The Kansas City T-Bones struck for three first-inning runs as they completed the three-game sweep of Amarillo, 7-4, Wednesday night in Amarillo, Texas.
Kansas City used a three-run first inning off Amarillo starting pitcher Matt Larkins to get started. Starlin Rodriguez and Nate Tenbrink both singled and scored on Jake Blackwood’s double for a 2-0 lead. Kyle Robinson drove in Blackwood with a fielders choice that gave Kansas City a 3-0 lead.
The T-Bones added two more runs in the third inning, courtesy of Adam Bailey’s 14th home run of the season, which also plated Blackwood for a 5-0 lead.
Kansas City starting pitcher Jeremy Strawn (1-0) got his first win in a T-Bones uniform. Strawn, whom the T-Bones acquired last weekend, allowed two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. Strawn struck out three and walked none.
The T-Bones made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh inning, as they failed to convert three double-play opportunities. Amarillo cashed that into a run and pulled within 6-4, before Aaron Baker slammed the door.
Kansas City added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning, with a perfectly executed suicide squeeze by Robby Kuzdale which scored Tenbrink from third base for a 7-4 lead.
T-Bones closer Fernando Hernandez closed out the ninth inning with a perfect frame, picking up the save.
The T-Bones (46-42) return home to CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Thursday for an eight-game homestand. Tickets are available by calling the box office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.