Willis’ clutch hit drives in two runs
The Kansas City Monarchs (33-18) won game one of their three-game series against Kane County (26-28) 3-1, on Friday.
Right-hander Justin Shafer dominated in his five innings by only giving up one hit.
The Monarchs offense struggled early by only recording two hits in the first six innings, but Colin Willis came up huge with a clutch double, driving in two runs in the seventh.
Shafer got things going early by striking out back-to-back batters in the first inning. In the second inning he gave up a single to Josh Rolette of the Cougars. An error on a wild throw by shortstop Morgan McCullough advanced Rolette all the way to third base. Kane County capitalized and drove in a run, putting them up 1-0.
Shafer went on to strike out two more batters and continued to dominate the game. He finished his performance going five innings, giving up one hit, one run, and three walks while striking out four.
Through six innings, the Monarchs recorded only two hits. McCullough doubled in the third inning bringing his hitting streak up to nine games. Gabby Guerrero also singled in the fourth.
Right-hander Ryan Newell (1-0) entered the game in the sixth inning for the Monarchs. He started off hot with back-to-back strikeouts.
Kane County starter Josh Tols gave the Monarchs trouble all game. He struck out six batters in a row through the fifth and sixth innings.
The Monarchs finally got things going on offense in the seventh inning. Guerrero started the inning with a single, followed by a walk from Charcer Burks.
With runners at first and second, Colin Willis came up to the plate and drove in both runners to give the Monarchs the lead, 2-1.
Newell went two and a third innings, giving up one hit and struck out three batters.
Jan Hernandez launched a solo home run in the eighth inning to add to the Monarchs’ lead, making it a 3-1 game.
Left-hander Carlos Diaz entered the game in the ninth inning, earning the save. It was his 11th save of the season, for 33 total, tying the franchise record. The Monarchs won 3-1 and have now won six in a row.
Kansas City will take on Kane County in game two of the home series on Saturday night at Legends Field. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. with the gates opening at 5 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.
Tickets to Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com.
- Story by Jason Nick