SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A day after a six-run loss to the Laredo Lemurs, the Kansas City T-Bones put together a superb team performance and took the series opener from the Sioux Falls Canaries 3-2 in 11 innings Friday night.
Kansas City fell into an early hole when Reggie Abercrombie doubled home Cory Morales in the bottom of the first inning, putting the Canaries up 1-0. Later, Tim Pahuta connected on his league-leading 21st home run to give Sioux Falls a 2-0 lead in the sixth.
The T-Bones started their comeback in the seventh on a Kennard Jones single that drove in a run. An inning later, Petey Paramore smacked a double scoring Anthony Davis from first to make it 2-2.
In extras, Luis Rivera hit a go-ahead solo shot in the 11th, which would prove to be the difference. It was Rivera's first home run with Kansas City since joining the club on July 22.
In extras, Luis Rivera hit a go-ahead solo shot in the 11th, which would prove to be the difference. It was Rivera's first home run with Kansas City since joining the club on July 22.
Ethan Cole went seven innings for the T-Bones out of the gate and allowed just seven base runners while striking out a season-high eight Canaries. In relief of Cole, Kansas City got four shutout innings from their bullpen, which included Michael Joyce, Alex Thieroff (1-0) and Chad Robinson (5) who closed the door on Sioux Falls in the 11th.
Defensively, Kansas City was led by strong performances from Justin Bass at second base and Joey Gathright in left field. In the bottom of the 11th, Gathright kept the Canaries at bay by snagging a would-be double off the bat of Marcos Gonzalez after crashing into the wall.
Canaries starter Adam Champion went 6 2/3 innings while allowing only one run. Alan DeRatt (0-2) got the loss after giving up the lead in the 11th.
The T-Bones continue the series Saturday night at 7:05 in Sioux Falls.
