KANSAS CITY, Kan. –A night after scoring 11 runs in a doubleheader against Joplin, Kansas City’s offense was stymied by a rookie pitcher in an 8-1 loss to the Blasters on Saturday night in front of 7,166 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Joplin pitcher Josh Evans, who made his professional debut on Aug. 18, retired the T-Bones in order three times during his 5 2/3 innings, and didn’t allow the first five batters in Kansas City’s lineup to reach base until Nate Tenbrink, the No. 2 hitter, led off the sixth inning with a double. The next batter, Jake Blackwood, then doubled to deep center and gave Kansas City its lone run of the game. By that time, though, Joplin was in command.

Leading 1-0 in the fourth, Joplin added two runs in the fifth inning on a two-run single by former T-Bones player Jairo Perez that scored Oscar Mesa and Mitch Glasser, who had singled and walked, respectively, against Kansas City starter Bobby Doran. Perez ended the night with three hits for Joplin, as did Omar Luna.

The Blasters opened up the game the next inning. After the first three batters—Luna, Carlos Ramirez and Jake Taylor—reached in the fifth, Aaron Brill belted a grand slam off Doran to left center that gave Joplin a 7-0 lead. Doran (8-5) had his worst outing since June 2, as he gave up 10 hits and seven runs in 4 1/3 innings. In that June game at Sioux City, Doran allowed eight runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. Doran, who came into Saturday night’s game with a team-leading 66 strikeouts in 16 appearances, didn’t record a strikeout for the first time in a T-Bones uniform.

Evans (1-1) struck out four Kansas City batters and gave up one run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The T-Bones (43-41) and Blasters (44-41) are scheduled to conclude their series on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Following the game, former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison will offer his testimonial as part of Faith & Family Day. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.