EXPLORERS PITCHING DOMINATES IN VICTORY
Hedges, Brosher, McIlraith Combine for Series Opening Shutout
Geneva, IL (June 7, 2022) – Behind the efforts of Zach Hedges, Brandon Brosher, Thomas McIlraith and a clutch hit from Sebastian Zawada the Sioux City Explorers win their fifth straight game as they beat the Kane County Cougars 1-0.
Despite getting a no decision Zach Hedges tossed six and a third scoreless frames for Sioux City, scattering five hits and a pair of walks, never allowing a Cougar to advance past second. He did not collect a strikeout over 81 pitches.
Countering Hedges however was Kane County starting pitcher Jose Fuentes. He tossed seven scoreless allowing only two hits with four walks and four strikeouts. He also received a no decision.
The Explorers handed the game over to the bullpen in the seventh. Brandon Brosher (1-0) earned the win in relief as he went an inning and two-thirds, allowing just a single while striking out two.
Sioux City finally got on the board in the top of the ninth. After Nate Samson collected his second hit of the night to lead off the frame a sacrifice bunt pushed him to second. After a strikeout, Sebastian Zawada lined a base hit to left to score Samson and give Sioux City a late 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth Thomas McIlraith (5) picked up the save with a perfect inning.
Now winners of five in a row the X’s will take on the Cougars in the middle game of the series on Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 AM. Righty Kevin McCanna (3-1, 4.56) is on the bump for the X’s and will be countered by right hander Ben Allison (2-2, 5.08) of the Cougars.