The Kansas City T-Bones officially opened their 2012 10th anniversary campaign Tuesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, treating the home crowd to a 7-0 blanking of the local Lee’s Summit Monarchs in exhibition action.
The early story for Kansas City was excellent pitching. T-Bones faithful had their first chance to lay eyes on new staff ace Nick Singleton, a right-hander who put up outstanding numbers (11-2; 3.57 ERA) for the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association last season.
Singleton did not disappoint, facing one above the minimum over three brilliant innings while picking up the win. The righty allowed only one hit, avoided walking anyone, and struck out seven.
T-Bones bats began to sizzle in the bottom of the third, as Kansas City touched up Monarchs lefty Brett Parsons for four runs on four hits, two walks, and a hit batsman.
Kansas City tacked on two more runs in the fourth on RBI singles, another by Cruz and one from Kala Ka’aihue, the younger brother of former Royals DH/1B Kila Ka’aihue.
Through four innings, the T-Bones led 6-0. Kansas City added its final run on an RBI single by former Winnipeg Goldeye Justin Bass in the 7th.
After three consecutive scoreless frames by 2011 American Association All-Star right-hander Josh Rainwater (Grand Prairie), hard-throwing righty Sean Toler took the ball in the 7th and 8th innings for K.C. Toler was dominant in relief, striking out four over two perfect frames, including striking out the side in order in the 8th.
Flame-throwing right-hander Kyle Dahman, a local product from Raymore, MO, pitched a scoreless 9th, overcoming an infield error and consecutive singles in the process.
Former T-Bones great Jonathan Krysa, a player/manager for the Monarchs, showed early that he still has the goods that made him one of the best pitchers in the Northern League from 2003-2007.
The right-hander worked his way through the first two innings unscathed, allowing only a ground-rule double to Sean Henry and a walk to Justin Bass along with three strikeouts.
Krysa’s most memorable moment at his former ballpark came as he wrapped up the bottom of the first by striking out Kala Ka’aihue looking. He still holds many T-Bones career pitching records including appearances (90), innings pitched (547), and strikeouts (445).
The T-Bones look to move to 2-0 on the preseason as they face the Kansas City Kansas Community College All-Stars on Wednesday night, 5/9/12, at beautiful CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m., and gates open at 5:30 p.m.
