712.277.WINS (9467)

The Sioux City Explorers went back to their winning ways Monday night at Lewis and Clark Park, getting the 7-3 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs. Explorers second baseman Ryan Court got things going early, knocking in two quick runs in the second, off a no out, two run double. 

Ryan Court went on to score the third run of the second inning, off a Tommy Mendonca RBI single to give the X’s the early 3-0 lead after two innings. Lincoln scored two runs in the fourth and fifth innings, on a Mitch Canham solo home run and a sac-fly RBI by Steve Tinoco to cut the lead 3-2. 

The Explorers answered in the bottom half of the fifth, plating three runs off two hits. Explorers designated hitter Brock Kjeldgaard ripped a two run single scoring runners from second and third to extend it by two, and then a Ryan Court sacrifice fly to center that scored a tagging Tosoni from third would give the Explorers the 6-2 lead after five. 

Sioux City scored one more in the seventh, with a Brock Kjeldgaard unearned run to give them seven runs total. The Saltdogs managed one more run of their own in the eighth, off an RBI single by Saltdog catcher Mitch Canham to make it 7-3, which would go on to be the final score of the contest. 

Explorers starter Jeff Marquez (6-5) got the win for Sioux City, going 7.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, two walks with four strikeouts. Saltdogs right-hander Shairon Martis (4-2) was charged with the loss for Lincoln allowing seven runs in eight innings. 

Explorers big hitters were Brock Kjeldgaard, Ryan Court and Noah Perio Jr. Kjeldgaard had a great night at the plate since his return from the Pan Am games, going 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs. X’s middle infielders Ryan Court and Noah Perio Jr compiled three hits alongside four RBIs and two runs scored in the 7-3 victory. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play games two and three vs the Saltdogs Tuesday (July 21st) and Wednesday (22nd) at Lewis and Clark Park, first pitch 7:05. For additional information, please call 712-277-WINS (9467) or email [email protected]