712.277.WINS (9467)

The Sioux City Explorers went on a scoring spree vs Amarillo totaling fourteen runs off fifteen hits in the 14-2 win over the Thunderheads Thursday night. 

The Explorers scored a run in the first, two in the second, and one in the third to start the early innings. In the fourth, Sioux City plated seven big runs off an RBI single by Matt Koch, three-run double smacked by Michael Lang, a sac-fly RBI by Brock Kjeldgaard and a two-run single by third-baseman Tommy Mendonca to give them the early 11-0 lead. 

Sioux City went on two score a run in the sixth, Noah Perio Jr led-off the inning with a double, advanced to third on a putout and scored off a sacrifice fly to right by Tommy Mendonca. 

In the eighth, Amarillo would score their first run of the game. Thunderhead shortstop Christian Ibarra hit a lead-off ground rule double to start the top half and then later scored from second on a two-out RBI single by Drew Heid to make it 12-1. 

Explorers scored their final two runs in the bottom half of the eighth, Dillon Usiak came in to pinch hit for X’s catcher Matt Koch with one on and two outs, and hit a (3-2) two-run dinger to score Court and extend the X’s lead 14-1. 

Amarillo scored one in the ninth off a solo-shot by Stefan Gartrell but would fall with a final score of 14-2 at Lewis and Clark Park. The Thunderheads finished with two runs, on four hits while committing three errors in the contest. 

Explorers starter Eric Wordekemper (1-0) pitched an absolute gem, getting the win while no hitting the Thunderheads in five innings. The right-hander allowed no runs, on four walks with three strikeouts. Wordekemper currently has a 0.71 earned run average on the season. Anthony Figliolia (4-2) was charged with the loss going five innings, allowing eleven runs (ten earned) on eleven hits. 

Sioux City had five batters on fire tonight with double-digit hits on the night. Rene Tosoni went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI, Noah Perio Jr had three runs along with two hits a double and a stolen base, Ryan Court had a 2 for 3 night at the plate with three runs, an RBI and a double, Tommy Mendonca had two hits, three RBIs and a run score, and X’s catcher Matt Koch had himself a three hit night at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play games two, three and four of the series with Amarillo Friday-Sunday. For 2015 ticket information at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com