AirHogs Rally Late But Can't Close Gap vs. X's
August 3, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Texas AirHogs rallied in the ninth but ultimately fell to the Sioux City Explorers 3-2 at AirHogs Stadium Friday.
Gan Quan got the start for Texas and put together one of his best outings of the year. He went six innings, holding the X's, who checked into play today hitting .306 as a team, to just one run. He struck out four and walked three while scattering six hits in a no-decision.
Taylor Jordan (10-2) opposed him and allowed one run while pitching into the eighth. The AirHogs got to him for a run in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 1-1 when Yang Jin grounded out to score Luo Jinjun.
The X's got to Qi Xin (0-1) for a pair of unearned runs in the eighth after an early AirHogs error opened the door for them to take the lead. Du Xiaolei picked up an RBI single in the ninth, but Texas ultimately left two aboard against Eric Karch, who earned his 18th save, to end the game.
Du finished with three hits to lead the AirHogs. Luo and Chen Chen each finished with two. The X's were paced by Luis Durango, who finished 3 for 4 with a run scored.
The game represents a turning point in the AirHogs season. Manager John McLaren and the Chinese national baseball program are set to compete in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. The skipper and many of the current members of the AirHogs who represent China will make the trip to the prestigious international event this weekend.
A fresh group of players from the Chinese national baseball program will join the AirHogs beginning tomorrow, when third base coach Garth Iorg will become Texas's acting manager.
The AirHogs (19-51) continue the series vs. the Explorers (54-17) Saturday at 7:05. RHP James Dykstra (6-2, 3.95 ERA) is expected to start for Sioux City. The starter for Texas is TBA. A live broadcast of the game will be available at mixlr.com/TXAirHogs and americanassociationbaseball.tv.
The Texas AirHogs - powered by Beijing Shougang Eagles remain at home through August 5. Tickets for all home games are available. Visit AirHogsBaseball.com for more information. For the latest news, follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @TXAirHogs.
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