By BRIAN BRUCE
SUNDAY: The AirHogs scored one run in the seventh and three runs on three hits in the eighth, as they came back and defeated Kansas City, 5-3, on Sunday night.
Grand Prairie scored one run on three singles in the bottom of the seventh as Yasutsugu Nishimoto hit a line drive to center with two outs, scoring Porter from third, making the score 3-2.
The AirHogs put the finishing touches on their comeback in the eighth against T-Bones lefty reliever Steve Kent (4-4). After a lead-off walk to Brian Myrow, the AirHogs put together three straight RBI base hits.
Andres Rodriguez doubled, driving in Myrow. Porter then doubled, scoring Rodriguez and giving Grand Prairie a 4-3 lead. Finally, Zane Chavez then singled, scoring Porter and pushing the AirHogs out to a 5-3 lead.
Closer Justin Dowdy pitched a scoreless ninth and got his 13th save of the season.
The late inning offense by the AirHogs overshadowed another fine start by T-Bones right-hander and Liberty, Mo., native, Luke Irvine. For 6 2/3 innings, he stymied the Grand Prairie offense, holding it to just two runs on eight hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
The loss drops Kansas City to 33-29 overall, with the fourth and final game of the series set for a 7:05 start on Monday evening. The T-Bones send left-hander Devin Anderson (3-5; 4.07 ERA) to the mound and can split the series with a win.
Grand Prairie will turn to right-hander Will Irvin (1-1; 5.63). Catch the play-by-play call on the KMBZ Business Channel (1660 AM) or online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.
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SATURDAY: AirHogs right-hander Nick DeBarr worked through 105-degree heat and pitched a complete game as Grand Prairie topped Kansas City, 8-4, on Saturday night at QuikTrip Park.
DeBarr (10-3) allowed four runs on seven hits. The righty struck out eight and dropped his ERA to 3.23 as Grand Prairie snapped an eight-game losing streak.
Grand Prairie’s offense helped DeBarr, scoring in each of the first four innings against Kansas City starter Josh Rainwater, including six runs during the first two innings.
Rainwater (4-5) lasted through five innings, allowing eight runs (five earned) on eight hits. He walked two and struck out two. Rookie right-hander Dustin Loggins came in and worked three scoreless innings. He walked three and struck out two.
Hunter Mense finished three for four with two doubles and is now five for eight in the series.
