Explorers Get by Saints
July 22, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
Sioux City------Brandon Newton hit a two-out, two-run home run in the eighth inning as the Explorers defeated St. Paul 6-5 to snap a three-game losing streak. It was Newton's third hit of the game and his first home run of the season. The home run over the centerfield fence came off Saints losing pitcher Chris Odegard.
Brian Bistange had a one-out single followed by a sacrifice bunt by Mike Murphy that set up the heroics for Newton. The loss also snapped a seven-game winning streak for St. Paul. It was a contest where no one had control as it went back and forth the entire game.
St. Paul took a 1-0 lead in the first inning only to have the Explorers take a 2-1 lead in the second inning on a two-run home run by Bistange, his fourth of the year.
St. Paul tied the game in the fourth inning and then took the lead 3-2 in the fifth on a solo home run by catcher Benji Johnson, his third of the year. The Explorers came right back in the bottom of the fifth to retake the lead 4-3 with RBI's by Wally Backman, Jr. and Ray Serrano.
The Saints tied the game at 4-4 with a run in the top of the eight inning before the Explorers would take the lead for good 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth on the two-run home run by Newton.
St. Paul rallied in the top of the ninth to score one run and when Miles Durham grounded out to shortstop for the final out, the Saints left the bases loaded for the second straight inning.
Chuck Lukanen, in relief picked up the win while Chris Bodishbaugh pitched the ninth to record his 12th save of the season.
The Explorers and St. Paul will close out the four-game series with a contest Monday at Lewis and Clark Park starting at 7:05.
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