Pheasants hook Fish
Published on July 22, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS- What a difference a week makes for Sioux Falls Pheasants' starter Brandon Rapoza.
After giving up 13 runs in his previous start on the road against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Rapoza pitched six-plus strong innings to lead the Pheasants in an 8-3 win past first-place Winnipeg on Friday. The Pheasants snatched the series opener in front of 2,355 at Sioux Falls Stadium.
Rapoza (3-9) shook off a three-run second inning to shut down the Goldeyes. The right-hander received plenty of help from the Sioux Falls defense, which turned four double plays in the game.
"I'm really happy for Brandon," said manager Steve Shirley. "He's pitched well for us and we haven't done enough for him [offensively], but tonight we were able to get those key hits. It was a well-rounded win for us."
The Pheasants showed off their defensive prowess in the third. With Winnipeg threatening with the bases loaded and one out, Luis Alen's grounder to Brandon Sing turned into a rare 3-6-1 double play as Rapoza managed to cover first base despite slipping into the bag.
"There were some of the more difficult double plays, a 3-6-1 and 3-6-3, so we showed some defensive skills being able to turn those tonight," Shirley said.
The Pheasants' offense gave its starter an early cushion, something Rapoza hasn't seen much of this season, with runs in each of the first five innings. A four-run third inning, highlighted by a two-out, two run double from Henry Contreras, saw the Birds take a lead they would not lose.
Trailing the Goldeyes 3-2, the Birds loaded the bases with one-out following an intentional walk to Brandon Sing. Winnipeg starter Mike Williams struck out Gus Milner for the second out, but Francisco Leadro walked on four pitches to tie the game at 3-3. Three pitches later, Williams hit Kevin Carby to bring home the go-ahead run.
As Rapoza and the rest of the Sioux Falls lineup found their groove, the Goldeyes lost theirs. After tallying seven hits in the first three innings, they mustered four hits the rest of the way.
"The goal was to make adjustments early and avoid the big inning," Rapoza said. "I'm more of a ground ball pitcher, so I try to get those short at-bats and let the other guys take care of it for me. They saved me out there tonight."
Williams (2-3) took the loss, giving up eight runs on 11 hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Relievers Dan McDaniel and Ryan Grant combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings to close out the Goldeyes.
All nine Sioux Falls starters reached base in the game. Contreras led the Pheasants with four RBI.
The Pheasants' second-straight win improves their overall record to 29-36.
Sioux Falls will look to clinch a series win as they take on Winnipeg in the second game of the series at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Sioux Falls Stadium. The night will be a Salute to Canada. Canadian citizens can purchase a ticket for just $5 (with proof of citizenship). One lucky fan will also have a chance to win a brand new 2011 Ford Fusion SE from Sioux Falls Ford on a Grand Slam Saturday.
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