The Kansas City T-Bones (16-23) scored nine unanswered runs, erasing an early five-run deficit as they defeated the Sioux Falls Pheasants (16-24), 9-5, to salvage a series split on Thursday night in Sioux Falls, S.D.
 
The Pheasants jumped on Devin Anderson (3-5, pictured) early, taking a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Mark Shorey drove in the first two runs with a home run and former major leaguer Reggie Abercrombie finished the frame with an RBI single. A two-run double by Shorey in the second gave Sioux Falls a 5-0 lead through two innings.

Anderson settled down after his early struggles, facing one over the minimum over the next three innings. He left the game after surrendering consecutive hits to begin the sixth, giving way to reliever Steven Stewart.

The Kansas City offense began their comeback in the third inning when Keanon Simon opened the frame with a double off Brandon Rapoza (1-6) and later scored on an RBI groundout by Jimmy Mojica. The T-Bones took their only lead of the game in the top of the sixth with a five-run explosion, scoring the first when Prentice Redman followed an error and a basehit with an RBI single that put runners at first and second with one out. Jeff Hulett then connected for a three-run home run, his first of the season, to tie the game at five. After hitting the next batter, Rapoza gave way to Dan McDaniel who later walked Rico Washington with the bases loaded to give the T-Bones a 6-5 advantage.

Rapoza was charged with six runs, one earned, on seven hits over five and one-thirds innings in the loss. Anderson allowed five runs on eight hits over five-plus innings in the win, snapping a personal five-start losing streak. His streak tied him for the team record in that category.

Stewart retired the Pheasants in the sixth and held the 6-5 lead. The right-hander threw three scoreless innings of relief for Kansas City, allowing just two base runners on walks in the sixth and seventh frames while striking out two in his outing. Andy Shipman struck out two of the three batters he faced in the ninth to finish the game for the T-Bones.

Kansas City added two insurance runs in the eighth, one when Hulett stole home on a double steal. Hulett later plated the final run for the T-Bones with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. He finished two-for-four with four RBI to pace the offense. Keanon Simon added four hits, two doubles, in five at bats for Kansas City.

The T-Bones head home for a six games in seven days homestand that opens with a three-game series against the Fort Worth Cats beginning Friday night. First pitch is set for 7:05. This weekend is Redneck Weekend at CommunityAmerica Ballpark with Mullet Night on Friday and the sixth annual Redneck Olympics on Saturday night. For more information, and to secure your seats for exciting American Association action, call the T-Bones box office at 913-328-5618 or visit us online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.