712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux City-----The Explorers rallied for two runs in the ninth inning, but came up short in a 5-3 loss to Wichita at Lewis and Clark Park Thursday.

The X’s took a 1-0 lead in second inning when Leugim Barroso doubled with two out and Brian Bistange followed with a single to give the Explorers the early lead.

The first place Wichita Wingnuts came back and scored three runs in the fourth inning to take a 3-1 lead.  With the game tied at 1-1 and two out Ryan Khoury singled with two outs to drive in two runs.

Wichita increased that lead to 5-1 in the seventh inning when Jake Kahaulelio connected with a two-run home run off losing hurler Andy Noga (1-6).

In the bottom of the ninth inning Bistange walked to lead off the inning followed by a single by Alberto Espinosa and with one out Sam Judah on an infield out scored Bistange.  Yusuke Inoguchi followed with a double to drive home Espinosa to reduce the Wichita lead to 5-3.  Wichita relief pitcher Josh Dew came in and struck out Peter Barrows to end the game and give the Wingnuts the win in the first game of the four-game series.

The second game of the series will be Friday at Lewis and Clark Park with game time set for 7:05pm. Reserve your tickets now by stopping down to the X's box office or calling 277-WINS!