The Kansas City T-Bones fell, 8-1, to the Gary SouthShore RailCats on Friday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.
The pressure was on in this series between the T-Bones and the RailCats with just a half a game separating the two for the Wild Card spot. Gary got things started in the first inning with a solo home run from left fielder Cameron Newell.
The RailCats extended their lead to 3-0 in the second after an error by third baseman Jordan Edgerton allowed the runners to advance and scored catcher Jose Gonzalez. First baseman Alex Crosby’s putout brought in run number three going into the bottom of the second.
The third inning appeared very similar to the first with just one run scored in the inning. Third baseman Kris Goodman launched a solo home run to stretch Gary’s lead to four as the T-Bones struggled to score.
Kansas City was finally able to get on the scoreboard in the fourth inning, but only after a third solo home run by the RailCats, this time by center fielder Chris Harris. The T-Bones’ first baseman, Kyle Petty, followed Harris’ lead and nailed a solo home run of his own to cut Gary’s lead to 5-1.
A fourth home run for the RailCats and first of the night for Crosby put Gary up 6-1 in the seventh inning. Gonzalez added a single to right field to bring in two more runs and extend the lead to 8-1 to end the top half of the inning.
Left-handed pitcher Jeff McKenzie (3-3, 4.06) picked up the win to move the RailCats .5 ahead of the T-Bones for the Wild Card. Newly signed right-handed pitcher Alex Blackford (0-1, 4.50) suffered his first loss in Kansas City.
The T-Bones (47-37) will continue a six-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against the RailCats (47-36) at 7:05 p.m. at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Right-handed pitcher Luis Paula (4-2, 3.56) will take the mound for the T-Bones, while left-handed pitcher Alex Gunn (7-4, 3.66) will start off for the RailCats. It is Military Appreciation Night, with post-game fireworks.
Tickets are available online, by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting in person the Providence Medical Center Box Office.
– Story from T-Bones