T-Bones Edge AirHogs 4-3, Complete Three-Game Sweep
May 26, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Kansas City Monarchs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX- As cleanup hitter Andres Rodriguez was rounding the bases after launching a deep two-run home run to left field in the third inning, it looked as though Kansas City's opportunity to sweep the three-game series against the defending American Association champions was slipping away. The 400-foot plus home run put Grand Prairie on top 3-0, and KC right-hander Brian Grening looked to be wavering a bit. He allowed four hits in the inning, including the Rodriguez homer.
But, in typical T-Bones fashion of late, Kansas City answered back right away. The T-Bones scored three runs on two hits and a costly Yasutsugu Nishimoto fielding error in the top of the 4th, knotting the game at 3-3. Third baseman Devin Goodwin picked up a big RBI single to score Sean Henry, Trevor Coleman scored on the fielding error my Nishimoto, and catcher Bubby Williams hit a sacrifice fly to score Goodwin.
After the offense offered their support, Grening appeared to steady on the hill. He responded with scoreless 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, including a one-two-three 4th.
The T-Bones scored the go-ahead run in the 7th on an RBI ground ball double down the left field line off the bat of former KU star and Olathe, KS native Gus Milner. The double scored Reid Fronk who led off the inning and was hit by a curve ball from right-hander Derrick Miramontes. From that point on, the suddenly dominant T-Bones bullpen did just that, they dominated.
Right-hander Sean Toler, throwing in the low 90s with his fastball, faced four hitters while working a scoreless 8th inning, striking out two. That set the table for closer Jake Wiley in the 9th. The hard-throwing right-hander, who earned the save in Friday night's 4-3 victory as well, would not disappoint. In a mirror image from Game 2 of the series, Wiley struck out former T-Bones center fielder Keanon Simon to finish the game. With two down and Zane Chavez at first base, Wiley finished Simon and the AirHogs on a foul-tipped fastball that was held onto by Williams behind the plate. The save was Wiley's third of the season.
Grening earned the win, improving to 2-0 in the process. His final line was seven innings pitched, three runs, all earned, on seven hits. He struck out six and walked two.
The three-game road sweep of the AirHogs improves KC to 5-5 on the season. Sunday is a rare off day for the T-Bones, and they'll begin a three-game series on Monday in El Paso, TX versus the Diablos.
American Association Stories from May 26, 2012
- T-Bones Edge AirHogs 4-3, Complete Three-Game Sweep - Kansas City Monarchs
- Wild Game Leaves Goldeyes with Loss to End Road Trip - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Diablos Win Wild One At Cohen, Snap Losing Streak - El Paso Diablos
- It's déjàvu for AirHogs in another 4-3 loss - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- 'Dogs Dodge Collapse, Alonso Wears Cape in Walk-Off Win - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Win Fourth Straight - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saints Lose Pitchers' Duel 2-1 to Explorers - St. Paul Saints
- RailCats Drop Series in 6-2 Loss - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RedHawks shut out Pheasants - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Fargo-Moorhead Shuts out Pheasants - Sioux Falls Canaries
- RailCats Announce Five Roster Moves - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Partner with Techway to Help E-Recycling Effort - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Pittsburgh Pirates Purchase Kasparek's Contract - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Voting Open for Top Designated Hitter - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Amarillo Cycles on the Lemurs - Laredo Lemurs
- Kansas City Edges Grand Prairie, in Position for Sweep on Saturday - Kansas City Monarchs
- Guerrero, Arms Lift Pheasants Past Fargo-Moorhead - Sioux Falls Canaries
- T-Bones Nip AirHogs After Controversial Eighth - Grand Prairie AirHogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
