Messer stayed out of trouble most of the night, giving up five hits and not allowing any walks in the first nine-inning complete-game of his career. (He had a seven-inning complete-game shutout against Joplin last season on Aug. 21.) Messer faced one over the minimum in the final 4 2/3 innings, including a stretch of 11 consecutive outs. The only time he seemed to get into trouble was the fourth, when he gave up singles to Burt Reynolds and Ty Morrison leading off the inning, but then he struck out the side, getting Denis Phipps, Zane Chavez and Jesus Posso.

 

Messer is the first T-Bones pitcher to throw a complete game since Lucas Irvine on July 27, 2013. And, his 10 strikeouts are the most for a Kansas City pitcher since Brian Grening struck out 13 in a game on Sept. 3, 2012.

 

The T-Bones got on the board first in the second inning. Designated hitter Anthony Gallas led the inning with a double to deep left field. With one out, Gallas scored on a single to left by Dalton Wheat, giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead.

 

Laredo starter Ryan Beckman threw nearly as well as Messer. After the run in the second, Kansas City did not get on base again until the fifth inning — eight consecutive outs — when Wheat singled to right field. Wheat then stole his second base of the night before once again advancing to third on a groundout by Vladimir Frias. Tyler Moore then grounded the ball to third baseman Cesar Valera, who thought about throwing Wheat out at home but hesitated and went to first instead, giving the T-Bones a 2-0 lead. Beckman (6-6) threw a complete game, also, giving up six hits, striking out six and not allowing a walk.

 

Kansas City has now won five in a row, its longest winning streak since the T-Bones won seven in a row June 29-July 7, 2015.

 

The T-Bones (35-42) will continue to play host to Laredo (43-35) on Saturday night at 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.