By MATT FULKS, tbonesbaseball.com
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A night after tying a game late and winning in extra innings, the T-Bones lost a lead in the ninth Friday night before eventually dropping the series opener to St. Paul, 3-2, in 11 innings at Midway Stadium.
Kansas City held a 1-0 lead much of the game after Robby Kuzdale led off the third with his fourth home run of the season.
Then, in the top of the eighth, a half-inning after St. Paul tied the game, the T-Bones re-took the lead, 2-1, after T.J. Mittelstaedt and David Espinosa led off with back-to-back triples. For Espinosa, who got his 24th RBI, it was his league-leading 10th triple of the season.
In the ninth, closer Kris Regas, who went 3 innings and got the win in Kansas City’s 10-inning game against Grand Prairie on Thursday, gave up a one-out home run to Henry Wrigley that sent the game to extra innings.
The T-Bones appeared to take the lead in the top of the 10th on a ball that Espinosa drove to right center. Originally ruled a home run, the call was overturned and Espinosa was given a double. Kansas City, however, was unable to capitalize.
After former T-Bones pitcher Mikey Mehlich (4-1) retired Kansas City in order in the top of the 11th, the Saints got two runners on before Angelo Songco hit a double to the wall against Jared Messer (1-2) that scored Jared McDonald, who was pinch-running for Willie Cabrera, from second.
The loss spoiled a solid performance by Kansas City starter Kyle DeVore, who gave up one run on five hits, struck out five and didn’t walk any in 8 innings.
The T-Bones (26-28) and the Saints (28-23) continue their three-game series Saturday night at 7:05. The game can be heard on 1660-AM or online at tbonesbaseball.com.
