by Jack Johnson, Kansas City Monarchs
After a few days off, the Monarchs opened the postseason Friday night on a high note with a 11-2 win over the Sioux City Explorers (54-47) (0-1). It was Kansas City’s 70th win of the season.
It didn’t take long for the Monarchs to take the lead in Game 1 of the division championship series. Following a scoreless first from Matt Hall, Kansas City (70-31) (1-0) tacked on two runs on a double play ball and single by Casey Gillaspie.
The teams remained deadlocked until the bottom of the fifth inning. With a runner on, Gaby Guerrero pounded a two-run shot to open a 4-0 lead. In the ensuing inning, Ibandel Isabel rocked a solo homer to add even more insurance.
Hall, who was picked up in the final month of the season, got the win by tossing six innings of one-run ball. Jeremy Rhoades came on in relief and worked a scoreless frame.
In the bottom of the seventh, Kansas City put the game out of reach with five runs, including another home run by Isabel, to make it 11-1. The bullpen managed to close the door and give Kansas City a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Monarchs take on the Explorers in Game 2 of the series at 7 p.m. Saturday night at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game broadcast 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.
The Monarchs will hold a Sept. 11 tribute to first responders on Saturday. Live music will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and there will be pre-game skydivers. In addition, there will be post-game fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m.