KC Monarchs nearing 1st place in American Association ... ahead of biggest series so far
There are lots of things you could mention to explain the Kansas City Monarchs’ recent 10-1 stretch:
A deep, experienced lineup. A versatile bullpen primed to get clutch outs. A starting rotation that seems to be getting better every day.
But Monarchs players say it’s simple: They love playing for one another.
“Our clubhouse is probably the funnest one I’ve been in, and you can see it on the field.” Monarchs starter Jalen Miller said after the team’s victory Sunday. “We’re having fun.”
The Monarchs are 18-9 on the season, a half-game back of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks for first place in the American Association.
Monarchs players say the team’s communication and belief has helped them to the hot streak. It’s taken many forms, from pregame scouting reports to postgame celebrations.
“We have so much high-level experience. Everybody’s trying to pick each other’s brain,” Monarchs second baseman Justin Wylie said. “It allows all of us to use our talent to win games.”
Catcher Chris Herrmann’s leadership has been a huge piece of that puzzle. The 33-year-old is leading the team in hitting while guiding the team’s pitching staff. The club has no official pitching coach.
“Chris is definitely a blessing to our staff and overall to the team,” Miller said. “For me personally, if I had him earlier in my career, I’d probably be in a different situation.”
Herrmann hit his third grand slam of the season, the most of any hitter in the league, in the Monarchs win Sunday.
Jalen Miller named pitcher of the week
Miller has earned the American Association’s Pointstreak Pitcher of the Week Award for the week ending Sunday, June 11, the league announced Monday.
Miller threw 12 shutout innings over two starts this past week, allowing just four hits and five walks while striking out 10.
That included seven scoreless innings in the Monarchs’ 7-0 win over Winnipeg on Sunday, Kansas City’s first shutout victory of the year.
“I challenge myself ultimately just to stay the course,” Miller said after Sunday’s game. “The work is never finished as a pitcher; it can all go downhill in the first inning of the next game. Just staying confident and riding the wave.”
Next on the schedule
The Monarchs face the RedHawks Tuesday through Thursday in their biggest series of the year so far. The winner of the three-game set will walk away with the best record in the league.
All three games start at 7:02 p.m. Central.
