Finnegan Shines, Monarchs Fall to Sioux City
Published on May 14, 2023 under American Association (AA)
Kansas City Monarchs News Release
SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Brandon Finnegan lived up to the hype in his much-anticipated Kansas City Monarchs debut, but the game's result didn't go according to plan.
Sioux City edged the Monarchs 2-1 to earn a season-opening three-game sweep on Sunday evening at Lewis and Clark Park.
A walk-off sacrifice fly from Wilfredo Gimenez sealed a 2-1 win for Sioux City (3-0), who swept the Monarchs in a season-opening doubleheader on Saturday.
The former Kansas City Royal Finnegan tossed five shutout innings, allowing two hits (both singles), walking none and striking out four. He threw 63 pitches.
On a misty day with the wind blowing in from center field, runs were at a premium throughout the afternoon.
The Monarchs (0-3) took the early lead in the first inning, loading the bases with none out. Jan Hernadez hit into a double play, bringing Johneshwy Fargas in with the game's first run.
Hernandez would leave the game in the fourth inning after fouling a ball off his foot.
Sioux City leveled the score in the sixth inning. With men on first and second, Jake Sanford hit a potential double-play ball to shortstop. Second baseman Olivier Basabe's throw to first base got away, allowing Vince Fernandez to score the tying run from second.
The Monarchs threatened again in the seventh inning, putting runners on first and third with two away. Fargas drove a ball to deep left field, but Sioux City left fielder Eury Pérez made an outstanding leaping catch against the wall to keep the game tied.
The Explorers loaded the bases with none out in the ninth after a walk, an error and an intentional walk. That brought up Gimenez, who ended the game with a flyout to deep left field.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs are off Monday. They will look to get in the win column Tuesday morning when they start a three-game road series at the Gary SouthShore RailCats. First pitch of the series opener is set for 11 a.m. Central time.
American Association Stories from May 14, 2023
- X's Overthrow the Monarchs - Sioux City Explorers
- Finnegan Shines, Monarchs Fall to Sioux City - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Close Out Goldeyes Late, Earn Opening Series Win - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- 'Dogs Lose Rubber Match in 10 Innings - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Early Deficit Dooms Birds in Series Finale - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Goldeyes Fall to RailCats in Rubber Match - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Bats Go Silent in Game 2 - Lake Country DockHounds
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