Category: Sports

Searle dominant in T-Bones loss

Ryan Searle dominated the T-Bones for 8 2/3 innings on Wednesday night, handing the T-Bones a 6-1 loss at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.

Searle was perfect his first time through the order, but lost his perfect game and no-hit bid in the fourth inning. On the night, Searle (3-4) surrendered eight hits, one run (earned) and two walks, and struck out seven.

The AirHogs scored three runs in the second inning thanks to RBIs by Eric Baker, Jimmy Mojica and Abel Nieves.

Grand Prairie chipped in three more runs in the sixth. Nieves started things off with a one-out double. Vince DiFazio added a double that scored Nieves. Madison Carter knocked in two more with the inning’s third double.

The T-Bones’ lone run came on a sacrifice fly by Brian Erie in the seventh inning.

Jeff Lusardi had two hits, including a double, for Kansas City. Vladimir Frias also had two hits.

Kansas City starter Daniel Barone (5-3) pitched 5 innings, allowing four hits and three runs (all earned). He struck out six, including five of the first six AirHogs in the game, and didn’t allow any walks. T-Bones pitchers did not walk a Grand Prairie batter all night.

After dropping the first two games, the T-Bones (25-27) will conclude their series with Grand Prairie (21-30) Thursday night at 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
– Story from T-Bones

Goalkeeper Kronberg injured, expected to miss 8 weeks

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Eric Kronberg fractured the fourth metacarpal bone on his left hand during training on Wednesday at the Swope Soccer Village, according to a Sporting KC news release.

Surgery is not required and Kronberg is expected to miss approximately eight weeks due to the injury, a spokesman said.

Kronberg, 31, has started all 17 MLS matches for Sporting Kansas City during the 2014 season and leads Major League Soccer with seven shutouts and a 0.88 goals against average. The reigning MLS Player of the Month, Kronberg currently ranks third at his position in MLS All-Star fan voting behind only World Cup participants Nick Rimando (USA) and Julio Cesar (Brazil).

Sporting Kansas City selected Kronberg in the fourth round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of California. Now in his ninth professional season, Kronberg is the club’s longest-tenured player and has remained with his current club longer than any active MLS goalkeeper. Only one player (Davy Arnaud) in club history has been with the team for more than nine seasons and only three other active MLS players have longer tenures with their teams: Logan Pause (12), Landon Donovan (10) and Gonzalo Segares (10).

The club also announced on Wednesday that goalkeeper Jon Kempin has been recalled from his loan to USL PRO affiliate OKC Energy FC. The Leawood, Kan., native has five shutouts and 37 saves with a 1.38 goals against average in 13 games played during OKC Energy FC’s inaugural season.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper was Sporting Kansas City’s first Homegrown player upon signing in 2010 at age 17 and is now in his fifth professional season. Kempin made his competitive debut for Sporting KC during the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and made 34 saves in nine games while on loan with USL PRO champions Orlando City SC in 2013.

Kempin was a member of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Residency Program at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida and has extensive experience for the United States at the Youth National Team level. He most recently joined the United States Under-21 Men’s National Team in April and has also trained with the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team.
Kempin joins Andy Gruenebaum as the two available goalkeepers for manager Peter Vermes during Kronberg’s absence. Gruenebaum played his first eight professional seasons with the Columbus Crew before joining Sporting Kansas City prior to the 2014 season. The Overland Park, Kan., native started both matches for Sporting Kansas City in the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

– Story from Sporting KC

Former Cubs star to make appearance at T-Bones game tonight

The Kansas City T-Bones have announced that former Chicago Cubs legend Bobby Dernier will be at CommunityAmerica Ballpark tonight in Kansas City, Kan., as part of the Principal Financial Dreams Tour.

Kansas City native and 1984 National League Gold Glove recipient Bobby Dernier will throw out a first pitch and then sign autographs as the T-Bones serve as host to Grand Prairie at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Dernier, who still makes his home in the Kansas City area, was an integral part of the 1984 Cubs team that reached the postseason for the first time since 1945.

His first pitch will be at approximately 6:45 p.m. for the 7:05 game Wednesday, July 9. He’ll be signing autographs from approximately 5:30-6:30 and then 7:15-8:15.

The Principal Financial Dreams Tour is making 18 stops to minor-league stadiums around the country to help honor members of the military and the contributions they make to our country and communities. As part of the stop at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project.

– Information from T-Bones