Brandon Finnegan, new-look Kansas City Monarchs break out in series win: Weekend recap
Brandon Finnegan’s best start as a Kansas City Monarch came at the perfect time.
The former Kansas City Royal threw a seven-inning gem that helped the Monarchs to a crucial win on Sunday over the Chicago Dogs. He did not walk a batter over the seven frames, allowing one run on four hits and striking out six.
After a 13-1 hot streak followed by a 2-6 lull, the Monarchs have back-to-back wins under their belt. They’re back in a tie for first place in the American Association West.
Here’s a look at how they did it...
Offense back on track
Despite being shorthanded (only nine position players were available Saturday and Sunday), Kansas City’s offense broke out over the weekend.
The Monarchs rattled off 14-6 and 8-3 wins over Chicago on Saturday and Sunday. They collected a combined 33 hits over the two games.
“Everybody hits that point of the season where they kind of get out of whack, and it’s tough to work through,” Finnegan said. “It’s easy to focus on the negatives in this game. To see the guys keep pushing and keep giving it all they’ve got, it’s fun.”
Left fielder Dylan Rosa homered in both outings, driving in five runs. The Chicago native broke out of a 5-for-36 stretch with a 4-for-4 day on Saturday.
“It’s good for me to break out of the little slump I was in; just trying to help the team win and not worry about my own hits or anything like that,” Rosa said after Saturday’s win.
Stars out, All-Star in
The Monarchs’ lineup over the weekend looked very different from just a week earlier.
Three players: center fielder Johneshwy Fargas, third baseman Edwin Diaz and outfielder Keon Broxton, all had their contracts transferred to Mexican League teams since last Monday.
In an attempt to rebuild on the fly, Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra signed former MLB outfielder Odubel Herrera on Thursday.
Herrera has seven seasons of MLB experience from 2015 to 2022, all with the Phillies. An All-Star in 2016, he owns a career .271/.326/.419 slash line in the bigs.
The native of Venezuela went 5-for-13 with a walk and an RBI in his first three starts with the Monarchs. He went 3-for-5 in Sunday’s win.
Up next
The Monarchs hit the road to take on the Kane County Cougars Tuesday through Thursday, before returning to Legends Field for a weekend series with the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
Friday’s game is Dotte Proud Night and starts at 7 p.m.
