Explorers Clinch Playoff Spot, Monarchs Sweep in Cleburne, Apollos Shutout Saltdogs
American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. Robert Pannier recaps the six games in the American Association on Monday, including the Houston Apollos shutting out the Lincoln Saltdogs, the Sioux City Explorers earning the final playoff spot, and the Kansas City Monarchs completing a four-game sweep of the Cleburne Railroaders. This and much more.
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Smith, Apollos Blank Saltdogs
Tucker Smith tossed five shutout innings to help lead the Houston Apollos to a 2-0 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Monday. Smith allowed two hits and a single walk. Three relievers helped to finish off the shutout, including Derrick Sylve, who earned his first save of the season. Gabe Wurtz provided all the offensive support, hitting a two run double in the top of the sixth inning.
Garett Delano pitched well, allowing two runs in six innings while striking out nine. The loss knocked Lincoln out of the playoff picture.
Lincoln Saltdogs Read by Michael Dixon
Canaries Win But Explorers Earn Playoff Spot
The Sioux City Explorers fell to the Sioux Falls Canaries on Monday, 3-2, but were able to earn a playoff spot thanks to the Houston Apollos. Single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings gave Sioux Falls a 3-1 lead, and they held on from there. Tyler Garkow was spectacular, allowing two runs on three hits in six innings. Trey Michalczewski hit his 13th homerun of the season for the Canaries.
Blake Tiberi went deep for Sioux City, his seventh of the year. Zach Hedges took the loss, allowing three runs in six innings.
Sioux City Explorers Recap by Connor Ryan
Sioux Falls Canaries Recap by Joey Zanaboni
Monarchs Complete Sweep of Railroaders
The Kansas City Monarchs completed their four-game sweep of the Cleburne Railroaders on Monday, thanks to Jake Matthys who allowed one run in 6.1 innings in the 4-1 victory. Matthys allowed five hits and struck out eight to earn his ninth victory of the year. Morgan McCullough and Kevin Santa each had two hits and drove in a run for Kansas City. The Monarchs took a one run lead in the first, then added three in the fifth, too much for Cleburne to overcome.
D.J. Peterson and Noah Vaughan each had two hits for the Railroaders. Despite the loss, Cleburne clinched the No. 2 spot in the South Division standings and will host the play-in game on Wednesday.
Kansas City Monarchs Recap by Kaitlyn Sanders
Cleburne Railroaders Recap by Denning Gerig
Gordon Dazzles in Milkmen Victory
Robbie Gordon tossed seven shutout innings to lead the Milwaukee Milkmen to a 2-1 victory over the Gary SouthShore RailCats. Gordon allowed four hits and a walk while striking out nine to earn his second victory since joining the Milkman. Adam Brett Walker II provided all the support, hitting his American Association record-setting 33rd homerun of the year. Tekoda Metoxen finished off the last two innings for his first save of the season.
That spoiled a big afternoon for Aaron Phillips, who allowed to seven innings. Alec Olund drove in the lone run for the RailCats.
Gary SouthShore RailCats Recap by Max Kelton
Five-Run Fourth Helps Dogs Prevail
The Chicago Dogs scored five runs in the top of the fourth inning to help lead the team to an 8-4 victory. T.J. Bennett had the big blow in the inning, a three-run homer that put his team on top by five. The Kane County Cougars battled back with four runs in the bottom of the seventh, but could get no closer. Bennett finished with three hits and three RBI. Anfernee Grier, Joey Terdoslavich, and Danny Mars each had three hits as well. Kyle Murphy earned the victory, tossing five shutout innings.
Anfernee Seymour had two hits and two RBIs for Kane County. Brandon Chinea scored and reached base twice in the contest.
Six-Run Fourth Sends RedHawks Soaring
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks put up six runs in the top of the fourth inning to earn 9-3 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Five different players drove in runs in the inning, including Carson McCurdy, who got things going with an RBI double. McCurdy finished with two runs and two RBI. Jacob Bockelie and Sam Troyer both homered for the RedHawks.
Kyle Martin had an RBI for Winnipeg. That gave him a record-setting 106 for the season.
Winnipeg Goldeyes Recap by Steve Schuster
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Three Stars of the Night
No. 3 – Tucker Smith (Houston Apollos) 5.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 0 ER, 2 K
No. 2 – Robbie Gordon (Milwaukee Milkmen) 7.0 IP, 4 H, BB, 0 ER, 9 K
No. 1 – T.J. Bennett (Chicago Dogs) 3-5, R, 3 RBI, HR
This Week in the Association and Minor League Sports Report Sponsored by PURE
American Association Daily Notes
The American Association playoff picture is now set. Both the Chicago Dogs and the Kansas City Monarchs will have a first round bye. The Sioux City Explorers will travel to take on the Cleburne Railroaders on Wednesday in the South Division play-in the game. In the North Division, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks will host the Milwaukee Milkmen on Wednesday… Milwaukee Milkmen OF Adam Brett Walker II set the American Association record for home runs in a season with his 33rd… Winnipeg Goldeyes 1B Kyle Martin drove in his 106th run of the season. That is also a league record.
This Week in the Association and Minor League Sports Report Sponsored by PURE
Transactions
Gary SouthShore: Placed RHP John Sheaks on the Inactive List retroactive to August 3; Activated LHP Kevin Escorcia from the Inactive List
Kane County: Exercised the 2022 contract option on C B.J. Lopez
By Robert Pannier
