By MATT FULKS, Tbonesbaseball.com
The Kansas City T-Bones scored nine runs in a record-breaking inning and went on to beat the Lincoln Saltdogs 14-10 on Monday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
In the bottom of the third inning, after going down 4-0 on a Lincoln grand slam by Ian Gac, the T-Bones had five home runs on eight hits, and scored nine runs against starter Matt Bywater (0-1) and reliever Eddie McKiernan. Ray Sadler, Matt Padgett and Trevor Coleman went back-to-back-to-back against Bywater.
Then, with a runner on base, Devin Goodwin greeted McKiernan with a two-run home run. Three batters later, Justin Bass hit a two-run homer. The five home runs set both a club and an American Association record. The previous league record was three by Sioux Falls on June 19, 2010.
“I guess you can say we broke out offensively,” T-Bones manager Kenny Hook said, laughing. “I’ve never seen five home runs in an inning, but I’m proud that our guys were able to set the league record. This is a good offensive club and I think we started to show a glimpse of that tonight.”
In spite of the big inning for Kansas City, Lincoln refused to give up. The Saltdogs chipped away at the T-Bones’ lead, with runs in each of the last four innings, including three in the ninth, before Ethan Cole and Jhonny Montoya (2) closed the game. Aaron Tullo (1-0) made his debut for Kansas City, going 5 1/3 innings and striking out four.
The T-Bones and Lincoln will play the second game of the series on Tuesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at Community America Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
