”
A statement from Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner: “Today’s arrest may bring comfort in the short-term but this is not the end. I stand by my commitment to support and welcome any independent outside investigations into any allegations of criminal misconduct by anyone within the Unified Government. While we never comment on ongoing investigations to protect the integrity of these efforts, I maintain my commitment to bring greater transparency and accountability to all aspects of local government, including public safety. As a former police officer and resident, I will continue to champion improvements in police-community relations to restore trust, particularly among our most vulnerable.”
A longer statement from Mayor Garner on public safety:
“Mayor Tyrone Garner stands by his commitment to support and welcome any independent outside investigations from authorities into any allegations of criminal misconduct, by anyone within the Unified Government. “Within his first 90 days, Mayor Garner proactively reached out to the Wyandotte County law enforcement community to include the Wyandotte County District Attorney and the KCK Police Department Chief of Police for the purpose of clarification and reinforcement of the shared vision our community has for forward thinking equitable 21st Century criminal justice best practices. “As such, Mayor Garner left confident that the relevant matters of concern were at the appropriate level of awareness. Mayor Garner believes that a unified approach to confront some of our most challenging community concerns has occurred in a manner that aligns with the shared values of those seeking clarity, equitable change, and a disposition that can allow for healing to occur form closure. Mayor Garner has noted that it would be irresponsible for him to discuss any matters that may compromise or politicize the integrity of any law enforcement matters of interest. Therefore, Mayor Garner will never publicly discuss any local matters that may be of a law enforcement interest or concern. “Mayor Garner will continue to be intentionally when he seeks and refers inquiries into all matters of a law enforcement interest to the appropriate criminal justice authorities for discussion, clarity, direction, and disposition. “Mayor Garner is confident, that these professionals will work to ensure that justice is facilitated in a manner that coincides with the obligations and expectations they are sworn to uphold. “In support of addressing community concerns, Mayor Garner has proactively leveraged his years of expertise and experience in law enforcement by taking the necessary steps within his scope of authority, to bring about actionable results driven initiatives to both improve community police relations, bring recommendations for reforms to the forefront, as well as initiate the checks and balance that better reflect the values and expectations of our residents. These initiatives are community driven and coincide with others that stand firmly with the commitment we all must help facilitate making Wyandotte County a safe and great place to live, work and raise a family.
“Mayor Garner launched a Task Force on Community Safety and Justice to recommend actionable reforms within the criminal justice system Chaired by Commissioner Christian Ramirez.
“Mayor Garner appointed Rev. Rick Behrens, a law enforcement reform advocate, as Chair of the Law Enforcement Advisory Board to collaborate with the local law enforcement authorities in a manner designed to improve transparency and accountability.
“Mayor Garner supported a team that investigated opportunities for fines and fees reductions in the criminal justice system to deter any inequitable impact to residents and their families.
“WYCO District Attorney Mark Dupree has implemented a Community Integrity Unit – Independent Investigatory Body within the District Attorney’s office, that is fully supported by Mayor Garner to bring about confidence and trust into matters pertinent to community complaints.
“KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman has formed a Cold Case Squad to facilitate seeking justice and closure in unsolved homicide cases. Chief Oakman has ramped up his eight-point plan that includes improving police community relations as well as enhancing accountability initiatives that better reflect 21st century policing recommendations. Mayor Garner fully supports Chief Oakman’s initiatives and stands firmly with our new Police Chief as he navigates through the challenges of addressing items of community concern.
“Sheriff Daniel Soptic has taken bold steps to begin his seizing upon his commitments to provide leadership in collaboration with Wyandotte County criminal justice stakeholders to improve and enhance service that can build upon his commitment to community oriented policing principles. Mayor Garner will continue to stands with the WYCO Sheriff in this regard.
“Mayor Garner has enhanced outreach to victims of crime.
“Mayor Garner has spearheaded a policy consideration initiative for the depenalization of marijuana that focus on education, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and drug dependency resistance.
“Mayor Garner has spearheaded a policy consideration initiative to bring about equitable fines and fees pertinent to municipal courts.
“Mayor Garner has advocated for diversity within the criminal justice system of Wyandotte County to better reflect the demographics of the community. “In short Wyandotte County’s new leadership is actively working to insure the public that concerns have not gone unnoticed and will never be overlooked. As a new Mayor, Garner respectfully ask that those concerned find ways to support the new initiatives put in place and to give these new reform initiatives time to work in a manner that he hopes will not only meet but exceed the expectations we all have for equity, accountability, and improved collaborative partnerships.”
Temperatures will rise to about 86 today, with wind gusts up to 22 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Expect temperatures in the mid- to high 80s for the rest of the week, with a high of 95 on Sunday, the weather service said.
There will be a slight, 20 percent, chance of rain Friday morning, according to the weather service.
Another chance of rain will be Saturday, mainly before 1 p.m., and Saturday night, the weather service said. Some of the Saturday afternoon and evening thunderstorms could be strong.
Today, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 86 and a south wind of 6 to 13 mph, gusting to 22 mph, the weather service said.
Tonight, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 65 and a south wind of 7 to 9 mph, according to the weather service.
Friday, there is a 20 percent chance of showers before 11 a.m., with a high near 87, the weather service said. A south southwest wind of 7 to 11 mph will gust as high as 20 pmph.
Friday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 70, according to the weather service. A south wind of 10 mph may gust as high as 18 mph.
Saturday, there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m., the weather service said. It will be sunny, ith a high near 90. A south wind of 10 to 14 mph will gust as high as 26 mph. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is possible.
Saturday night, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., with a low of 73, according to the weather service.
Sunday, it will be sunny, with a high near 95, the weather service said.
Sunday night, it will be clear, with a low of 74, according to the weather service.
Monday, it will be sunny, with a high near 96, the weather service said.
Monday night, it will be clear, with a low of 74, according to the weather service.
Tuesday, it will be sunny, with a high near 96, the weather service said.
Tuesday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 74, according to the weather service.
Wednesday, it will be sunny, with a high near 93, the weather service said.
