712.277.WINS (9467)

The Sioux City Explorers allowed six big runs in the first two innings, but did not allow another run to score in the game while scoring eight of their own to get the victory. 

Grand Prairie started the scoring early, plating two runs in the first and four in the second to take the quick 6-0 lead after two innings. AirHogs designated hitter Victor Diaz knocked in five of the six runs scored off of two huge doubles 

Explorers answered with three runs of their own in the third and fourth innings. X’s plated two in the third off an RBI single by Rene Tosoni and a sac-fly RBI by Brock Kjeldgaard. In the third inning, X’s second baseman reached base on balls, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored off a Tommy Mendonca base hit, cutting the deficit to 6-3. 

In the sixth, Sioux City cut the lead to two runs. X’s second baseman Ryan Court smashed a (1-2) pitch deep, making it 6-4 at QuikTrip Park. 

Sioux City kept fighting, scoring two more runs in the seventh inning to tie it at 6-6. X’s right fielder Michael Lang doubled and scored from second off a Rene Tosoni RBI single to cut the lead to one. Rene Tosoni later advanced to second with a stolen base and scored the tying run on an RBI double by Brock Kjeldgaard. 

In the ninth, the Explorers took the lead for the first time in the game. X’s scored two unearned  runs off an error by the first baseman and an error by the right-fielder on the same at-bat, giving Sioux City the 8-6 lead.

X’s right-hander Jose Flores (s-21) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to get the save and seal the win for Sioux City 8-6. Explorers starter Brandon Stennis (1-0) finished with a no decision but struggled on the mound, allowing six runs in 1.2 innings. X’s reliever Rob Wort (11-3) received the win, striking out two in 1.1 innings pitched. 

AirHogs starting pitcher Zachary Dando (4-8) went six innings with four runs allowed on the no decision. Grand Prairie right-hander Jason Jarvis (1-4) was charged with the loss, giving up two runs in two innings pitched. 

X’s big-hitters on the night were first and second basemen Rene Tosoni and Ryan Court. Tosoni finished with two hits, two RBIs a stolen base and a run scored. Court went 2 for 4 with an RBI, home run and two runs. 

The Sioux City Explorers will play game two of their four game series vs Grand Prairie tomorrow, first pitch-7:05. For additional information, please call 712-277-WINS (9467) or email [email protected]