712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux City, IA- The Sioux City Explorers continue to improve, getting their third victory in a row with the 9-6 rout over the Sioux Falls Canaries.

Both teams started out the game swinging, with each team scoring a run in the first inning. After two innings of play, the score was tied at 1-1.

In the third inning, Explorers second baseman Noah Perio took the lead for the X’s, smashing a solo home run on a 2-0 count to give Sioux City the 2-1 lead after three innings of play.

Sioux Falls matched Sioux City in the top of the fourth, scoring a run of their own to tie the score at 2-2. Canaries shortstop Jerome Pena led-off the inning with a double and later scored from third, on a sacrifice-fly to right-field by Cameron Monger.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Sioux City went on an offensive scoring spree, plating six runs on three hits and an error. X’s designated hitter Tim Colwell knocked in the first two runs with an RBI double. Michael Lang worked up a bases loaded walk for the third run in the inning. On a base-hit by Noah Perio and an error by the right fielder, the X’s went on to score three more on one play. Perio scored the final run in the inning, crossing home on an RBI double hit by Nate Sampson to Sioux City the 8-2 lead.

Sioux Falls was able to cut the deficit to only two runs, by scoring two in the sixth and seventh innings. Back-to-back groundouts by the Canaries offense scored the runners at third base in the sixth inning. In the seventh, an RBI single by Canaries centerfielder Ethan Chapman knocked in runners at second and third, cutting the deficit to 8-6.

The Explorers added one more run in the contest, in the eighth. Noah Perio led-off the inning with a single and later scored on a Jarek Cunningham RBI double, extending their lead to 9-6.

In the ninth inning, Explorers right-hander Connor Overton (s-1) went 1-2-3 to clinch the victory for Sioux City and get the save. Final score, Explorers 9, Canaries 6 at Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park.

Explorers starter Eric Wordekemper (1-0) received the win on the night, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while recording two strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched. X’s reliever Connor Overton (s-1) got the save for Sioux City.

Right-hander Madison Boer (0-1) was charged with the loss for Sioux Falls, giving up eight runs in only 3.2 innings pitched.

Sioux City will play game two of their three game series vs Sioux Falls tomorrow (May 28^th) at Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park, first pitch – 7:00.

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