The Kansas City T-Bones pitching staff walked 12 hitters and dropped the finale 6-5 to Joplin Sunday afternoon at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, Kansas City, Kan.
The T-Bones took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, as Jake Blackwood drove in Starlin Rodriguez with a sacrifice fly off Joplin starting pitcher Frank Del Valle for a 1-0 lead.
The next batter, Adam Bailey gave Kansas City a 2-0 lead with his 13th home run of the season. Brian Erie capped the scoring, with a two-out RBI single.
Kansas City starting pitcher Kris Regas allowed three runs in five innings, but struggled with control, as he issued a season high seven walks.
Joplin scored in four consecutive innings, and took its first and only lead, 6-5 in the seventh inning, off T-Bones relief pitcher Aaron Baker (4-3).
Joplin relievers Fuentes, Septimo, Capellan and Abreu pitched five and one-third scoreless innings, and held off a late T-Bones rally.
In all, Kansas City pitchers walked a season high 12 batters. The T-Bones record for most walks allowed is 13 in a game, which happened July 11, 2011, against Lincoln in a 10-9 loss in eight innings.
The T-Bones (43-42) hit the road for a quick three-game road-trip to Amarillo starting Monday night. All games start at 7:05 p.m. and can be heard online at Tbonesbaseball.com or 1660 AM locally in Kansas City.
The T-Bones return home to CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Aug. 27.
Tickets are available by calling the box office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
– Story from T-Bones