Tuesday, August 13, 2013

T-Bones left in doghouse in opener against Saltdogs

By MATT FULKS, tbonesbaseball.com

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Kansas City’s offense was unable to overcome a tough pitching night as Lincoln pounded out 15 hits and took the series opener, 8-4, Monday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Trailing 1-0, Kansas City took the lead in the second when a Kyle Nichols single off Saltdogs starter Mike Burns (6-4) was followed by a double from Luis Rivera.

With both runners in scoring position, Joey Gathright smacked a two-RBI single, giving the T-Bones a 2-1 lead. Gathright went two for three with a walk, three RBIs and two stolen bases.

The Saltdogs countered, establishing a significant lead in the third with a three-run blast to center from Ian Gac, who went three for four with six RBIs in the game. Bryan Joynt followed with a solo homer into the visiting bullpen.

Ethan Cole (0-6), in his sixth start this season for Kansas City threw three innings, allowing five runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.

Keith Picht entered in relief and threw three innings with no runs and two strikeouts in his professional debut. Josh Hildebrand, Sean Toler and Michael Joyce would all throw one inning in relief.

Burns picked up the win despite allowing all four Kansas City runs on nine hits, striking out three and walking four.

Kansas City (32-50) and Lincoln (44-38) continue their three-game series with game two Tuesday night at 7:05.

Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618 or at tbonesbaseball.com.