712.277.WINS (9467)

The Sioux City Explorers exploded for nine runs vs the T-Bones in Kansas City while holding them scoreless 9-0 Wednesday night.  

Each team was held scoreless through two innings of play. In the third, X’s shortstop Noah Perio Jr reached base on a one out single to right. Matty Johnson then singled to left to advance Perio to second. With two men on and only one down, right fielder Michael Lang cracked a two run double to centerfield to put the Explorers on board first 2-0. Sioux City scored two more off a two-run smash by Brock Kjeldgaard to right center to put the X’s up four at the end of three. 

The Explorers went on to score one run in the fifth on a lead off solo home run by Michael Lang. In the eighth, Sioux City kept the runs rolling scoring five runs on four hits to extend the lead to 9-0. X’s catcher Matt Koch had a two run RBI single in the inning, Matty Johnson and Noah Perio Jr each had RBI singles in the eighth as well. 

Sioux City pitching was dominant on the night, getting the shutout vs. the T-Bones. X’s starter Patrick Johnson (1-0) had a great outing on the mound getting the win and going six innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out five. Eric Wordekemper made his first appearance in 2015, allowing no hits and one walk in two scoreless innings pitched. In the ninth, left-hander Will White closed out the contest for the X’s to seal the win for Sioux City 9-0. 

An all around commanding performance for the Sioux City Explorers, they finished with nine runs, twelve hits and no errors. Matty Johnson, Michael Lang, Tommy Mendonca, Matt Koch and Noah Perio Jr all finished with double-digit hits. Brock Kjeldgaard and Michael Lang both hit the first two home runs for the Explorers in 2015. 

Each Kansas City pitcher allowed at least one run in the game. Starter Fernando Hernandez (1-1) was charged with the loss giving up five runs in five innings. Relief pitcher’s Jerod Messer and Derek Loera gave up three runs combined in their outings.

The Sioux City Explorer’s will finish the series on Thursday May 28th in Kansas City. The X’s will be back home on Friday the 29th to take on the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am league. For 2015 ticket information at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com