Canaries scratch across only one run in loss

Published on June 24, 2008 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release

Sioux Falls, SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries (27-16) will have the opportunity to clinch the North Division Championship on Wednesday with a win over the Sioux City Explorers (20-25) and a loss by the St. Paul Saints (23-20). The Canaries opportunity comes despite a 3-1 loss to the Explorers, and thanks to the Lincoln Saltdogs beating the Saints, 4-3.

The Canaries jumped out to an early lead on Tuesday night, when Josh Patton hit his second homer in as many days. Patton's second-inning blast was his seventh of the season, and gave Sioux Falls an early 1-0 lead.

The Explorers answered back in the fourth inning with two of their own. Chris Grossman got on base with a one-out single. Grossman advanced to second when Kennard Bibbs caught a ball in foul territory, but threw the ball back into the infield after his momentum had carried him out of bounds. After Grossman advanced on the Bibbs error, Chad Gabriel tripled to right field to score Grossman. Gabriel scored on a wild pitch, and at the mid-point of the fourth, the Canaries trailed 2-1.

Sioux City secured the win with a run in the top of the seventh. Anton French led off the inning with a triple to right field, and later scored on a misplayed sacrifice fly Chad Gabriel. French's run gave the Explorers the 3-1 final.

Lenny Bays (1-2) took the loss for the Canaries while Paige Dumont (2-1) won for Sioux City and Brett Reid picked up his ninth save of the season.

The Canaries and Explorers wrap-up the three-game series with a 12:05 p.m. game at the Birdcage on Wednesday. A Canaries win in the game, and a loss by the Saints in their 1:05 p.m. game with the Lincoln Saltdogs would make the Canaries the North Division Champions in the first half of 2008. The Canaries will broadcast the conclusion of the Saints game at Sioux Falls Stadium following the completion of their game with the Explorers on Wednesday.

American Association Stories from June 24, 2008

• AA League recap June 24 - AA
• The Pelicans sneak by El Paso 10-9 - El Paso Diablos
• Canaries scratch across only one run in loss - Sioux Falls Canaries
• Cats can't hold on to late lead - Fort Worth Cats
• Saints Bats Wake Up in Ninth, but Fall Short 4-3 - St. Paul Saints
• Saltdogs silence Saints' bats - Lincoln Saltdogs
• Saltdogs silence Saints' bats - Lincoln Saltdogs
• 'Hogs outswing Cats - Grand Prairie AirHogs
• Who's superior now? X's 3, Canaries 1 - Sioux City Explorers
• Sports shut down Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
• Major Concert Rapidly Approaching - Sioux Falls Canaries
• AirHogs To Host Military Appreciation Night - Grand Prairie AirHogs
• Best High School Players in the Area to Play One Final Game at Midway Stadium - St. Paul Saints
• Llanos, Dechristofaro Take Home League Honors - AA

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