Canaries Fly Past AirHogs in Series Opener
June 29, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Texas AirHogs stayed close most of the way but ultimately fell to the Sioux Falls Canaries 6-3 in the series opener at AirHogs Stadium Friday evening. Casio Grider finished the game with three hits, including a three-run homer, and now has eight RBIs over the last four games.
Tyler Matzek (0-5) got the start for Texas and went a season-high seven innings. He struck out a season-best eight and held the Canaries scoreless for the six of his seven frames. Unfortunately, in the top half of the fifth, Sioux Falls got to him for all four runs (four earned) and five hits he surrendered to take a 4-0 lead.
Grider drilled a three-run homer off Canaries starter Kevin Folman in the bottom of the fifth to get the AirHogs back within 4-3, but Texas could get no closer. The AirHogs stranded ten baserunners in the game, including two in scoring position in the fourth and two in scoring position in the seventh after hitting into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.
After Zheng Chaoqun posted a scoreless eighth, the Canaries got to relief man Taylor Wright for three hits and a pair of runs to seal the win in the ninth. Sioux Falls was led by Dan Motl, who finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
Folman (2-1) picked up his second win of the week vs. the AirHogs by going six and scattering nine hits and three runs (three earned). Trevor Jaunich picked up his first save of the season by pitching three scoreless innings to close the game.
Texas (8-29) hosts Sioux Falls (15-23) again tomorrow at 7:05. RHP Gan Quan (0-4, 4.89 ERA) is expected to start for the AirHogs. LHP Cesilio Pimentel (1-1, 1.67 ERA) will start for the Canaries. A live broadcast of the game will be available at mixlr.com/TXAirHogs and americanassociationbaseball.tv.
The AirHogs - powered by Beijing Shougang Eagles play eight games at home from June 29-July 7. 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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