The T-Bones stranded 13 runners Friday night, falling 2-1 to Sioux Falls on the fourth of July series opener in front of 8,117 fans at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Offensively Kansas City was anything but stagnant, recording nine hits in the loss. It was the lack of timely hits and extra-base hits (two) that resulted in the T-Bones leaving 13 batters stranded. The T-Bones threatened in nearly every inning including loading the bases in the ninth with one out before Nick Schwaner grounded into a game-ending double play.
The Canaries needed just enough offense to take game one. That offense came first in the top of the third. With an 0-1 count, Canaries shortstop Stephen Branca launched a leadoff solo home run over the left-field wall giving Sioux Falls a 1-0 lead.
Sioux Falls tacked on another run in the fourth inning. Both Carlos Mendez and Chris Valencia hit back-to-back doubles, starting things off in the inning, driving in one run.
Both starters went deep into the game, giving their bullpens much needed rest. Kansas City starter Daniel Barone (5-2) received the loss after getting shook up in the third and fourth. Barone went 7 innings, striking out six allowing two runs off eight hits.
Sioux Falls starter Kyle Vazquez (4-3) picked up the win after shutting down the Kansas City offense. He tossed 6 scoreless innings, allowing only seven hits, and striking out a pair of batters.
Alan DeRatt notched his 10th save of the year despite giving up the lone T-Bones run in the ninth when David Espinosa singled past short, bringing home T.J. Mittelstaedt.
The T-Bones (22-25) and Canaries (20-27) continue their four-game series with a doubleheader starting Saturday at 5:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
Box score: http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/boxscoretext.html?gameid=177919
– Story from T-Bones