712.277.WINS (9467)

ST. PAUL, MN  – The Sioux City Explorers were leading 3-2 after the full nine innings, but prior to the start of the game, both teams agreed to play 10 innings with it being exhibition season and in the 10th, the Saints scored 3 runs to take the game by a final of 5-3

With the Saints trailing 3-2 after nine the game continued.  In the bottom of the 10^th Explorers closer Chris Bodishbaugh walked Sam Maus and Willie Argo to start the inning.  Mitch Elliott attempted two sacrifice bunts, but was unsuccessful.  He then drove a pitch up the middle that scored Maus to tie the game at three.  With one out and the bases loaded Michael Antonio gave the Saints a 4-3 lead with an RBI single to center.  Vinny DiFazio added a sacrifice fly for the finishing touches.

Both sides pitched well and Saints starter Kramer Sneed was impressive for the Saints going 4.0 innings allowing one hit while walking one and striking out three. Explorers starter John Straka allowed a lone run in the first inning when he walked Willie Argo with two outs.  Ian Gac singled him to third and Mike Kvasnicka drove home the first run with a single to right-center to make it 1-0 Saints.The Saints got to Straka in the second when Vinny DiFazio hit the first home run at CHS Field, with a towering drive to left-center, to give the Saints a 2-0 lead.  Straka went 4.0 innings allowing two runs on six hits while walking one.In the fifth the Explorers got to Saints pitcher Robert Coe.   A leadoff walk to Ryan Court proved costly.  With one out Matt Koch singled Court to third and a safety squeeze by Dillon Usiak scored Court to make it 2-1.

In the eighth the Explorers took the lead.  With one out back-to-back doubles by Michael Lang and Rene Tosoni tied the game at two.  With two outs and runners at the corners, an errant pickoff attempt at first base by catcher DiFazio allowed Tosoni to score, giving the Explorers a 3-2 lead.

The same two teams meet Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m. for the final exhibition game for the Saints and X's.

The X's 2015 home opener will be this Thursday (May 21) with a 7:05 PM start and its magnet schedule giveaway by Wells Fargo Bank and FIREWORKS will follow the game by Lantis Fireworks...for tickets call 277-9467!