712.277.WINS (9467)

The Explorers out-hit Joplin, eleven hits to nine, but would wind up falling to the blasters 10-8 in game one of their three game series in Joplin. X’s shortstop Noah Perio Jr knocked in four runs and grabbed his fourteenth double of the season in the loss. 

Explorers scored right away plating the first two runs in the top of the first, off a two run double by X’s shortstop Noah Perio Jr. Perio later advanced to third on a base hit by Ryan Court and scored off a 6-3 groundout by Explorer third baseman Matt Koch, to give Sioux City the early 3-0 lead. 

Joplin took the lead in the bottom half of the fourth, with four runs on two hits and an error. Former Explorer Oscar Mesa, knocked in the first run for the Blasters off an RBI single to make it 3-1. Joplin plated three more runs in the inning off an error by the first baseman that scored a runner from third, a walk with the bases loaded that forced a runner home, and a sacrifice fly to center to make it 4-3. 

Joplin scored two more in the fifth, off a two run homer by third baseman Omar Luna. Explorers launched a home run of their own in the sixth, on a Michael Lang solo shot to cut the lead 6-4 after five and a half. 

In the bottom half of the sixth, Joplin put up four runs to give them ten on the night. In the inning, back-to-back singles by Blasters first and second baseman Mitch Glasser and Carlos Ramirez plated three runs, and then a sac-fly RBI by designated hitter Jack Taylor gave them their tenth run in the contest. 

Sioux City went on to make a game of it in the ninth, former East High Raider Austin Stubbs smacked a two run single to cut the deficit, and X’s shortstop Noah Perio Jr sent home two more for Sioux City off a base hit of his own, but the Explorers would wind up falling to the Blasters 10-8 in Joplin. 

Explorers starter Eric Wordekemper (3-1) was charged with his first loss of the season going two innings, allowing four runs off two hits, four walks and two strikeouts. Jimmer Kennedy, David Herndon and Anthony Ferrara pitched a combined six innings in relief to the X’s. 

Right-hander Jorge Martinez (6-2) received the win for Joplin, allowing four runs (two earned), on five hits and two walks in six solid innings pitched. Lefty Gabe Aguilar closed it out for Joplin, getting his first save of the season. 

Michael Lang and Noah Perio Jr were the hot hitters on the night for Sioux City. Lang had himself a 3 for 5 night, along with two runs, an RBI and a home run. Explorers shortstop Noah Perio Jr had two hits, a double, four RBI’s and a run scored to continue whats been a great July for the infielder. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play game two of their three game series vs Joplin tomorrow at 6:35. For 2015 ticket information at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com