Monarchs Outlast RedHawks to Take First Place
June 13, 2023 - American Association (AA)
Kansas City Monarchs News Release
FARGO, N.D. - The Kansas City Monarchs are alone in first place.
Kansas City edged the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3-2 in 10 innings Tuesday night at Newman Outdoor Field, improving to 19-9 on the season and moving to the top of the American Association's West Division standings.
Both teams entered the game 9-1 in their last 10 in a rematch of last year's West Division Finals. The Monarchs, who lost that series a year ago, earned a measure of payback Tuesday.
LJ Hatch delivered the game-winning hit for Kansas City, a 10th-inning RBI single off RedHawks closer Tanner Riley.
"I felt pretty confident because I could see both of his pitches, and I feel confident enough to put the ball in play there," Hatch said. "Lucky for me it got through."
The Monarchs closed the game with a web gem. With two out and the bonus runner on second, second baseman Justin Wylie made a diving catch on a ball up the middle to end the game.
"It was obviously a really big play for the team," Wylie said. "Being able to close out a win against Fargo, in Fargo, which is such a good club, it's obviously really big."
Grant Gavin earned the win for the Monarchs, throwing two perfect innings to finish the game. Normally reserved on the mound, he burst into a fist pump after Wylie's grab.
"It was not my most proud moment, but I was just excited that we won the game," Gavin said. "I told Wylie I could give him a kiss."
Kansas City scored the game's first run in the first inning. Chris Herrmann knocked an RBI single to score Joshneshwy Fargas and make it 1-0.
Fargo-Moorhead took control with two solo homers in the third off Monarchs starter Zach Matson. Nick Novak and Evan Alexander homered, making it 2-1 after three.
Matson threw five innings, allowing two runs on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts. He threw a season-high 87 pitches.
Jan Hernandez tied the game for Kansas City with a solo homer in the sixth, his fourth longball of the year.
A homer from Jan Hernandez allows for @kscitymonarchs to even the playing field!
Jordan Martinson bridged the gap for the Monarchs, tossing three scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits (both singles) without walking a batter, striking out four.
The Monarchs' attention now turns to game two of the series at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday night.
"It's always nice to start off with a win, and not really be relaxed, but have that confidence going into game two and game three," Hatch said.
Kevin McGovern will get the ball for Fargo-Moorhead; Cody Deason will start for Kansas City.
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