June 13 2021 The Kansas City Monarchs defeated the Houston Apollos 10-8 in a high-scoring game. Kansas City collected 14 hits and overcame eight Houston hits, with the Monarchs committing one error and Houston playing error-free baseball.
Kansas City took control with a four-run second inning and added three runs in the fourth. Houston answered with three runs in the fourth and tied the game with three more in the sixth before the Monarchs scored twice in the seventh to take the lead for good. Houston was held scoreless over the final three innings.
Darnell Sweeney led Kansas City with three hits, three runs, two RBI and a home run. Jan Hernandez drove in three runs with two hits, while Casey Gillaspie added two hits and three RBI. Houston received two hits and four RBI from Aaron Takacs, who hit a home run, and Dom DeRenzo also homered while driving in two runs. Blake Berry had two hits and scored three times for the Apollos.
Justin Shafer earned the win after pitching one scoreless inning with three strikeouts. Carlos Diaz recorded the save with a scoreless ninth featuring two strikeouts, while Pierce Smith threw 1.2 hitless innings and struck out three for Houston. Derrick Sylve took the loss after allowing two runs on four hits in two innings.
Monarchs Hold Off Apollos 10-8
