712.277.WINS (9467)

The Explorers offense was powerful early on, scoring the first run of the game in the second inning. X's first baseman Jarek Cunningham belted his first homerun of the season  on a solo-shot to deep right, giving Sioux City the early 1-0 lead.

In the third inning, Explorers tacked on another run. After two quick outs to start the inning, Derrick Robinson battled, ripping a double down the right field corner to keep the X's alive. On the next at bat,  Explorers right-fielder  Michael Lang knocked in the second run for Sioux City, scoring Robinson from second with an RBI single.

Sioux Falls did not get a hit until the bottom of the fifth inning. In the fifth,  Frank Martinez gave the Canaries their first hit of the game with a one-out-double.  Ozney Guillen  singled on the next at bat, advancing Martinez to third and putting runners at first and second with one out. A sac-fly  RBI by Cameron Garfiled scored Martinez from third.  Later in the inning, a bases loaded hit-by-pitch scored the game tying run for Sioux Falls.

Canaries took the lead in the seventh inning. Cameron Garfield reach first with a single, advanced to second with a stolen base,  moved to third off a Blake Schmit single and scored on a wild pitch. After seven innings, Canaries 3, Explorers 2.

Sioux Falls added three more runs  in the eighth inning.  Canaries second baseman Frank Martinez hit a three run homerun down the right-field line,  flying just passed fair side of the foul pole to give Sioux Falls a 6-2 lead, which would go on to be the final score.

Canaries left-hander Joe Bircher (0-0) wound up with a no decision , allowing two runs on four hits, one walk and five strikeouts  in six innings.  Lefty-reliever Josh Ferrel l  (1-0) received the win for Sioux Falls.

Eric Wordekemper (0-0) was the starting pitcher for  the Explorers,  surrendering three runs (two earned) with only three hits allowed in five innings pitched. Wordekemper did not give up a hit until the fifth inning.  X's right-hander Trevor Bayless (0-1) was charged with the loss allowing four runs in 2.1 innings.

The Sioux City Explorers will kickoff their seven game home-stand tomorrow at Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park. They'll play game one of their three game series vs. Gary Southshore tomorrow night at Lewis and Clark Park, first pitch - 7:05.