Back-to-back three-run innings fueled a T-Bones comeback win, 9-8, on Monday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.
The T-Bones would strike first as centerfielder Omar Garcia worked his way around the diamond, stealing second and then third to open up an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
The Wingnuts quickly responded with a 2-run home run from left fielder Brennen Salgado off righthanded pitcher Gabe Perez to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the second.
Shortstop Eddie Newton responded with an RBI single to tie the game up at 2-2 to close out the second inning.
The top of the fourth allowed the Wingnuts to regain the lead, 4-2, with two base hits bringing in two runs. Right fielder Chantz Mack answered adding his first home run with the T-Bones organization, a solo home run, narrowing the margin, 4-3.
Wichita continued to have a response for everything the T-Bones threw at them. Shortstop Leo Vargas launched a 3-run home run into left field to extend the Wingnuts lead to four, 7-3, in the top of the sixth.
Then right fielder Richard Prigatano added a solo home run to stretch the Wingnuts’ lead to five, 8-3.
Kansas City kept things interesting in the bottom of the eighth inning with a Garcia single to centerfield the brought in two runs, 8-5. Third baseman, Marcus Lemon followed up with a single of his own to right field to score Eddie Newton, cutting the Wingnut lead to two, 8-6.
Mack added to his big opening night with an RBI double to right field off Wichita reliever Mike Devine to bring the T-Bones within one run, 8-7, in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Garcia then walked to bring in a run, tying the game at eight, followed by a Lemon walkoff walk to complete the T-Bones the 9-8 comeback win.
“The guys kept on battling. If you have a team that doesn’t want to quit then you have a chance. It was sweet that we could get the win for our fans,” manager Joe Calfapietra said.
The T-Bones will continue a three game series with Wichita at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday in CommunityAmerica ballpark. There will be a 15th Anniversary game special with 2003 ticket prices and a 15th anniversary poster giveaway.
Tickets are available online, by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting in person the Providence Medical Center Box Office.
– Story from T-Bones