By DOMINIC HOLDEN
tbonesbaseball.com

The T-Bones won their second game in a row on Saturday night, defeating the Lincoln Saltdogs 6-2 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Kansas City was efficient offensively, scoring six runs on only six hits. Two of those hits came from center fielder Robby Kuzdale, which earned him praise from manager John Massarelli.

“He had some good at bats,” Massarelli said. “He came through in a tough situation when we needed a run. It was good to see.”

Danny Richar added a much-needed insurance run on an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning that scored Kuzdale. That was Kansas City’s first earned run of the game.

Pat Doyle (1-0) started for the T-Bones and allowed only one earned run even though he gave up nine hits. Lincoln stranded seven runners against Doyle.

“Doyle pitched out of some jams and you’ve got to hand it to the bullpen.” Massarelli said.

The T-Bones defense was spectacular on the night. T.J. Mittelstaedt recorded his first outfield assist of the year, gunning down Matt Forgatch at home plate in the second inning.

“That was a big play by Mittelstaedt in the second. It really helped Pat get in a rhythm,” Massarelli said.

Relief pitcher Zach Fowler also had a key defensive play for Kansas City in the seventh inning. After getting into a bases loaded jam with no outs, Fowler caught a comeback line drive off the bat of Kevin Howard and doubled off Trevor Martin at third base.

“Fowler getting out of the bases loaded jam in the seventh was the difference in the game,” Massarelli said. “It won us the game.”

Fowler ended the inning by striking out Forgatch.

Lincoln stranded 12 runners on the night, thanks largely to T-Bones stellar defense.

“The defense was great and so was the pitching. You’ve got to credit those guys out there for getting the job done,” said Massarelli.

The final game of the series will be Sunday night at 5:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.