712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux City, IA-One of the Explorers top relief pitchers, Rob Wort (pictured), had his contract purchased today by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wort will report to the Diamondbacks short-season team in Hillsboro, Oregon. The Hillsboro Hops play in the Northwest League. Wort is the second Sioux City player picked up by Arizona this season, joining former X’s shortstop Nate Samson.

In 24 appearances, Wort has helped bolster the third-best pitching staff in the American Association with a 2-1 record and a 0.97 ERA. The 25-year-old St. Charles, Missouri native has struck out 58 batters in 37 innings. He has given up 24 hits and walked just 14. Wort has also posted one save. He has allowed just one earned run in his last 22 appearances. At one point, Wort pitched 23-and-two-thirds scoreless innings. Opponents are hitting just .180 against him this season.

Wort was originally drafted in the 30^th round by the Washington Nationals in 2009 out of Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri. The 6-2, 170 pound right-hander is in his 6^th professional season, and spent the 2013 season between the double-A Harrisburg Senators and the high-A Potomac Nationals. Wort has also pitched for the Hagerstown Suns.          

Sioux City continues its seven-game road trip tonight in Gary, Indiana with the series opener against the RailCats. First pitch is set for 7:10. Following the series at Gary, the Explorers return home to face Lincoln for four on Thursday, August 14th. For ticket information and promotion specials at Lewis & Clark Park, call 712-277-WINS or visit the Explorers website at www.xsbaseball.com.