Comeback Bid in Ninth Falls Short

July 1, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release

Sioux City, IA - The Sioux City Explorers had the tying run at third base in the ninth inning but couldn't finish off the ninth inning rally as the Houston Apollos picked up their first win over Sioux City this year 4-3.

The X's jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first as LT Tolbert collected the first of his four hits in the game to lead off the inning and scored on a Nate Samson base hit.

After the top of the third that saw Houston take a 2-1 lead, Sioux City quickly tied the game up again in the bottom half of the inning. Tolbert again scored thanks to Samson, as it was a sacrifice fly out to center field that tied the game at two, however the X's left the go ahead run at third.

Jonah Smith made his first professional start taking a no decision as he allowed two runs in four innings, giving up five hits while striking out five and walking one.

Houston took the lead for good in the fifth inning as Blake Berry crushed a two run homer to right to give the Apollos a 4-2 lead.

The home run came off of Explorers reliever Luke Jaksich (0-1) who was saddled with the loss as he allowed those two runs on three hits in an inning of work.

The following bottom of the fifth was a golden opportunity for the Explorers to score the tying runs as they loaded the bases with nobody out. But Houston got out of the inning and left all three Explorers on base as a couple of fly balls to right field and a strikeout ended the threat.

Getting the Apollos out of the jam and earning the win was Pierce Smith (2-1) as he tossed a perfect 1.2 innings striking out and walking one.

Sioux City's bullpen was once again fantastic from the sixth inning on. Matt Quintana, Danny Hrbek, Brandon Brosher and Jose Velez all combined to throw four perfect innings while striking out nine.

In the ninth Sioux City once again had a chance to tie the game as LT Tolbert singled and Chase Harris doubled with two outs in the ninth. A balk from Ryan Richardson scored Tolbert from third, but The X's were unable to bring Harris as Richardson earned his fourth save of the season with a strikeout of Jose Sermo.

Sioux City had nine hits in the ball game, however, seven of those came from LT Tolbert and Chase Harris.

Houston and Sioux City will face off in the rubber game of the series on Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. Southpaw Brett Adcock (1-4, 4.80) will be on the bump for the X's and left Yosmel Naranjo (0-6, 10.12) will be on the other side for Houston.

American Association Stories from July 1, 2021

• Cougars Win Late in Series Finale - Gary SouthShore Railcats
• X's Take Rubber Game to Start July with Win - Sioux City Explorers
• American Association Game Recaps - AA
• 'Dogs Rally to Beat Railroaders - Lincoln Saltdogs
• Lincoln Rallies Past Cleburne to Take Series Finale - Cleburne Railroaders
• RedHawks Overcome Deficit to Defeat Goldeyes - Winnipeg Goldeyes
• Hawks Erase 5-Run Deficit to Grab Series Win - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
• Rain Goes Away But Roster Remains Fluid - Kansas City Monarchs
• Pobereyko Named Pitcher of the Month - Sioux City Explorers
• Bullpen Dazzles as Cleburne Battles Past Saltdogs - Cleburne Railroaders
• American Association Game Recaps - AA
• RailCats Muzzle Cougars in 4-1 Trouncing - Gary SouthShore Railcats
• 'Dogs Strand 11 in Loss to Cleburne - Lincoln Saltdogs
• Goldeyes Beat RedHawks - Winnipeg Goldeyes
• Comeback Bid in Ninth Falls Short - Sioux City Explorers
• Winnipeg Flips Script on RedHawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Sioux City Explorers Stories

• Explorers Catch Goldeyes in Extras
• Explorers Mid-Week Fun Returns
• Explorers Drop Series Finale
• Goldeyes Walk-off Explorers in Extras
• Sioux City Wins Series Opener North of the Border