Kansas City storms past Cougars

The Cougars took an early lead, but the Kansas City Monarchs offense responded quickly and won 10-4 in the series opener Tuesday at Northwestern Medicine Field.

The Cougars (26-21) jumped out to a quick lead against Kansas City (21-23) starter Julian Garcia. With one out in the bottom of the first, Josh Allen ripped a double down the left field line for the first hit of the night. Cornelius Randolph smacked a double of his own into the right field corner to score Allen and make it 1-0. Two batters later, Jonah Davis reached on a throwing error to put runners at the corners before a passed ball brought home Randolph to make it 2-0. Claudio Finol capped the scoring in the frame with a two-run homer down the left field line to give Kane County a 4-0 edge.

After the big inning, Kansas City responded quickly against Cougars’ starter Tommy Sommer (2-1). With two outs in the bottom of the second, Josh Bissonette singled. Hayden Jones hit a ground ball that got by Cougars first baseman Ernny Ordoñez to put runners at the corners. Following the error, Joe Suozzi belted a three-run homer to pull Kansas City within a run.

One inning later, the Monarchs took the lead. Danny Amaral drew a walk to start the frame before stealing second. Following a ground out by Channy Ortiz, Ross Adolph brought home Amaral with a single to tie the game at four. Trent Giambrone blasted a two-run shot over the left field wall to give the Monarchs a 6-4 edge.

In the top of the eighth, Kansas City added two more on a single by Suozzi to make it 8-4. The Monarchs added two more runs in the ninth on an RBI single by Ortiz and a run-scoring double from Giambrone. Nate Tellier earned the win for Kansas City by tossing three scoreless innings of relief.

The Cougars continue the series with the Monarchs on Wednesday. Right-hander Hunter McMahon (0-0, 1.93) will take the mound for Kansas City against fellow righty Nick Belzer (4-3, 3.77) for the Cougars.