T-Bones Split Doubleheader with Lincoln; Win Series Photo Courtesy: Lincoln Saltdogs Box Score In the first game of the doubleheader, the Saltdogs went to work in the second when Alex Glenn doubled to left, sending home three Saltdog runners. In that same inning, T-Bones starting pitcher Hunter Adkins later stopped another bases-loaded threat by striking out Curt Smith for the third out. After two complete, KC trailed Lincoln 3-0. In the fourth, Hunter Adkins was also able to stave off runners in scoring position by striking out Brandon Jacobs for the final out of the inning. The T-Bones bats were a bit sleepy today, only connecting for a couple of hits in the first four innings – a Noah Perio Jr single in the second and a Keith Curcio single in the fourth. The T-Bones started a rally in the top of the seventh when Anthony Phillips singled down the middle. The rally was helped along with some missteps from the Saltdogs defense. While Tucker Pennell was at the plate, Phillips advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on an error by the catcher. A sac fly to right by Pennell finally scored Phillips, making the score 3-1 Lincoln. Strong pitching from Lincoln starter Brandon Thoutt, who worked six innings, giving up no runs and only walking two as the Saltdogs went on to win with a final of 3-1. Game No. 2: Kansas City 5, Lincoln 1 Box Score The T-Bones scored first in the second game of the doubleheader. Todd Cunningham led off the fourth inning with a single. He later stole second base, then Adrian Nieto crushed a ground-rule double that bounced off the left field wall and pushed Cunningham home, making it 1-0 KC. Brandon Jacobs led off Lincoln’s half of the fourth being hit by a pitch from T-Bones starter Barrett Astin. The Saltdogs kept the line moving, with a single and another batter being hit by a pitch. With Jacobs at third and no outs, Randolph Oduber hit into a 4-6-3 double play that gave Jacobs time to cross the plate and tie the score 1-1. The T-Bones once again grabbed the lead in the top of the seventh. Todd Cunningham hit a line shot to left over the head of the shortstop for an RBI double that scored Anthony Phillips. The go-ahead run gave KC their second lead of the game 2-1. In the ninth, the T-Bones broke it wide open scoring three runs in the inning. Lead-off batter Anthony Phillips was hit by a pitch, followed by a Ryan Brett single and an intentional walk to Todd Cunningham, which loaded the bases. Noah Perio Jr. lined toward right center and easily brought home Phillips and Brett. The stop sign went up for Cunningham, but he went past it and was caught in some run-down drama. The ball got away from the Saltdogs during the rundown and allowed Cunningham to reach home safely and increase the T-Bones lead 5-1 over Lincoln. And that’s where it would stay, as Cody Winiarski (2-1) came in to shut it down in the ninth, retiring all three batters and giving him his 12th save of the season. T-Bones starter Barrett Astin (9-3) is recorded with the win. He had one of his best outings of the year, retiring first seven batters he faced, working six innings giving up only one hit and one run, and striking out five. What’s Next? Thursday’s win, coupled with a 2-0 win Wednesday evening, allowed the T-Bones to take the three-game series against Lincoln 2-1. Kansas City returns home to begin wrapping up the regular season with a nine-game homestand that begins Thursday evening against the Winnipeg Goldeyes (36-53). Season, group tickets, mini-plans and nightly party suites are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Box Office at T-Bones Stadium. Call the Box Office at (913) 328-5618 or purchase and print at www.tbonesbaseball.com. Box office hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday – Friday and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday. For additional information or interview requests, members of the media may contact the T-Bones Media Relations Department at (817) 739-3693. Stay tuned to www.tbonesbaseball.com. and the T-Bones Facebook and Twitter pages for updates throughout the season. |