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AA Kansas City Monarchs

Donatella Masterful in 4-0 Win over Sioux City

August 20, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Kansas City Monarchs News Release


Will Kengor of the Kansas City Monarchs hits a home run against Sioux City
Will Kengor of the Kansas City Monarchs hits a home run against Sioux City
(Kansas City Monarchs, Credit: John Ellis)

Kansas City, Kan. - On the back of the best start from a Monarchs pitcher this season, Kansas City claimed the rubber match with a 4-0 win over Sioux City. With the victory, the Monarchs finish 8-4 against the Explorers in 2021.

After splitting the doubleheader on Wednesday, Kansas City (56-28) turned to its big right-hander Justin Donatella to win the series. Not only did he give them a chance, he made it impossible not to do so. Through the first two innings, Donatella buckled Sioux City (43-41) hitters with his breaking pitch.

In the bottom of the second, the Monarchs took advantage of Jorge Oleaga's lack of command. The 21-year-old, who was making his professional debut, allowed two runs on no hits. A sacrifice fly from Alexis Olmeda and wild pitch were the cause of the two runs.

One inning later, Will Kengor belted a solo shot to extend Kansas City's lead to 3-0. Colin Willis followed suit in the bottom of the fourth, which tied the American Association record for home runs by a team in a single season (128).

Back on the mound, Donatella's first-pitch strike efficiency allowed him to settle into cruise control. The righty punched out eight through eight scoreless innings on just 86 pitches. In addition, he threw a first-pitch strike to 20 of the first 25 batter's he faced.

In the ninth, manager Joe Calfapietra gave Donatella the chance to toss a complete game shutout. He did just that and became the first Monarchs pitcher to throw a complete game shutout this season.

Kansas City begins a three-game set against Milwaukee at Legends Field on Friday. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6:35 p.m. and the video stream airing on aabaseball.tv.

Tickets to all Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com.

WP: Donatella (4-0)

LP: Oleaga (0-1)

S: N/A

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Images from this story

Kansas City Monarchs pitcher Justin Donatella vs. Sioux City
Kansas City Monarchs pitcher Justin Donatella vs. Sioux City
(John Ellis)		 Will Kengor of the Kansas City Monarchs hits a home run against Sioux City
Will Kengor of the Kansas City Monarchs hits a home run against Sioux City
(John Ellis)		  

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