The Gary SouthShore RailCats could not keep up with the Kansas City Monarchs as they used their plate discipline to pull away in the middle innings to secure a 6-1 victory.
Though both teams finished with six hits, the Monarchs drew 10 walks to help propel them to the win.
After the RailCats and Monarchs traded zeros in the first two innings, the hosts broke through in the third. Catcher J.C. Escarra produced a leadoff single, advancing two bases on a groundout and flyout soon after. Jan Hernandez then walked to extend the frame and place runners on the corners for Matt Adams, and his single gave Kansas City an early 1-0 advantage.
Two innings later, they used their eyes to strike for a trio of runs. Six walks, a wild pitch, and a fielder’s choice did the damage as the Monarchs extended their lead to 4-0.
Kansas City went right back to work in their next turn at-bat in the bottom of the sixth as they put created even more separation on the scoreboard. Two more walks and a single loaded the bases, and a sacrifice fly along with an error increase their edge by a pair.
Though the RailCats could not get their offense going through the first eight frames, they finally cracked Kansas City starter Jon Harris in the top of the ninth. Daniel Lingua rolled an infield single up the third base line, and Jesus Marriaga brought him home by doubling to the right-center field wall, his second of the game, to avoid the shutout.
The RailCats and Monarchs square off once again at 6:00 p.m. for game two of the series at Legends Field. All the action will be streamed on www.aabaseball.tv, 95.9 WEFM, and the Gary SouthShore RailCats Broadcast Network through the Mixlr app.
