712.277.WINS (9467)

Sioux City, IA- The Sioux City Explorers continued their hot streak against the Lincoln Saltdogs, racking up seven runs on the day, while pitching continued to be solid with only two runs allowed.

Sioux City jumped to an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second. X’s third baseman Josh Vitters knocked in the first runs with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. With the bases-loaded and one out, Michael Lang plated a couple with a two-run single. On the next at-bat, Jayce Ray scored the runner from third with an RBI single.

The Saldogs recorded their first runs in the seventh inning. Trever Adams reached first on a hit-by-pitch, and scored on the next at-bat with a Randolph Oduber two-run homer to cut the lead in half (4-2).

The Explorers added three more runs in the eighth inning. Jayce Ray led-odd the inning with a single, advanced to second with a stolen base, moved to third on a base-hit single by LeVon Washington, and scored off an RBI single by John Nogowski for their fifth run. Later in the inning, Nick Flair ripped an RBI double, scoring the runners at second and third, giving them the final score of 7-2.

Explorers starter Hobbs Johnson (1-0) had a stellar performance on the mound, pitching six scoreless innings, while recording seven strikeouts.

Saltdogs right-hander Seth Webster (0-1) was charged with the loss, allowing four runs, on seven hits and a walk in six innings pitched.

For 2017 ticket information to Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park, call (712) 277-WINS or visit the X’s website at www.xsbaseball.com