Former T-Bone Alberto Espinosa connected for a grand slam in the top of the ninth inning to force a series split as the El Paso Diablos (15-39) defeated the Kansas City T-Bones (23-31), 9-6, on Sunday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
 
With 4,224 on hand, El Paso opened the scoring against Ryne Reynoso with a single run in the top of the first. A solo home run by Ray Sadler tied the game against Jae Jung in the bottom of the frame. Both teams scored two runs each in the second inning to make the score 3-3.

The T-Bones started the third inning with back-to-back home runs from Jimmy Mojica (pictured) and Keanon Simon to take the lead, 5-3. Jung allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings but would not factor into the decision.

Reynoso surrendered his final run in the top of the fifth to make the score 5-4. The right-hander was charged with four runs on five hits over five innings in a no-decision.

Trent Lare entered for Kansas City to begin the sixth and gave the T-Bones one and two-thirds scoreless innings before giving way to Kyle Dahman (0-2) with two on and two outs in the seventh. Dahman induced a fly out to end the threat.

After a leadoff walk to Maikol Gonzalez in the eighth, Scott Hodsdon reached on a bunt single but a throwing error allowed Gonzalez to score from first to tie the game at five. Dahman returned to start the ninth and allowed the Diablos to load the bases with two singles and a hit batter. Espinosa then connected for his game-winning blast on the first pitch from the right-hander.

Dahman suffered the loss after allowing five runs, four earned, on four hits over two innings. Martin Dewald finished the ninth to close out the game for Kansas City.

Mojica hit his second home run of the night in the bottom of the ninth to cap the score at 9-6. The T-Bones shortstop finished three-for-five with two RBI.

The T-Bones head to Lincoln to play the Saltdogs in a three-game series that opens a seven-game road trip. Kansas City will return on July 18-20 for a three-game homestand. First pitch on Monday night in Lincoln is set for 7:05. To catch all the action while the team is on the road listen live on KUDL Radio Bach 1660 AM or online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.