Rain, mud, and even hail threatened the start of the Kansas City T-Bones’ series with the Gary SouthShore Railcats on Monday — and it really didn’t do them any good in the long run. The T-Bones couldn’t find their way out of a disastrous seventh inning and fell to the Railcats, 7-4.
After starting the game an hour late, it was Kansas City’s turn to get the early lead. Omar Garcia helped his team do just that.
Following a single to left field, he moved to second off of a single from Marcus Lemon, stole third base, and scored off of a RBI single from right fielder Kevin Keyes, giving the T-Bones a 1-0 lead.
In the second, the Railcats gave the T-Bones a run for their money, scoring two runs; one off a Wilfredo Gimenez RBI and off an error from Kansas City’s shortstop Eddie Newton, making the score 2-1.
As they did the day before, the T-Bones answered with a double from Patrick Brady and a two-run home run from Leo Rojas, making the score 3-2.
After a scoreless third and fourth inning, Kansas City added to its lead in the fifth on a sacrifice fly from Chase McDonald scoring Marcus Lemon to make it 4-2. Jeff Walters worked five strong innings for the T-Bones, surrendering only one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts.
Rich Mascheri relieved T-Bones’ Walters and retired his three batters, while Ryan Fritze relieved Railcats’ starting pitcher Charle Rosario and also retired the side in order.
The game turned to Gary’s favor in the seventh inning. Rich Mascheri retired the first batter he faced then gave up a single to John Holland, who went to second on a wild pitch.
Aaron Brooks (1-1, 13.50) took over for Mascheri and gave up a bunt single to Chris Goodman to put runners at the corners. Chase Harris doubled to score one run and Reggie Wilson delivered a bases clearing triple to score two more and give Gary a 5-4 lead. Colin Willis and Frank Martinez added an RBI single each to make it 7-4, Gary.
There was a glimmer of hope for a late comeback in the ninth when Kansas City saw the first two men reach on an error and a hit, but Gary’s Drasen Johnson would settle down and get the save.
The T-Bones will continue their second series of the season against Gary SouthShore Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Magnet schedules will be available for the first 1,500 fans.
Tickets are available online, by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting in person the Providence Medical Center Box Office.
– Story from T-Bones