712.277.WINS (9467)

Gary Southshore scored quickly to start the Thursday night contest. Cameron Newell led-off the game with a single, moved to second with a Masato Fukae base hit, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a groundout hit to third.

In the bottom of the second inning, Sioux City answered with a couple runs of their own. X’s veterans Tommy Mendonca and Matty Johnson both singled on the inning, with X’s catcher Ralph Henriquez working up a two out walk to load them up. With two outs and the bases loaded, X’s designated hitter Tim Colwell knocked in two runs with an RBI single, giving Sioux City the lead 2-1.

In the top of the fourth, Gary Southshore added two more. Railcats designated hitter Tillman Pugh went deep with a runner on, scoring two and retaking the lead over Sioux City 3-2.

The lead didn’t last long for Gary Southshore, with the X’s scoring two big runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Explorers first baseman Jarek Cunningham led-off the inning with a single, advanced all the way to third on a base hit by Matty Johnson, and scored the tying run on a Ralph Henriquez RBI groundout to second base. The second run scored with another RBI single by Tim Colwell (third of the game) to give them the 4-3 lead after four innings of play.

Explorers offense kept firing on all cylinders, earning two extra-base hits while scoring three runs. X’s shortstop Nate Sampson knocked in the first run with an RBI double. The second and third runs of the inning came off a two-run shot to deep left by Tommy Mendonca, extending Sioux City’s lead 7-3.

Gary Southshore managed to score one more run in the game but it did little damage, with the Explorers going on to win the game by three runs. Explorers finish the series with Gary Southshore by winning the final two games at Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park to even the series at 2-2.

Explorers starter Jordan Risse (1-0) finished his professional debut with a victory, going six innings with three runs allowed (two earned) while recording three strikeouts.

Railcats right-hander Travis McGee (0-2) was charged with the loss on the night, allowing seven runs (six earned) on ten hits and two walks, while striking out four in only 4.2 innings pitched.

 The Sioux City Explorers will start their three game series against The Sioux Falls Canaries, tomorrow at Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park, with a 7:00 game time.  

For 2016 ticket information to Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com