The Kansas City T-Bones (42-31) ran into a buzz saw Tuesday night at Newman Outdoor Stadium in Fargo, N.D., in the form of lefty Tyler Alexander, who led the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (41-32) to a 5-0 complete game shut out of Kansas City.
The RedHawks got all the runs they needed in the first two innings while facing T-Bones starter Chris Perry. Perry walked the bases loaded to start the game, and then saw the RedHawks score one run on a single from veteran Josh Mazzola to make it 1-0.
Keury De La Cruz was thrown out at the plate for the first out on the play. Perry then walked another batter, then hit K.D. Kang to make it 2-0 in favor of Fargo-Moorhead.
The final blow came in the home half of the second when Perry walked Yhoxian Medina, then gave up a triple to Devin Ahart. With two down, Mazzola hit a two-run home run to increase the lead to 5-0. Perry walked another and gave up a single before being removed from the game.
The T-Bones bullpen held the RedHawks scoreless the rest of the way, but the damage was done. Alexander gave up a double to Jordan Edgerton and a pair of walks on the way to getting the complete game shutout. It was the third complete game and the first complete game shutout for Alexander.
The T-Bones have been shut out twice this year–both times by Fargo-Moorhead–the last coming on July 13th. It was also the lowest hit total of the season in a game for Kansas City and the first complete game shutout against the T-Bones.
Despite the loss, the T-Bones have a chance at a winning the series and to finish the 10-game road trip at 5-5. Kansas City trails the first place Lincoln Saltdogs for the division lead by five games, but still holds a one-game lead in the wild card race in the American Association.
The series wraps up Wednesday night with right-handed pitcher Scott Carroll (7-3, 3.07) getting the start for Kansas City and right-handed pitcher Tyler Herron (6-2, 3.37) starting for Fargo.
The game is set for 7:02 p.m. and can be heard online on the T-Bones Broadcast Network with the pregame starting at 6:45 p.m.
Tickets for home games are available online, by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting in person the Providence Medical Center Box Office.
– Story from T-Bones