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YANKTON, S.D. | After two promising days of preseason camp, the Sioux City Explorers launched a four-game exhibition schedule in spectacular fashion here Monday night, blasting the arch-rival Sioux Falls Canaries 19-0 in an annual benefit contest at Yankton’s Riverside Park.

Peter Barrows, the only holdover position player from last year’s season-opening roster, led a five-homer, 23-hit performance for Sioux City, driving in five runs in a 4-for-4 night that included two home runs.

Luke Murton, Tommy Mendonca and Rene Tosoni, a former major leaguer, each had a home run among three hits apiece in the unofficial managing debut for Steve Montgomery, the X’s new field manager.

Nate Samson matched Barrows’ 4-for-4 night while Andre Perez also had three hits for the winners.

Meanwhile, six pitchers divided up a four-hit shutout as Greg Holt, Alex Pagano and John Straka, all newcomers, turned in two-inning stints before Josh Corrales, Ryan Lucero and Rob Wort each hurled one of the final three innings.

The Explorers, who open their 100-game American Association schedule a week from Thursday in Sioux Falls, take on the Lincoln Saltdogs in a 6:30 p.m. exhibition contest Wednesday night in Hinton.

Article courtesy of SC JOURNAL STAFF