Canaries Look to Continue Hot Start in Tonight's "Battle of the Unbeatens"

May 23, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Coming into the season, the Canaries coaching staff knew their pitching crew would be much improved, but it was the offense that stole the show on opening weekend. The Canaries finished an early-season four-game sweep of the Sioux City Explorers, outscoring the X's 29-12, blasting 8 home runs and totaling 13 extra-base hits.

The Canaries are among the league's best in several statistical categories so far this season. The Birds' are fifth in the American Association in team batting average (.279) and third in team ERA (2.75). Infielder Blake Schmit is off to a red-hot start, batting .545 to start the season, good enough for third in the league. David Bergin and Ethan Chapman are tied for the lead in home runs (2), while Bergin also leads the league in RBI (8). Chapman is also tied for the lead in extra base hits (4) and tied for second in total bases (14).

The offensive explosion was more than enough support for the Birds' starters. Misael Siverio pitched 5.1 solid innings on Opening Day in the 3-0 shutout, followed by an 8-inning gem from Shawn Blackwell in the home opener. A much-improved bullpen helped seal the gaps for the starters, holding the X's to just two runs over 10.1 innings of work.

The Canaries are 4-0 for the first time since the 2010 season, when the "Sioux Falls Pheasants" set a franchise record for wins (63) and advanced to the American Association finals.

Sioux Falls fans showed up in bunches on opening weekend with 9,098 fans walking through the gates at The Birdcage. The team enters the first full week of the season averaging 3,033 spectators per game.

The Canaries welcome the St. Paul Saints to town on Monday in the battle of the only two undefeated teams in the American Association. The Saints are coming off of an early-season sweep of their own, sweeping the Gary-Southshore Railcats in their first four games. The Saints outscored the 'Cats 42-21 in the series.

The two offensive powerhouses are set to square off in a three game series at The Birdcage. Monday night is "College Night" and "Money Monday". Bring your active College ID to the Birdcage on Monday night's and admission will be just $5. Fans will also enjoy $1 hot hogs, $1 Coca-Cola products, and discounted beer all game long. For more information about season tickets and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries ticket office at (605) 336-6060 or visitwww.sfcanaries.com.

Sioux Falls Canaries in Front of their Dugout

• Discuss this story on the American Association message board...

American Association Stories from May 23, 2016

• Explorers Fall In Second Home Game Of Season - Sioux City Explorers
• Ibarra Goes Deep Again But T-Bones Clip 'Dogs - Lincoln Saltdogs
• Saints First Loss of the Season for the Birds, Lose 3-2 to Canaries - St. Paul Saints
• Mirowski Named Pitcher of the Week - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
• RedHawks Sign West Fargo's Dahl, Harris - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
• Michael Hur Named Player of the Week - Texas AirHogs
• Canaries Look to Continue Hot Start in Tonight's "Battle of the Unbeatens" - Sioux Falls Canaries
• Hur Named Player of the Week - AA
• Mirowski Named Pitcher of the Week - AA
• Canaries Earn Series Sweep After 6-2 Win on Sunday - Sioux Falls Canaries
• American Association Game Recaps - AA
• Saints Capitalize on Early Miscues and Sweep RailCats - Gary SouthShore Railcats

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Sioux Falls Canaries Stories

• Canaries Release 2024 Schedule
• Manager Mike Meyer, Canaries Agree to Extension
• Meyer Named Manager of the Year
• Canaries' Season Ends in Kansas City
• Birds Drop Postseason Opener