Urbaez Stifles Lincoln In Series Opener

Lincoln, Nebraska- Geison Urbaez threw 8.2 innings, while Tyler Gentry and Jose Torres homered, leading the Kansas City Monarchs to a 6-3 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs, Friday night, at Haymarket Park.  Calyn Halvorson and Jairo Pomares recorded two hits for Lincoln, in the loss.

Kansas City (53-38) scored six runs, off nine hits, committed no errors, and left seven runners on base.  Lincoln (40-51) had three runs, with six hits, no errors, and stranded five base runners.  Friday night’s game lasted two hours and thirty-four minutes and was played in front of 4,660 fans.

The Monarchs took the lead in the top of the third inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Graham Edwards, Tyler Gentry hit a one-out solo home run to center field, to make it 1-0.

In the top of the fifth, Kansas City scored with the long ball, once again.  Hudson Head led off the inning with a walk.  Then, Jose Torres hit a two-run home run over the left field wall, to make it a 3-0 Monarchs advantage.

Kansas City added two more runs in the top of the sixth.  Luken Baker led off the inning with a single.  Then, Grant Richardson singled, putting runners at first and third.  The next batter, Saul Garza, hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Baker, to make it 4-0.  Sahid Valenzuela drew a walk.  Then, Hudson Head singled, scoring Richardson, to put the Monarchs up 5-0.

The Monarchs scored their final run of the night in the top of the seventh.  Facing reliever Jack Hill, Tyler Gentry singled and stole second.  Two batters later, Luken Baker walked.  After a Grant Richardson strike out, Saul Garza singled, scoring Gentry, to make it a 6-0 Kansas City advantage.

Lincoln attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth.  Facing Kansas City starter Geison Urbaez, Jairo Pomares reached on a two-out single.  Then, Jake Hjelle singled.  The next batter, Cary Arbolida, was hit by a pitch, to load the bases.  Then, Calyn Halvorson hit a ball deep in the hole at shortstop allowing all the runners to advance, scoring Pomares, to make it 6-1.  Kansas City went to the bullpen and brought in Emmanuel Chapman.  The next batter, Tanner O’Tremba, singled, scoring Hjelle and Arbolida, to make it 6-3.  However, Chapman struck out Griffin Everitt, swinging, to end the game.

Kansas City starting pitcher Geison Urbaez (4-3) earned the win as he threw 8.2 innings, giving up three runs, off five hits, struck out six and walked two.  Emmanuel Chapman (1) earned the save, throwing 0.1 inning, yielding one hit, and stuck out one.

Saltdogs starter Graham Edwards (2-10) took the loss, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up five runs, off seven hits, struck out eight and walked three.  Jack Hill threw 1.1 innings, yielding one run, off two hits, struck out three and walked one.  Alex Johnson worked 1.0 inning, struck out two and walked one.  Ryan Spalliero pitched 1.0 inning and walked one.

Offensively for the Monarchs, Tyler Gentry was 2-for-5 with a home run.  Grant Richardson was 2-for-5.  Saul Garza was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.  Hudson Head was 1-for-3 and drove in one run.  Jose Torres was 1-for-3 with a two-run home run.

For Lincoln, Jairo Pomares was 2-for-4.  Calyn Halvorson was 2-for-4 with an RBI.  Tanner O’Tremba was 1-for-4 and drove in two runs.

Friday night, Sioux City and Sioux Falls also suffered losses, so Lincoln’s chase to qualify for the playoffs continues.  With nine games to play, Lincoln trails fourth place Sioux Falls by four games.  The Saltdogs have two more games with Kansas City, plus three more with Milwaukee, all at home.  Then, Lincoln concludes the regular season over the Labor Day Holiday weekend, with four games at Sioux Falls, versus the Canaries.

Game two of this series will be Saturday night.  LHP Cam Dayton (3-2, 3.77 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Jimmy Endersby (5-4, 3.89 ERA) will be on the mound for Kansas City.  The first pitch will be 6:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM, and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

Saturday night’s game is Saltdogs Baseball Card Set Giveaway Night sponsored by Holmes Murphy.  There will also be Post-game Autographs.  Plus, during the game, fans may purchase $4 Select Tall Boys.  For tickets, merchandise, and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.