KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Former Wichita State pitcher Jordan Cooper threw four scoreless innings in his Kansas City debut, as the T-Bones held on to beat the Lincoln Saltdogs, 2-1, Monday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

 

The T-Bones struck first against Lincoln starter Lindsey Caughel (0-1) in the second inning. After Steve Swingle doubled, Tyler Massey reached first on a throwing error by Lincoln second baseman Pat Kelly. Swingle, who was headed to third on the play, scored as the errant throw got past first baseman Curt Smith. That gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead.

 

The T-Bones added their second run in the fourth inning. Massey got his first hit of the season with a two-out line drive to center field. He then proceeded to steal second before being knocked in on a double by Brandon Tierney, putting Kansas City ahead, 2-0.

 

Those two runs were plenty for Cooper and the Kansas City relievers. Cooper, whom the T-Bones signed earlier in the day, allowed one baserunner in each of his four innings, but only one – Smith in the fourth inning – reached second base. Cooper, who started the season as a relief pitcher in the Cleveland Indians organization, allowed two hits, walked one and struck out three in 4 innings.

 

Josh Tols (1-0) was nearly perfect in 3 innings of work. The only Saltdogs batter to reach base was Christian Ibarra, who led off the sixth inning with a home run. Mark Haynes (1) picked up the save after closing out the final 2 innings.

 

The T-Bones (3-2) will continue to play host to the Lincoln Saltdogs (3-2) on Tuesday night at 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.