712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux Falls, SD- The Sioux City Explorers homered three times in tonight’s contest but unfortunately, all three home runs were solo-shots. Canaries go on to win their home opener, 10-4 in Sioux Falls.

Sioux City was the first to cross home plate to start the 2016 campaign at The Birdcage in Sioux Falls. X’s right fielder Michael Lang reached base off an error by the shortstop, advanced to second with a stolen base and later scored on an RBI single by the former Cincinnati Red, Derrick Robinson.

Explorers extended their lead in the top half of the second, with a Tommy Mendonca lead-off home run, increasing the lead to 2-0.

Sioux Falls cut the lead to a lone run in the third inning. Canaries centerfielder Ethan Chapman homered on a 1-2 pitch to start off the bottom half of the inning.

2015 American Association All-Star Noah Perio, answered with a solo-shot off his own in the fourth inning, putting the X’s back up 3-1.

Two home runs in the bottom of the fourth tied it for Sioux Falls. Canaries first baseman David Bergin and left-fielder Cameron Monger each homered, making it an even ball game once again.

Sioux Falls went on to take the lead an inning later, with a three-run blast by David Bergin (second HR of the game), giving them a three run lead after five innings of play.

The Canaries continued to put up runs, scoring three in the sixth, and one in eighth inning, to give them an even ten runs in the contest.

Veteran Explorer Nate Sampson was able to tack on one more run for Sioux City. The X’s shortstop belted a solo home run (3^rd HR of the game for X’s) in the seventh inning, giving them their fourth run of the game. Final score, Canaries 10, Explorers 4.

Sioux Falls right-hander Shawn Blackwell (1-0) received the win, going eight solid innings, with four runs allowed (three earned) on six hits while recording two strikeouts.

Starting right-hander Cody Forsythe (0-1) was charged with the loss for Sioux City, allowing seven runs in 5.1 innings pitched.

The Explorers and Canaries will battle in game three of their four game series, tomorrow at 6:05 in Sioux Falls. 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