712.277.WINS (9467)

The Sioux City Explorers extended their win streak to five games, off three RBI nights by Matty Johnson and Rene Tosoni in the 9-4 win over Grand Prairie at Lewis and Clark Park. 

The Explorers put a run on the board first, in the bottom of the second. X’s designated hitter Brock Kjeldgaard singled to lead-off the inning, moved to second and third off a wild pitch, and scored off an RBI single by Noah Perio Jr to give them the early 1-0 lead.

Grand Prairie matched Sioux City’s run in the top half of the fifth off an error by the shortstop that scored a runner from second. In the bottom half, Matty Johnson un-loaded on a 2-1 pitch hitting a two-run home run to take the lead back 3-1. 

In the top of the sixth, the AirHogs tied it 3-3 with a Ridge Hoopi-Haslam solo homer to lead of the top half, and a Jamodrick McGruder RBI single later in the inning. 

In the bottom half of the sixth, Sioux City went on a scoring spree plating six runs on five big hits. Explorers scored the first two runs off a sac-fly RBI and sacrifice bunt scoring runners from third. Matty Johnson continued his hot night knocking in Mendonca with an RBI triple for the third run, and Rene Tosoni sending three runners home with a bomb over the right field wall to give the X’s nine runs. 

In the ninth, designated hitter Jamodrick McGruder led-off the inning with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored the fourth and final run for the AirHogs off a Zane Chavez base-hit. 

Explorers starter Jeff Marquez (6-5) got the no decision going 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, five walks and a strikeout. Right-hander Rob Wort (5-3) received the win pitching in relief in the sixth inning. Grand Prairie’s starting pitcher TJ Bozeman (2-8) was charged with the loss giving up seven runs (six earned) in 5.2 innings. 

Sioux City had three batters finish the night with double-digit hits. X’s lead-off man Matty Johnson went 2 for 5 with three RBIs, a home run, triple and two runs scored. Designated-hitter Brock Kjeldgaard had three hits and a run scored, and Noah Perio Jr had a three hit night alongside a run scored and an RBI. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play game two of their three game series vs Grand Prairie tomorrow, first pitch 6:05 at Lewis and Clark Park. For additional information, please call 712-277-WINS (9467) or email [email protected]