06/07/2003 9:45 AM - KANSAS CITY, Kan. --With a bumpy first inning, Wascar Serrano gave up two hits for three runs to the Explorers. The second through the fifth innings remained scoreless for both teams as Serrano (1-2) and Ralph McCasland faced little threat from the other team’s lineup.

The T-Bones scored its first run at home in the sixth when Ehrnsberger singled off of Joe Curran, who relieved McCasland.

The seventh inning proved to be the turning point for the T-Bones as Jack Jones began the scoring with a solo homerun to left field. Bao Vinh sacrificed to advance Allen Shrum, and a double from Taber Maier sent Shrum and Rick Prieto across the plate to give the T-Bones the lead of 4-3. The T-Bones fans were on their feet to show the hometown heroes their excitement. Ray Brown’s single to center field sent Maier home, and designated hitter Chad Shindle hit a long double to center field to sent Ray Brown home. Explorers’ relief pitcher Steve Sawyer missed Jeff Brooks’ grounder to send Shindle home to end the scoring for the T-Bones in the seventh.. The T-Bones batted around by sending 10 hitters to the plate while the Explorers emptied their bullpen by using three of their pitchers.

The eighth inning brought Tony Gomes to the mound, who gave up a three-run-homer to first baseman John Cotton to bring the Explorers within one.

Kansas City fans gasped as second baseman Taber Maier got hit in the head by a Sawyer pitch in the bottom of the eighth. Manager Al Gallagher assisted Maier to his feet and the runner took his base. By the end of the eighth inning the T-Bones had 15 hits, seven runs to the Explorers’ six hits, six runs.

The top of the ninth brought D.J. Johnson to the mound, attempting the save.

After surrendering a lead off single to Lance Woodcock, Casey Baker struck out after failing to sacrifice Woodcock to second. Paul Bartilucci flied out to center, and Mike Byas’ ground out to pitcher ended the game. The save was Johnson’s fourth of the season.

The win marked Kansas City’s first win at home, snapping the team’s longest
losing streak this season at five. Kansas City’s 15 hits in this game is a season high beating their 13 hit game on May 23, 2003 against St. Paul. The
series concludes Sunday with Tony Bacci facing Adam Springston.