712.277.WINS (9467)

McCall Drives in Four, Combined Effort for Shutout 

Milwaukee, WI  - The Explorers were looking for the series win which had eluded them on the nine game road trip, till Sunday where the X’s shut out the Milwaukee Milkmen 5-0 to pull back within .500 at 27-27. 

Dexture McCall lead the way for the X’s offensively with a 2-4 day and 4 RBI’s. McCall broke the game open for Sioux City in the sixth with a three run home run with two outs in the inning. Expanding the X’s 1-0 lead to 4-0. McCall also added an insurance run in the eighth with a bloop single to right field scoring Michael Lang making it 5-0 Sioux City. 

Sebastian Zawada initially got the scoring started for Sioux City with his seventh home run of the year. The solo blast in the sixth inning put the Explorers in front 1-0 in what was a pitchers duel. 

Carlos Sierra (3-0) got the start today for the Explorers. Working on just three days rest earned the win tossing five shut out innings, allowing only two hits and two walks, while striking out four. Sierra now in his four starts since joining the rotation has an ERA of 1.27. 

TJ House (7-3) started for Milwaukee opposite Sierra and was good through the first four innings allowing just two hits but the X’s bats eventually got to him. House ended up tossing six innings giving up four runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks. A much better performance for the Sioux City offense after the last time they faced House he tossed a complete game. 

Sioux City then turned to a well rested bullpen. Nathan Gercken tossed two scoreless innings. Ryan Flores with a scoreless eighth and Matt Pobereyko tossed a perfect ninth inning in a non save situation. 

In the final 18 innings of the series the X’s pitching staff between the shut out on Sunday and Karch’s complete game on Saturday allowed just a single run to the Milkmen offense. 

Sioux City wraps up their longest road trip of the season, nine games, with a 4-5 record and now turn their attention back homeward to begin a home stand of 12 games in 15 days.

The home stand begins on Monday at MercyOne Field at Lewis and Clark Park with a three game series against the Chicago Dogs who have won nine games in a row. First pitch is set for 7:12 pm.