Kris Johnson (3-2) allowed one run on five hits in a complete-game victory as the Kansas City T-Bones (36-39) defeated the Sioux City Explorers (35-40), 2-1, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Wednesday night.
 
The Explorers picked up their lone run against Johnson in the top of the first inning when Kent Sakamoto singled home Wally Backman, Jr. in front of 3,460 fans. Johnson allowed just two hits over his final eight innings and retired the final eight batters he faced. The left-hander struck out five while walking two in the victory.

Richard Salazar (6-5) retired the first 14 T-Bones before issuing a walk to Kala Ka’aihue with two outs in the fifth. The left-hander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning for Sioux City before the T-Bones began their late rally.

After surrendering a two-out walk to Jim Fasano in the seventh, Salazar induced a fly ball from Ka’aihue.  Right fielder Derek Schermerhorn lost the ball in the lights, allowing Fasano to score on an RBI double to tie the game at one. Johnny Bowden reached on a bunt single to open the eighth and advanced to second on a throwing error by the third baseman. After a sacrifice bunt by Jeff Hulett, Jimmy Mojica drove in the game-winning run with a single for a 2-1 final.

Salazar took the complete-game loss after allowing two runs on three hits over eight innings. The game lasted just one hour and 58 minutes, the shortest nine-inning game in T-Bones history.

Matt Mitchell (2-4, 7.04) takes the mound for Kansas City in the rubber match on Thursday night against former T-Bone David Trahan (1-1, 2.87) and the Explorers. First pitch is set for 7:05. Come out and join us for Thirsty Thursday where all fans 21 and over can enjoy $1 Beers ALL NIGHT LONG thanks to INK Magazine. Call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com to secure your seats today.