Lincoln Claims Series Over Monarchs With Shutout

(Photo courtesy of Kansas City Monarchs)

Kansas City, Kansas- Thursday night, the Lincoln Saltdogs wrapped up their season-long nine game road trip by shutting out the Kansas City Monarchs, 2-0, at Legends Field.  Cam Dayton pitched six shutout innings, while Jairo Pomares and Connor Bagnieski each drove in a run.  After picking up their first win at Legends Field in two seasons, Tuesday night, Lincoln claimed its first series from the Monarchs at Legends Field, since 2023, on Thursday night.

Lincoln (31-40) scored two runs, off eight hits, with no errors and left five runners on base.  Kansas City (41-30) had no runs, with five hits, committed one error, and left seven runners on base.  Thursday night’s game lasted two hours and twenty-three minutes and was played in front of 1,205 fans.

All the scoring occurred in the top of the first inning.  Facing Kansas City starter Jimmy Endersby, Nick Shumpert hit a one-out single.  Then, Jake Hjelle reached on a fielding error by Edwin Diaz at shortstop, to put runners at first and third.  Then, Jairo Pomares doubled down the right field line, scoring Shumpert, to make it 1-0.  Two batters later, Connor Bagnieski singled, scoring Hjelle, to make it 2-0.  On the play, Jairo Pomares attempted to score, but was thrown out at the plate by Grant Richardson, in left field.

Saltdogs starter Cam Dayton (2-1) earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up no runs, off five hits, struck out four and walked three.  Tyler Stasiowski pitched a clean seventh inning.  Gabriel Jarmillo worked 1.0 inning and struck out one.  Zac McCleve (7) earned the save, pitching 1.0 inning and struck out two.

Kansas City starter Jimmy Endersby (4-4) took the loss, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, off six hits and struck out seven.  Ryan Middendorf threw a clean seventh inning.  Jay Groome threw 1.0 inning, giving up two hits and struck out one.  Jeff Hakanson pitched 1.0 inning and struck out two.

Offensively for Lincoln, Nick Shumpert was 2-for-4.  Jairo Pomares went 2-for-4 with an RBI.  Connor Bagnieski was 1-for-4 and drove in one run.

The Saltdogs return home to open a three-game series against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Friday night.  RHP Cael Chatham (3-2, 6.41 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Aidan Newton (2-0, 4.91 ERA) will be on the mound for Winnipeg.  The first pitch at Haymarket Park will be 7:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

Friday night’s game is FREE T-SHIRT FRIDAY! sponsored by Abante Marketing.  It is also The Arc of Lincoln Disability Empowerment Night.  In addition, there will be Post-Game Fireworks sponsored by Sandhills Global.  Plus, part of the Saltdogs 25th Season Celebration, there will be 25% off in the Souvenir Store.  For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.