Explorers Clinch First I-29 Series
May 25, 2005 - Northern League (NL)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
Sioux Falls, S.D. â What began as a battle of confident, poised and experienced pitchers turned into another slugfest late as the Sioux City Explorers used a four-run eighth to defeat the Sioux Falls Canaries 11-8 Wednesday night at the Birdcage.
The Canaries trailed early after a first-inning solo homerun from Dan Meier, his fourth of the series. Sioux City then added another run in the third inning as Meier tripled in his second at-bat and Marcel Longmire hit a sacrifice fly to shallow right field that allowed Meier to score after right-fielder Alex Llanos and second baseman Kyle Kmiecik collided. Kmiecik stayed in the game, but Llanos would leave an inning later with an unspecified injury to his right leg.
Another X's run scored in the fourth off of the only Canaries error of the game, a grounder through third baseman John Ballon to make it 3-0.
Canary slugger Juan Thomas started the Sioux Falls scoring the last of the fourth inning with a mammoth solo homerun to right-center, hitting halfway up the scoreboard over the 410 mark to make it 3-1.
The two teams traded two runs in the sixth inning as Justin Turner blasted a two-run homer in the top half and Juan Thomas belted an opposite-field two-run shot in the bottom half, making the score 5-3.
A seventh-inning Chris Grossman two-run single gave the X's a 7-3 lead until the Birds awoke in the bottom of the inning with five runs. A two-run homer from Josh Allan tied the game at seven and Edgard Clemente's first hit of the series, a RBI double off of the centerfield wall, gave the Canaries the 8-7 advantage.
Unfortunately for the Birds, the bullpen faltered again, allowing a four-run eighth inning for Sioux City to end the scoring at 11-8.
The Canaries Mike Lyons (LS-4) started for the second time this season, pitching six innings while allowing seven hits, five runs (four earned) while walking two and striking out six.
Sioux City's Mitch Wylie got his second start of the year as well without a decision in six innings of work. The winner was Jonathan Wiebe (1-0) while Jared Smith was credited with the loss (1-1). Sean Kramer saved the game with an inning and a third of work late.
The final game of the series and home stand is tomorrow night at 7:05. Crystal Ice will present Myron Noodleman, the fourth Clown Prince of Baseball, as he performs throughout the game. Tickets are still available through the Canaries ticket office by calling 605.333.0179 or visiting canariesbaseball.com.
GAME NOTES:
· Three Canaries pitchers saw offensive action tonight.
o Mike Lyons was forced to bat after designated hitter Edgard Clemente replaced an injured Alex Llanos in right field. By rule, when the DH plays a defensive position, the pitcher must take the replaced player's spot in the batting lineup. His one plate appearance ended in a strikeout.
o Gerald Smiley was called upon to pinch run in the seventh inning, replacing Warren Gaspar who reached base batting for Brent Cordell. Smiley was left on base.
o Rafael Gross came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning in the place where Smiley pinch ran earlier. The infielder turned 2003 Northern League Pitcher of the Year grounded out to shortstop.
Mike Lyons' fourth strikeout of the night pushed Lyons alone into second place on the Canaries career strikeout list. With his six-strikeout performance, Lyons now has 210 K's and is second behind Rich Hyde (519).
Northern League Stories from May 25, 2005
- Schaumburg Gets First Home Win Of â05 - Schaumburg Flyers
- Explorers Clinch First I-29 Series - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Butler helps Tsamis to landmark victory, 9-7 - St. Paul Saints
- Shelley strong again, gets win for JackHammers - Joliet JackHammers
- Saltdogs Defeat Goldeyes 6-3 - Lincoln Saltdogs
- RailCats Score in Ninth, Beat Edmonton 1-0 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Canadian and World Champion Curlers to throw inaugural first pitch - Edmonton Capitals
- Mary Hart to Bobble at the Birdcage - Sioux Falls Canaries
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