Donatella masterful in 4-0 win over Sioux City

The Monarchs’ Justin Donatella pitched to Sioux City during baseball action Aug. 19 at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by John Ellis, Kansas City Monarchs)
Will Kengor of the Monarchs hit a home run Aug. 19 against Sioux City at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by John Ellis, Kansas City Monarchs)

On the back of the best start from a Monarchs pitcher this season, Kansas City claimed the rubber match Thursday with a 4-0 win over Sioux City. With the victory, the Monarchs finished 8-4 against the Explorers in 2021.

After splitting the doubleheader on Wednesday, Kansas City (56-28) turned to right-hander Justin Donatella to win the series. Not only did he give them a chance, he made it impossible not to do so.

Through the first two innings, Donatella buckled Sioux City (43-41) hitters with his breaking pitch.

In the bottom of the second, the Monarchs took advantage of Jorge Oleaga.

The 21-year-old, who was making his professional debut, allowed two runs on no hits. A sacrifice fly from Alexis Olmeda and wild pitch were the cause of the two runs.

One inning later, Will Kengor belted a solo shot to extend Kansas City’s lead to 3-0.

Colin Willis followed suit in the bottom of the fourth, which tied the American Association record for home runs by a team in a single season (128).

Back on the mound, Donatella’s first-pitch strike efficiency allowed him to settle into cruise control. The right-hander punched out eight through eight scoreless innings on just 86 pitches. In addition, he threw a first-pitch strike to 20 of the first 25 batters he faced.

In the ninth, manager Joe Calfapietra gave Donatella the chance to toss a complete game shutout. He did just that and became the first Monarchs pitcher to throw a complete game shutout this season.

Kansas City begins a three-game set against Milwaukee at Legends Field at 7 p.m. Friday. 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 Jack Johnson, Monarchs