AA Sioux Falls Canaries

Pheasants' magic number at one with 6-5 win

Published on July 2, 2010 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - One was a good number for the Sioux Falls Pheasants Friday night. The American Association's best team entered the contest with a 1-8 record in one-run ball games but held on for a 6-5 victory over the Sioux City Explorers. They lowered their magic number to one with two games remaining in the first half.

The Lincoln Saltdogs beat Pensacola to remain two games behind in the division race. The Pheasants can clinch a first-half division championship with either their own victory or a Lincoln loss in the next two days.

The Pheasants never lost the lead when Brandon Sing broke a scoreless tie with a two-run single in the bottom of the first. Reggie Abercrombie added a two-run home run in the third inning, his 11th of the year, to stretch the lead to 4-0. Abercrombie was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Sing was 2-for-3 and extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

Pheasants starter Ryan Shaver (5-0) did not allow a hit until the fifth inning. In the sixth inning he was touched for four runs, which broke a streak of 24 1/3 innings pitched without allowing an earned run. Shaver left in the sixth with the lead and earned the win. He walked four and struck out two on three hits.

The Pheasants defense provided the difference in the game. With Sioux Falls leading 6-4 in the seventh, Explorers catcher Ray Serrano singled to center field. Dustin Jones plated, but Reggie Abercrombie gunned down Darrick Hale attempting to score from second base.

The score held at 6-5 into the ninth inning, when closer Aaron Cotter retired the Explorers' side in order for his 10th save.

Sioux Falls posted its first errorless game since June 22 and showed several additional moments of defensive brilliance, including a sliding catch from right fielder Gus Milner. Milner also threw out Derek Schermerhorn at first base on a ground ball to right field.

The four-game series returns to Sioux City at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. The game will be broadcast live on Sioux Falls Sports Radio 1230-AM KWSN and www.kwsn.com.

The Pheasants are members of the American Association, a 10-team independent professional baseball league playing its fifth season this summer. Individual and group ticket information is available by calling (605) 333-0179. Fans can also visit the Pheasants at www.sfpheasants.com.

Check out the Sioux Falls Canaries Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from July 2, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central