08/03/2006 10:14 PM - KANSAS CITY – A ninth inning home run by Schaumburg’s Josue Lopez ruined a complete game effort by T-Bones starter Greg Bicknell, as the Flyers (40-27, 9-10) snuck past the T-Bones (30-37, 8-11) in front of 5,380 fans Thursday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the second inning. After singling to left field as the inning’s second batter, Eddie Pearson scored all the way from first on a double to right-centerfield by Craig Hurba, his 18th double of the season. The Flyers answered back in the next frame, tagging Bicknell for three hits, but scoring just once to tie the game at 1-1 going into the bottom of the third.

The T-Bones had a chance for a big eighth inning, but were unable to capitalize. As the second batter of the inning, Hurba reached base when the Schaumburg shortstop dropped a fly ball, then advanced to second on a single by Doug Dreher, but a double play ended the Kansas City threat, leaving the game tied 1-1.

The Flyers took their first lead of the game in the ninth as Josue Lopez sent a pitch from Bicknell far beyond the right-centerfield fence, a solo shot that gave Schaumburg a 2-1 ninth inning lead. The Flyers then turned to All-Star closer Nate Cotton, who picked up his 14th save of the season in the 2-1 Schaumburg win.

Bicknell went the distance for the T-Bones, but failed to receive run support from his hitters. In his complete game performance, Bicknell allowed just two runs on 11 hits while striking out seven and didn’t walk a single Schaumburg Flyer. Despite his performance, Bicknell was saddled with his 10th loss of the season.

The same two teams will meet at the same time Friday night for game two of a four-game set. Jonathan Krysa (8-3, 3.94) will take the hill for the T-Bones while Schaumburg will turn to southpaw Dave Dobosz (2-1, 5.54). Krysa’s first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. Friday evening at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

W-Schweitzer (6-1), L-Bicknell (5-10), S-Cotton (14)
Attendance: 5,380, Time: 2:41
HR-Lopez (8)