Canaries win exhibition opener
April 28, 2008 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
Mitchell, SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries opened the 2008 Exhibition Season with a 5-3 win over Dakota Wesleyan University at Caldwell Park in Mitchell. Down a run going into the ninth inning, the Canaries rallied to load the bases and score three wins en route to opening with a win.
The Canaries took the lead in the top of the first inning. Kennard Bibbs reached on an error by Tigers first baseman Zack Schmidt. Bibbs advanced to second on Tim Hutting's walk and stole third base before scoring on a sacrifice fly for the 1-0 Canaries lead.
Dave Gassman made his pro debut in the bottom of the first inning facing Mitchell native Scott Schmidt. Gassman missed away with his first pitch, but came back with a pitch in the zone that got Scott Schmidt to fly out to centerfield.
Dakota Wesleyan took the lead in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded and two out, Josh Pritt singled to plate two for a 2-1 lead. Jake Roy followed with a double to bring home the third run of the inning. After two innings, the Tigers led, 3-1.
The Birds got one back in the fifth. Patrick Reilly got his second hit of the night with a lead-off single. Paul Smyth followed with a double to drive in Reilly, pulling the Canaries within one, 3-2.
The Canaries trailed by a run until the top of the ninth. Ben Van Iderstine and Ryan Grant started the inning with back-to-back singles. Alex Bardeguez followed with a bunt looking to advance the runners, but when Tigers pitcher Cory Marek made a fielding error the bases were loaded. Beau Torbert drew a walk to score Van Iderstine and tie the game, 3-3. Reilly followed with a groundout to the first baseman, but Grant scored on the play to give the Canaries a 4-3 lead. The Birds added one final run to their rally when Bardeguez scored on a wild pitch for the 5-3 final.
Pat Mahomes pitched 1.2 innings for the Canaries giving up three runs on three hits. Kevin Cheppenko, Travis Kane, and Kelly Casares each pitched two scoreless innings, while Josh Kite pitched one scoreless inning.
The Canaries will continue the exhibition season on Tuesday night, when they play the Sioux City Explorers at Riverside Park in Yankton.
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