Despite Sioux Falls’ high ERA as a pitching staff, the Monarchs were shut out on Wednesday night 2-0.
The loss snapped Kansas City’s six-game winning streak.
For most of the evening, the Monarchs (65-31) couldn’t put together anything off right-handed pitcher Tyler Garkow.
Through the first six innings, Garkow allowed just two hits and struck out seven hitters. Only Ryan Grotjohn and Colin Willis collected hits off the Canaries’ starter.
Fortunately for Kansas City, right-handed pitcher Jake Matthys was just as effective as Garkow. Following his impressive outing against Houston over the weekend, Matthys responded with five shutout innings.
Like Garkow, the right-hander surrendered just two hits.
In the bottom of the seventh, Sioux Falls (35-60) finally broke the scoreless tie. Garrett Hope, who came into the game hitting under the Mendoza Line, ripped a go-ahead double off Dalbert Siri. Later in the inning, Cade Gotta added some insurance on a sacrifice fly.
Kansas City’s best opportunity to score came in the top of the eighth inning. With two outs, the Monarchs loaded the bases for Darnell Sweeney. Sweeney, though, struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch.
In the ninth, Caleb Frare slammed the door and salvaged the series finale against Kansas City.
The Monarchs have an off-day Thursday before finishing the regular season with a four-game set at Cleburne starting on Friday. First pitch is set for 7:06 p.m.
The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6:35 p.m. and the video stream airing on aabaseball.tv.
Post-season tickets can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com/tickets.
- Story by Jack Johnson, Kansas City Monarchs