Pheasants Come Back Twice To Beat Sioux City

Published on June 30, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - The Sioux Falls Pheasants came back twice on the Sioux City Explorers on Thursday night for a 4-3 win in Sioux City.

The Pheasants overcame deficits of 1-0 and 3-2 in their second straight victory over their closest rivals. They have taken two of three in the four-game, home-and-home series.

Francisco Leandro broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with a leadoff triple. Sioux City shortstop Ryan Priddy's attempt to throw him out at third skipped into the stands, and Leandro trotted home for the deciding run. Leandro went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, a home run shy of the cycle. He has hit safely in his last seven at-bats.

Pheasants' ace Ben Moore (6-2) had a quality start, holding Sioux City to three runs and eight hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out four. He allowed all three runs in the first two innings, and then shut out Sioux City in the next five innings while scattering just three hits.

Sioux Falls' bullpen finished off the Explorers. Sam Walls pitched a clean eighth inning and closer Aaron Cotter allowed the tying run on base but retired the final two batters for his seventh save.

Reggie Abercrombie gave the Pheasants a 2-1 lead in the second inning with a double laced down the left field line to score Brandon Sing and Leandro. Abercrombie was 1-for-4 with two RBI and extended a hitting streak to nine games.

Down 3-2 with two outs in the fifth inning, the Pheasants rallied again. Joe Anthonsen singled and Trevor Lawhorn walked before Gus Milner bounced a two-out single over the mound and into center field to score Anthonsen and tie the game.

The Pheasants spoiled the outing of Sioux City starter Ty Marotz, who matched Moore's quality start. He allowed three runs and nine hits in seven innings. Eddie De La Cruz (2-3) took the loss in relief.

The Pheasants are winners of six of their last 10 games and improved their record to 20-26.

The finale of the series is at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, July 1, at Sioux Falls Stadium. The Pheasants will kick off the 4th of July weekend with a postgame fireworks show from Sanford Health. It is also Military Appreciation Night. Military members displaying ID can purchase the best tickets available for just $5. Gates open at 6 p.m.

American Association Stories from June 30, 2011

• Pheasants Come Back Twice To Beat Sioux City - Sioux Falls Canaries
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• Catcher Jose Yepez Becomes Third RailCat in Major Leagues - Gary SouthShore Railcats
• Saints, Cub Foods and Snapple Team up to Honor Minnesotans in the Military - St. Paul Saints
• Pheasants Take Game Two, Series Tied At One - Sioux City Explorers

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