The Kansas City T-Bones struggled offensively against two former major-league pitchers, losing to the Lincoln Saltdogs, 5-1, on Tuesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
First up for Lincoln was Shairon Martis, who pitched in two seasons for Washington and one for Minnesota. Kansas City scattered three hits against Martis, as he walked one and struck out nine.
Besides a lead-off home run by Robby Kuzdale in the bottom of the first inning that put the T-Bones ahead 1-0, the only time Kansas City had a runner in scoring position against Martis was in the second. With two outs, Brandon Tierney and Cole Leonida each singled before Brett Wiley flied out to left.
Martis, who is 2-0 with the win and saw his ERA drop to 1.50, left in the eighth inning for Evan Reed, who spent two seasons with Detroit. Reed allowed only one base runner — an eighth-inning hit by Wiley — en route to his second save.
T-Bones starting pitcher Casey Barnes was as effective as Martis. Barnes gave up five hits and walked only one in 6 innings. The lone run he gave up came in the third inning when Ryan Wiggins doubled and, two batters later, Christian Ibarra did likewise, scoring Wiggins. Barnes, who left with a 1-1 tie, struck out five.
Brett Zawacki (0-1) took over for Barnes in the seventh. He cruised that inning but struggled in the eighth, as he walked two and gave up four hits. The big blow came off the bat of Rene Leveret, who sent Pat Kelly and Alexi Colon home on a base hit. The next batter, Jon Smith, singled home Luis Allen, giving the Saltdogs a 4-1 lead.
Kansas City (3-3) and Lincoln (4-2) will conclude their three-game series on Wednesday night at 7:05. Those who have military identification will get half-off choice and select tickets on Wednesday. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
– Story from Matt Fulks, T-Bones