Kansas City, Kan. – In had been 55 years since a Kansas City Monarchs player hit a home run but the Monarchs Gabby Guerrero made up for lost time Tuesday night launching two long balls in a 7-5 opening night loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs.

Guerrero hit a solo shot in the seventh inning and another as part of a four run eighth inning, but it was not enough for Kansas City as their comeback effort fell short. 

“I’m proud of the guys,” Monarchs Manager Joe Calfapietra said. “How we came back, we battled all the way through.”

Lincoln picked up an impressive five shutout innings from lefty Kyle Kinman (1-0). Kinman gave up one hit while striking out eight holding the Monarchs offense in check. Lincoln started out of the gate strong jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Saltdogs would take a 6-0 lead after Ryan Long hit a three-run homer to left in the top of the sixth inning.

Gabby Guerrero was a popular name at Legends Field as owner of two home runs in back-to-back innings in the seventh and eighth innings helping trim the Saltdogs lead to 6-5 going to the ninth. “Oh [Guerrero] he’s a good hitter. If you got a good hitter at the plate, you have a good chance.” Calfapietra said.

Forrestt Allday drove in a clutch insurance run for Lincoln in the top of the ninth with an RBI double while closer James Pugliese worked a scoreless ninth for the save (1).  Eric Stout (0-1) went four innings and was charged with the loss.

Kansas City and Lincoln will face off again tomorrow night at 7.00 p.m at Legends Field in KCK. RHP Nick Travieso will make the start for Kansas City while the Saltdogs will counter with RHP Johnny Barbato. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6:35 p.m. and the video stream will air aabaseball.tv. Tickets to all Monarchs games can be purchased by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting monarchsbaseball.com.

Box Score

By Dan Vaughan, Kansas City Monarchs