Pheasants fall again to Fargo-Moorhead
Published on June 11, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS- Saturday's game between the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Sioux Falls Pheasants followed a similar script as the series opener.
The Pheasants fell behind and then struggled to mount a comeback in an 8-4 loss before 2,007 fans at Sioux Falls Stadium.
With Sioux Falls down two runs in the eighth, Jason James launched a two-run home run over the right field wall to put the game out of reach. It was his second two-run, eighth-inning homer in as many days.
The Pheasants outhit the RedHawks 13 to 11, but failed to take advantage when they put runners on base. Fargo-Moorhead starter Zach Ward (3-2) earned the win giving up just three runs on 11 hits through 7 1/3 innings.
"We aren't scoring enough runs, however you want to put it," said manager Steve Shirley. "It's real difficult to go out every night and lose, and we're not used to that."
The RedHawks spoiled the debut of Pheasants starter Kyle Ruwe (0-1). In his first start of the 2011 season, Ruwe pitched five innings, giving up five runs on eight hits with two strikeouts.
"I felt good tonight," Ruwe said "I just left a couple pitches up and they hit my mistakes."
The Pheasants gave the newcomer an early lead. After a sacrifice bunt from Reggie Abercrombie moved runners to second and third, Francisco Leandro bounced out to bring home the first Sioux Falls run. Trevor Lawhorn followed with a line drive threw the left side to score Brandon Sing, giving the Pheasants a 2-0 lead.
Ruwe, who signed with Sioux Falls on Friday, pitched well through the first three innings of his debut, giving up just one hit.
The right-hander ran into trouble in the fourth, after five consecutive hits scored three Fargo-Moorhead runs while putting runners at first and second with only one out. Phil Britton hit into a fielder's choice to second but Kevin Carby's throw to first scooted past Sing to score Carlo Cota, increasing the RedHawks lead to 4-2.
"For the most part, I thought [Ruwe] gave us a chance to compete," Shirley said. "You never know what you're going to get with a guy just coming off a plane, making his first start all year. I was just glad he was able to give us five [innings]."
The RedHawks added another run in the fifth. Following Nic Jackson's second double of the game, Jesse Hoorelbeke singled to bring in his second RBI of the game, extending Fargo-Moorhead's lead to 5-2.
Sioux Falls led off the sixth with back-to-back hits by Mark Shorey and Sing. Hunter Jobes stepped to the plate after replacing Abercrombie who left with an injured hand in the top of the fifth. Jobes delivered with a sharp single into right, scoring Shorey and cutting the deficit to 5-3. Sing and Shorey each had three hits in the game.
Jim Fasano added a solo home run in the ninth. Fasano and James each had three hits in the game.
Sioux Falls reliever Ryan Grant dazzled from out of the pen, striking out four without giving up a hit in two innings of work.
The Pheasants look to avoid the series sweep as they take on the RedHawks starting at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, at Sioux Falls Stadium. Plus, it is a Family Fun in the SUNday. The Pheasants are celebrating Halloween in June. Costumed fans can purchase tickets for just $5. Fans can also enter a costume contest. The best-dressed will win two free tickets to Las Vegas from Allegiant Air.
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