The T-Bones tied an American Association league record with five double plays against Laredo on Friday night, but former T-Bones shortstop Jimmy Mojica had a grand slam and a double as the Lemurs opened the series with an 8-1 over Kansas City at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
With his team leading 4-1 in the top of the fourth, Mojica, who spent most of 2010 and ’11 with Kansas City, belted a grand slam to right field against T-Bones starter Brian Grening in front of 5,410 fans.
The grand slam gave Laredo the final lead of 8-1, as Lemurs starter Leonard Giammanco (3-4) cruised for a complete game from that point.
“It’s sad to see our team not display fight when they got down,” said T-Bones manager Kenny Hook. “After the grand slam, we didn’t compete. We played like a team that was beat. Normally we battle and put together some good innings when we get down, but we didn’t (Friday).”
Grening (8-5), who had 23 walks in 117 1/3 innings coming into the game, walked five batters during his seven innings of work.
Kansas City’s defense turned double plays in the first, third, fifth, seventh and eighth innings. Conversely, Laredo turned four double plays in the game.
Kansas City (43-41) and Laredo (41-43) are scheduled for game two of the series on Saturday night at 7:05 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Tickets are available by calling the T-Bones box office at 913-328-5618.
