By Doug Greenwald, Winnipeg Goldeyes

KANSAS CITY, KS – The Kansas City Monarchs’ (40-29) bullpen pitched four perfect innings in helping the club to a 6-2 win over the Winnipeg Goldeyes (29-42) on Wednesday night at Legends Field. Winnipeg didn’t have a baserunner after the fifth inning as the last 14 Goldeyes batters were retired in order.

After the first two innings resulted in no runs, the Monarchs took advantage of three walks and a hit by pitch by Winnipeg starter Joey Matulovich (3-8). The first five batters reached in the third and the first run was plated on a bases loaded walk by second baseman Justin Wylie. The second run came via a single by Monarchs catcher Chris Herrmann which was his American Association-high 69th RBI. Designated hitter Jan Hernandez added a sacrifice fly making it 3-0.

The Goldeyes chipped away with single runs in the fourth and fifth. Centre fielder Tra Holmes walked and stole second. Third baseman Dayson Croes walked. The two attempted a double steal and as Holmes slid into third, Herrmann’s throw hit him (Holmes) and the ball deflected toward the Winnipeg third base dugout. Holmes got up and scampered to the plate to give the Goldeyes their first score. In the fifth catcher Hidekel Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly scoring right fielder Max Murphy who singled, and that made it 3-2 Kansas City.

Kansas City led 4-2 going to the bottom of the eighth. Winnipeg reliever Chas Cywin walked two straight with one out. Monarchs shortstop LJ Hatch hit a ball deep in the hole toward short. Winnipeg shortstop Andy Armstrong threw to first but the ball buzzed past first baseman Chris Burgess. Monarchs third baseman Gavin Collins scored from second, while centre fielder Jacob Robson moved to third, however, as Burgess tried to get Collins at the plate, the ball got away and went to the backstop and Robson scored which made it 6-2. Hatch was given credit for a single.

Matulovich gave up four runs (earned) in six innings. He issued four hits, four walks, and struck out five. Brandon Finnegan (5-4) surrendered five hits in five innings. The lefty allowed two runs (none earned), walked five and struck out three. Matt Hartman, Trey Jeans, and Patrick Weigel combined to retire the last 12 Goldeyes in order.

The third game of this series is on Thursday night beginning at 7:00. Left-hander RJ Martinez (4-3) is the scheduled starter for Winnipeg while Kansas City right-hander Jalen Miller (7-2) is slated to take the mound.

Winnipeg returns home Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Saltdogs visit Shaw Park to open what will be a six-game homestand.

For information on season tickets, group outings, Skysuite rentals, patio bookings, and 10-game mini packs, visit the team’s official website Goldeyes.com.

GOLDEYES SCALES

Cywin allowed two runs (one earned). However, his strong string of innings continued as he’s allowed two earned runs in his last 20 innings (0.90 ERA).

Matulovich has 92 strikeouts which is second most in the American Association. Solomon Bates of Sioux City leads the league with 98.

Kansas City leads the season series 7-1.

Croes had two hits and one walk, he was 2-4. He’s fourth in the league in average at .343 and second with 94 hits.