Free Passes Haunt Monarchs in Lincoln
By Carter Woodiel, Kansas City Monarchs
LINCOLN, Neb. — An early lead fizzled for the Kansas City Monarchs Friday night, as a patient Lincoln Saltdogs offense pulled away for an 8-4 victory at Haymarket Park in the opener of a three-game series.
Jacob Robson and Micker Adolfo both collected two-run hits in the effort. Monarchs starter Zach Matson worked five solid innings, allowing two runs.
Kansas City remains tied for the best record in the American Association. They lead the West Division by four games.
The Monarchs took a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning of Friday’s contest. Robson opened the scoring with a two-run stand-up triple in the third. Adolfo brought two more in with a single in the fourth.
Lincoln scored seven unanswered runs in the sixth through eighth innings to take control of the game.
The offensive outburst was fueled by a patient approach at the plate. The Saltdogs drew 12 walks in the game, the most free passes the Monarchs have allowed this season. That included three bases-loaded walks during the comeback.
Jason Rogers went 2-for-2 with two walks and an RBI for the Saltdogs. Yanio Perez, Drew Devine and Marshall Awtry finished with two RBIs each.
UP NEXT
Kansas City will look to even the series Saturday night at 6 p.m. Dalton Moats will get the start for the Monarchs against Lincoln’s Tanner Brown. Moats has allowed one total run over his last two starts (12 IP).