712.277.WINS (9467)

Patrick Johnson had an astounding night on the mound for Sioux City, not allowing a base runner until the seventh inning, in the 6-1 win over the Saltdogs at Lewis and Clark Park. Johnson improved his record to 8-0 on the season along side a 2.03 earned run average. 

The Explorers plated some quick runs in the bottom of the first. Matty Johnson led-off the inning with a walk, moved to third on a Michael Lang base hit, and scored on a sac-fly RBI by Rene Tosoni to give the X’s their first run of the game. Michael Lang went on to score in the inning as well, giving Sioux City the 2-0 lead after one. 

Sioux City tacked on another in the fourth, Noah Perio reached base on an error to lead-off the inning. He later scored from third base off an RBI single by X’s left fielder Tim Colwell to extend the lead to 3-0. 

In the fifth inning, Rene Tosoni reached first off a fielders choice, moved to second due to an error by the third baseman, and scored on a Noah Perio RBI double to give Sioux City four runs in the game. 

The Saltdogs did not get there first run or base runner until the seventh inning. Saltdogs third baseman Eddie Young worked up a one out walk, and Lincoln catcher Mitch Canham broke up X’s starter Patrick Johnson’s no hitter with a one out single. Lincoln scored their first run of the game later in the inning, off a sac-fly RBI by Saltdog first baseman Jeremy Hamilton scoring Young from third base. 

The Explorers answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the seventh, to make it 6-1 after seven innings of play. Left-hander Anthony Ferrera closed it out in the ninth for the X’s, going 1-2-3 to end the game.

Explorers starter Patrick Johnson (8-0) had another fabulous night on the mound, not allowing a base-runner until the seventh inning. The right-hander went 6.1 innings, allowing one run on one hit, two walks with six strikeouts. Right-hander Jesse Smith (2-4) was charged with the loss for Lincoln, giving up four runs (two earned) in six innings pitched. 

Explorers left-fielder Tim Colwell had the hot-bat on the night, going 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Michael Lang had himself another great night on the base paths, stealing two bases and also crossing home twice. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play the third and final game of the series vs Lincoln on Wednesday (22nd) at Lewis and Clark Park, first pitch 7:05. For additional information, please call 712-277-WINS (9467) or email [email protected]