712.277.WINS (9467)

SIOUX CITY, IA -Explorers pitching shined in game one of the semifinals vs St. Paul, allowing only one earned run in the contest to help get the 3-2 victory over the Saints. X’s right-hander Rob Wort pitched three clutch innings without allowing a run while striking out five batters. 

St. Paul scored the first run quickly in the first inning. The Saints loaded them up on two singles and an error, putting them in position to later score Ryan Cavan from third base off an Angelo Songco fielders choice. 

Explorers answered in the bottom of the second. X’s shortstop Noah Perio reached first on an error by the first baseman and scored on a Tommy Mendonca RBI double (first hit of the game for Sioux City) to tie it at 1-1 a piece after two innings of play. 

In the top half of the third, Saints first baseman Angelo Songco took back the lead for St. Paul, hitting a solo-shot to right field, giving them the 2-1 tilt. 

Sioux City loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the third inning off two walks and a single. X’s shortstop Noah Perio took advantage of the runners in scoring position, ripping a two out double down the right-field line to score two runs and take the lead 3-2 after three innings. 

Neither team scored again through eight innings. In the top of the ninth inning, tying run at second base and two outs, X’s closer Jose Flores struck out Ryan Lashley to seal the victory for Sioux City, winning 3-2 in game one of the semifinals. 

Explorers starter Ryan Zimmerman received the win, going 5.2 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) while recording six strikeouts. St. Paul starting pitcher Kramer Sneed was charged with the loss going eight innings with three runs allowed (two earned) and thirteen strikeouts (season high). 

The Sioux City Explorers will play game two of the semifinals vs St. Paul tomorrow at Lewis and Clark Park, first pitch-7:05. Reserve your tickets now by stopping down to the stadium box office located at Lewis & Clark Park (3400 Line Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106) or by ordering online at www.xsbaseball.com or by phone at 712-277-WINS (9467).