712.277.WINS (9467)

ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE SIOUX CITY JOURNAL

SIOUX FALLS – Cesar Nicolas and Cory Morales combined to drive in 10 runs as the Sioux Falls Pheasants salvaged the final game of an American Association baseball series with the Sioux City Explorers 12-5 here Sunday.

Nicolas, the designated hitter, finished a triple shy of the cycle with three hits in five at-bats. The Pheasants’ cleanup hitter was 3-for-5 with a grand slam home run.

Sioux Falls touched X’s starter Jason Jarvis for six runs and 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings. His replacement, Ty Marotz, didn’t fare much better, allowing five earned runs while walking three in 1 1/3 innings.

The Explorers, who won the first two games of the series and led 5-0 on Saturday when rains halted their home opener, erased deficits of 2-0 and 3-2.

Michael Lang and Kris Sanchez each hit game-tying home runs, Sanchez knotting it at 3-3 before Morales cracked a three-run shot in the sixth.

The Pheasants broke it open with a six-run seventh, capped by the Nicolas grand slam. Sioux Falls collected 16 hits, including three each by Nicolas and Al Quintana.

Sanchez finished 3-for-4 while leadoff hitter Brandon Newton and veteran catcher Ray Serrano chipped in two hits apiece.

Alan DeRatt worked the first five innings before giving way to Rod Scurry, who picked up the win. Jack Van Leur and Cody Evans also saw mound action for the Pheasants.

The Explorers begin a four-game series with Lincoln tonight at 7:05 at Lewis and Clark Park.