07/31/2012 8:46 PM - It was a rough series opener for Kansas City as the offense struggled against Winnipeg starter Ace Walker and fell to the Goldeyes, 4-1, on Tuesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

"There was really no excitement from our end offensively," said T-Bones manager Kenny Hook. "When we did have an opportunity in the sixth, we didn't cash in. We had men on second and third, a chance to tie the game, and we took two backwards Ks (non-swinging strike outs). Anytime you do that with guys in scoring position, that's not good. I think that was our opportunity. When you don't cash in there, that late in the game, you're not certain to get another chance like that. You put the ball in play in that situation, it might be a different outcome.”

After Amos Ramon hit a solo home run in the fifth and then the Goldeyes scored two more in the sixth, the T-Bones trailed 3-0 going into the bottom of the sixth in what appeared to be a promising inning. Kansas City put together three consecutive hits, but could score only one run, when Lee Cruz came in on Trevor Coleman’s double. But, with runners at second and third with one out, Walker (6-3) got back to back strike outs.

Despite the T-Bones’ trouble at the plate, starting pitcher Shaun Garceau (6-3), who went into the game with the league’s best ERA at 2.19, went seven innings and gave up three runs. His ERA went up to 2.36, which is now second in the American Association.

The T-Bones (38-32) will play the second game of the three-game series against Winnipeg on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. To purchase tickets, call 913-328-5618.