KC Monarchs could clinch fourth straight division title as soon as Tuesday: latest
A fourth straight division title has been the Kansas City Monarchs’ goal all season long. It could become a reality Tuesday night.
With a week to go in the American Association regular season, the Monarchs can clinch the West Division championship with a win over Sioux City at 7 p.m. from Legends Field.
Kansas City won division titles in 2019, 2021 and 2022. The Monarchs did not participate in the 2020 season due to the pandemic. If they win again this year, they’ll play at least one home playoff game on Friday, September 8.
“We’ve worked so hard through the games we’ve played to be in a position like this,” Monarchs shortstop LJ Hatch said. “We’re proud of what we’ve done.”
Monarchs earn a wild series win
Hatch was at the center of a 13-inning win in Winnipeg on Friday night. The Shawnee native delivered the go-ahead single in the top of the 13th and made an outstanding diving stop in the bottom half to keep the Monarchs in front.
The 3-2 win was the longest game by innings for Kansas City this season. Former Royal Brandon Finnegan threw seven innings of one-run baseball to set the tone for the Monarchs.
The GAME OF THE YEAR on Monarchs Minute, presented by Midwest Ford!
Relive the 13-inning classic in Winnipeg, featuring a heroic play from LJ Hatch to seal the victory.
Our magic number in the West drops to 3... pic.twitter.com/Q7DfAqrP7L— Kansas City Monarchs (@kscitymonarchs) August 26, 2023
Though the Monarchs were shut out Saturday, they rebounded for an 11-inning triumph Sunday afternoon. New signee Zac Grotz, a former Seattle Mariner, got the start. The right-hander allowed one earned run over five innings.
“I haven’t won a ring since high school,” said Grotz, who joined the team in Winnipeg. “It’s exciting because it seems like this team’s got a really good chance of winning it all.”
Micker (Adolfo) Magic
Monarchs right fielder Micker Adolfo has always been a power threat. Lately, he’s become even more dangerous.
The native of the Dominican Republic has 11 RBIs and five doubles over the last week, both tied for the most in the American Association. That includes a game-tying two-bagger in the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. He’s hitting .395 over his last 10 games with four home runs and 15 RBIs. The Monarchs are 8-2 over that span.
The home stretch
The Monarchs have seven games left on their regular-season slate, all at home. They’ll face Sioux City Tuesday through Thursday before finishing the year with a four-game Labor Day weekend series against the Lake Country DockHounds.
“Every guy here in the clubhouse is grinding right now to win ballgames and claim the number one spot in the West,” Monarchs slugger Jan Hernandez said.
They just might get it on Tuesday.
