X’S SWEEP MONARCHS IN PITCHERS DUEL
Patrick Ledet’s Nine Strikeouts
By: Will Glocker
Sioux City, Iowa (June 16th, 2022) – The Sioux City Explorers completed the three game sweep of the Kansas City Monarchs with a 2-1 victory.
The Explorers struck first in the scoring column in the second. Nate Samson started the inning with a an infield single and stole second. Blake Tiberi brought him home with a two out single to make it 1-0 Sioux City.
The Monarchs struck back and tied the game in the fifth. Pete Kozma lead off the inning with a double and later scored on a sac fly form Joel Booker tying it 1-1.
Patrick Ledet (2-0) carried the Explorers for seven innings as he allowed one run while scattering three hits and three walks to earn the win. He struck out a season high nine.
On the other side for Kansas City, Matt Hartman (0-2) took the tough luck loss as he pitched six innings giving up two runs on six hits. He fanned five batters and gave up no walks.
In the seventh inning the Explorers took advantage on a Monarch mistake to score the go ahead run. Samson reached on another lead off single followed by a bunt single by Gabe Snyder. A base hit by Trey Martin advanced the runners but was compounded by a throwing error from the Kansas City centerfielder allowing Samson to score giving Sioux City a 2-1 lead.
After a scoreless eighth from Nate Gercken, Max Kuhns came into pitch in the ninth and picked up the save (1) by striking out the side in order to finish off the victory.
The three game sweep is the first time Kansas City has been swept in the 2022 season.
The Explorers will begin a three game series against the Cleburne Railroaders at 7:05 p.m. on Friday. Starting for the X’s will be left hander Tom Windle (0-0, 4.00). The Railroaders send out right hander Trevor Simms (0-4, 5.19).