712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux City, IA- The Sioux City Explorers offense was firing on all cylinders, but pitching struggled. Explorers fall to Gary Southshore with a 6-3 score, in the second home game of the season.

The Explorers offense started hot early, with Derrick Robinson ripping a lead-off double to start the first inning. X’s centerfielder Matty Johnson then laid down a sac-bunt, moving Robinson to third, allowing him to score easily off a Michael Lang single on the next at-bat.

Gary-Southshore did answer in the second inning, plating two runs to give them the early 2-1 lead. The Railcats first run crossed on a 6-4-3 double play, with Sioux City choosing to do for the quick two outs, instead of trying for the out at home. Elbert Devarie knocked in the second run with a ground-rule-double.

In the bottom half of the third, Derrick Robinson led-off the inning with a single, advanced to second with a stolen base, moved to third on a groundout and scored off a Charle Rosario balk, tying the game 2-2.

Sioux City tacked on another run in the fifth inning, giving the squad a 3-2 lead after five innings of play. X’s right-fielder Michael Lang pierced a two-out double and advanced to third on an error by the shortstop, putting him 90 feet away from home plate. Noah Perio singled on the next at-bat, scoring Lang from third and giving Sioux City the lead once again.

Back-to-back doubles by the Railcats offense in the seventh, scored four lethal runs for Gary Southshore. Jeremy Hamilton had a bases-clearing double for the first three runs in the inning. Hamilton scored from second off a Jose Sermo RBI double, giving Gary Southshore the 6-3 lead, which would go on to be the final score of the game.

Starting pitcher for the Railcats, Charle Rosario (1-1) got the win, going six innings with three runs allowed (two earned). Right-hander Taylor Black (s-1) received the save on the night, allowing one hit in the ninth inning and no runs allowed.

Explorers starter Graham Johnson (0-0) had a no decision in the contest, allowing two runs in five innings and three strikeouts. Left-handed reliever Nick Lomascolo (0-1) was charged with the loss, giving up two runs on one hit and two walks while recording two strikeouts in 1.1 innings pitched.

The Explorers will play game two of their three game series vs Gary Southshore, tomorrow at 11:05.

For 2016 ticket information to Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com