AA Sioux Falls Canaries

Moore throws two-hitter to beat Winnipeg

Published on July 23, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


SIOUX FALLS- Sioux Falls Pheasants' starter Ben Moore proved once again why he is one of the best pitchers in the American Association.

Moore tossed a two-hitter, and the Pheasants' offense continued a hot streak against the Winnipeg Goldeyes en route to an 8-1 win, clinching the three-game series Saturday at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Moore (10-2) fanned 10 Goldeyes in his sixth straight victory in as many starts. He used 117 pitches in his second complete-game win of the year.

"It's a meaningful win because I want to see how I do against the best teams in the league," Moore said. "This was the fourth time I've faced Winnipeg, and usually I can fool guys the second time and it gets more difficult after that. So, I was a little surprised with the results tonight."

Reggie Abercrombie's first-inning, two-run home run gave the Pheasants' ace a lead that he would never relinquish. Moore faced the minimum in six of nine innings, and retired the final 10 batters of the game.

"That's as good of a game that you're going to see pitched, against a very good team," said manager Steve Shirley.

The Pheasants jumped on Goldeyes starter Chris Salamida (7-3) for six runs in four innings. Henry Contreras had three hits and three RBI to lead Sioux Falls.

Moore sat down the first seven batters he faced before hitting Ridge Carpenter with one out in the third. Carpenter would later score on Price Kendall's single to cut the Pheasants lead to 2-1.

Salamida was beginning to settle in as well, retiring nine straight Pheasants before Brandon Sing reached on an error by shortstop Wes Long with one out in the fourth. The miscue proved costly for Winnipeg and Salamida. For the second consecutive night, Carby was plunked with the bases full to bring home a run. Also mirroring Friday's game, Contreras came up with the big hit, a two-run double to give Sioux Falls a 5-1 lead. After walking Joe Anthonsen to reload the bases, Salamida uncorked a wild pitch to Lawhorn, allowing Carby to score the fourth run of the inning.

"When we can get those key hits, we're a pretty darn good team," Shirley said. "It's not hard not to be pleased after a game like that, and I hope that it continues."

The Winnipeg left-hander exited after the four-run fourth. It was his shortest outing since June 15, when he pitched four innings in a no-decision against the Pheasants.

Moore continued to deal, allowing just one hit after the third, a sixth-inning double to Kody Kaiser.

Contreras delivered again in the bottom of sixth. His second double of the game plated Leandro to push the Pheasants' lead to 7-1.

"Henry is a solid hitter," Shirley said of Contreras, who is 5-for-7 with seven RBI in this series. "He has bounced around a lot in the lineup, but he's been in some key situations and he's delivered for us."

Gus Milner added a solo blast in the seventh, his fourth home run of the season.

Sioux Falls' three-game winning streak bring their record to 30-36.

The Pheasants look to earn their first three-game series sweep of the season at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, at Sioux Falls Stadium. It's Family Fun in the Sunday. Kids can run the bases after the game, and Pheasants players will be on hand for postgame autographs. The Pheasants will also celebrate Christmas in July. Fans who bring out their ugly Christmas sweaters can purchase a ticket for just $5.

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