By MATT FULKS, tbonesbaseball.com
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A four-run sixth inning led the T-Bones to a 5-3 victory over the St. Paul Saints on Sunday evening in front of a crowd of 5,560 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Heading into the sixth, trailing 3-1, Kansas City scored four runs in the inning and took a 5-3 lead. The frame started off with a double by Matt Padgett, who scored on a two-out double by Nick Schwaner. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases for Brian Erie, who came through in the clutch with a bases-clearing single to right field that gave the T-Bones the decisive lead.
Pitcher Joe Van Meter was solid in his T-Bones starting debut. He pitched 4 innings, allowing four hits, two runs (both earned), two walks and four strikeouts.
Padgett had a solid night at the plate for the T-Bones, going 1-for-2 with a double, two walks and two runs scored.
Reliever Pat Doyle (5-4) picked up his fifth victory of the season after pitching 2 1/3 innings, and 2014 American Association All-Star Kris Regas notched his 16th save.
Willie Cabrera was the main source of St. Paul’s offense, going 2-for-4 with a single and a home run.
With the win, the T-Bones (36-37) take the first game of this four-game series against St. Paul (41-31). The series continues Monday night at 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
