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Blacksnakes Shutout for First Time Ever

June 2, 2006 - American Association (AA)
St. Joseph Blacksnakes News Release

St. Joseph, MO-It was a pitchers' duel in Sioux City to open a three-game series, but the Explorers plated the game's only runs in a 3-0 loss. St Joe (5-16) has their losing streak extend to 10 games while Sioux City (11-10) has taken the first five between the two teams this year.

Blacksnakes starter Evan Thomas (1-3) was strong, but one mistake was enough for the loss because the Explorers' Tom Lipari (3-1) was equally good.

The only scoring threat for either side early in the game was when St Joe put runners at first and second with one out in the third. But Jimmy Mojica grounded into a double play to end the rally.

The next decent scoring chance for both teams came in the seventh. With two outs, St Joe's Ben Thomas singled, stole second and advanced to third on second baseman Julius Thames' catching error. But the 'Snakes could not get him home.

Sioux did not put two runners on at one time against Thomas until the seventh. With a runner at second and two out, pinch hitter Ryan Ruiz was walked intentionally. Robert Mendoza followed with a three-run home run to left field. Mendoza's third home run of the year would score the game's only runs. St. Joe would get a pair on in the ninth to bring up the tying run, but closer Sean Kramer closed it out for Sioux City.

Scooter Jordan had one of St Joe's four hits to extend his streak to reaching base safely to 20 games.

The two teams continue the series Saturday night in Sioux City.at 7:05pm. Mark Nussbeck (0-1)-activated from the disabled list Friday-starts against JD Scholten (2-1) for the Explorers. Listen live to the game at www.stjoeblacksnakes.com beginning with the Heartland Health Pre-Game Show at 6:45pm from Lewis & Clark Park.

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