Kansas City Monarchs head to Gary, Indiana for second series of new season

Carter Woodiel
·2 min read

Brandon Finnegan’s debut with the Kansas City Monarchs lived up to the hype, even if the rest of the club’s season-opening series didn’t go according to plan.

The former Kansas City Royals pitcher tossed five shutout innings Sunday at Sioux City, but the Explorers walked off the Monarchs 2-1 to earn a three-game series sweep.

Finnegan allowed just two hits in his outing, both singles, and only allowed a runner to reach scoring position once. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The result followed up a season-opening doubleheader on Saturday. The Explorers took the first game 10-1 and the second 7-0.

FAMILIAR FACE, NEW POSITION

Monarchs fans were thrilled when Jan Hernandez re-signed with the team shortly before the start of the season.

One of the American Association’s elite players, Hernandez faces a new challenge this year: moving from the outfield to first base.

Simply put, the Monarchs have a lot of great outfielders (all three starters in Sunday’s game were big-leaguers) and the move allows manager Joe Calfapietra to get more talented bats in the lineup.

Hernandez was drafted as a shortstop, so he’s no stranger to playing the infield or having to change positions. He made his first highlight-reel catch at first base in Saturday’s second game, falling over the fence in foul territory to make the grab.

LOADED LINEUP HAS OFF WEEKEND

The Monarchs’ lineup has plenty of pedigree: four of the 12 position players on their roster have played in MLB, and all but two have made it to Triple-A.

That offense will look to bounce back after a difficult opening weekend.

The Monarchs are still looking for their first extra-base hit of the year, and no player on the team has tallied an RBI. The Monarchs’ two runs scored on a wild pitch and a double-play grounder.

Former Detroit Tiger Jacob Robson was a bright spot for Kansas City. The outfielder recorded a single, three walks and a stolen base over the three games.

A five-tool player, Robson suited up for his native Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs traveled to Gary, Indiana Sunday night for a three-game series with the Gary SouthShore RailCats. Game one is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. Central time.

Kansas City’s home opener is Friday night at 7 p.m. against the Sioux Falls Canaries.