The Kansas City T-Bones jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first two at bats, but eventually fell 9-8 to the Wichita Wingnuts on Monday night.
The first six of seven reached base for Kansas City in the first inning and scored four times, capped off by a two-run double from Danny Richar that scored Bryan Sabatella and Nick Giarraputo. Robby Kuzdale connected with the T-Bones’ first home run of season in the second inning, which stretched the lead to 5-0.
Starting pitcher Justin D’Alessandro (0-1) hit trouble in the second and fourth innings, allowing nine runs — eight earned. D’Alessandro had trouble locating the strike zone, surrendering five walks and four hits. The Wingnuts capitalized on back-to-back walks in the second inning and tied the game with five runs, and four more in the fourth.
Down four runs in the eighth inning, the T-Bones tried to work magic. Trailing 9-5, Kansas City scored three runs, including two from a homer by Richar that pulled the T-Bones to within one at 9-8.
In the ninth inning the Wingnuts went to right handed closer Matt Nevarez (3) who converted his third save in as many chances despite hitting two batters. The game ended when the T-Bones tried to double steal with David Espinosa and Sabatella, but Sabatella was thrown out at second.
Wichita starting pitcher Alan Williams (1-0), who gave up five runs, six hits and walked four, picked up the win.
The T-Bones (2-3) and Wingnuts (4-1) continue the three-game series Tuesday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita at 7:05.
– Story from T-Bones